Golden rules.
The town even has it written down as one of it's mottos. Now we are a bit biased here, but it really is an awesome little place.
Truly.
Time and time again, Golden, British Columbia has captured our hearts in it's ability to reveal to us how a shared love for the mountains creates an abundance of lasting memories.
Even though many of our staff members venture away from the cold every year, there are many who choose to remain and experience the joy of the snow.
If you love the snow, Golden BC is the perfect place to spend your winters
From skiing in the region's backcountry to shredding down Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, it really is worth noting that adventure in this town extends far beyond one season.
But the summer...
Enjoying the sunshine at Gorman Lake, getting ready to canoe
Ahh, the summer. THIS is the time we thrive. Aside from being on the Kicking Horse River every day, the Glacier team is looking forward to the spring, a time that boasts a plethora of outdoor activities, all of which await us once the days lengthen and the snowy peaks of those mountains slowly start to melt away.
1. mountain biking
Take mountain biking, for instance. Hop on a bike in town, and in mere minutes you're riding up trails that spiral through forests and along the edge of cliffs.
Biking the Keystone Trail surrounded by alpine flowers
But remember... what goes up, must come down. And this might just be what appeals most to mountain bikers.
For Glacier's co-owner Carmen, it's getting away from your day to day that excites her about biking through Golden's diverse trail system every year.
"I'm soooo excited for mountain biking! It's such a great escape; it's a way to be in the forest with no one else around.
"Regardless of how much you've skied in the winter, mountain biking uses a whole set of different muscles. It's a great challenge to get back in biking shape and it really doesn't take long to see yourself getting stronger."
It's a ton of fun, and great exercise too!
To see some of our favourite biking trails in Golden, check out the 5 Best Mountain Bike Trails in Golden, BC
2. hiking
For those seeking a more-relaxed thrill, hiking is the way to go. And you can find some of the best hikes in the Rockies within an hour or so from town.
This is one springtime activity that Glacier's co-owner and raft guide Ryan is most looking forward to once snowboarding season resides.
Hiking and camping at the beautiful Holt Lakes near Golden, B.C.
"The smell of the forest and the fresh air... It's the best part about hiking. I'm particularly looking forward to hikes in Yoho National Park, and any year you can hike the Mummery Glacier is a good summer."
Because Golden is located at the heart of 6 National Parks the options for hiking are endless in every direction.
Lots of the hikes up in the high alpine are inaccessible in the spring due to snow, but with wide valleys and river trails, there are still lots of options to get out and stretch your legs.
Check out the 5 Best Hikes Near Golden, B.C. for some more ideas if you're interested.
3. PATIOS & skiing the 7
While Ryan adores the smell of the forest, raft guide Kris King enjoys the beers to be had once his final destination has been reached.
With longer evenings and warmer nights, the patios around town start opening up. It's great to be sitting outside, relaxing with friends, catching up on what everyone has been up to over the winter.
You don't need to stay in town to enjoy a post-activity beverage and a particularly nice spot to relax at sunset is at the top of Mount 7, a famed peak in Golden named after a period of time in the spring (a mere few weeks) in which the snow resembles the number seven (although you CAN cheat and drive up to the viewpoint too).
Skiing or snowboarding 'the 7' is reason enough to visit Golden in the spring too. Hiking up with your gear in the sunshine is beautiful, and getting a few turns in at the end of the ski season is always a lot of fun.
The Glacier Crew and friends hiking up to Mount 7 in the spring
Kris is also happy to relax by the Columbia River with his fishing rod, since this mellow hobby can be done right in town itself.
4. reuniting with friends as people return for summer
Like any home, it's the family that makes it so special. That's what staff member Laura is most excited about this spring - reuniting with the community that continuously returns each year to live their adventure in the mountains.
The Glacier Crew having fun and happy to be together!
Any local will tell you that what should be a 5 minute trip to the grocery store always turns into half an hour (at least), as you bump into friends and colleagues that have just arrived back in town. Getting groceries is one of the most social places to be. Definitely a small town thing and we love it!
So come and visit this lovely little town anytime this season. We promise it won't disappoint. It's a place where biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking, paragliding, ATV'ing, horseback riding, skydiving and trail running all collide.
Oh, and we've heard the rafting is pretty good here too 😉
Cheers, from the Glacier family!
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