We’re starting to get lots of phone calls from people who are looking to get out and about this summer. If you’re thinking about travelling to our special mountain town, you're likely wondering what's open in Golden, BC for summer 2022.
We don’t blame you for wanting to come here. Golden is located in the Canadian Rockies and Columbia River Valley and there are lots of things to do here. It has nature, wide open spaces, outdoor activities and lots of room to roam so it never feels crowded. It’s exactly what we need right now as we start to spread our wings again.
Being at the heart of 6 National Parks, Golden is also the prime location for getting outside and relaxing in nature. Head in any direction and you’ll have hiking trails, viewpoints and natural attractions at your fingertips.
To help with your planning, we’ve compiled a list of activities and attractions we know will be open in Golden for summer 2022. There are a lot of things to do here and this list is just the beginning.
As companies start to open their doors, we hope you can take this chance to explore the natural areas and small businesses near you.
things to do in Golden BC for Summer 2022
1. White Water Rafting and Scenic Rafting Tours
White water rafting and scenic float options are available on the beautiful Kicking Horse River
The Kicking Horse River is ready for you starting June 1st. Our friendly crew and river pup will be here to welcome you back.
Full day and half day options are available to get you out on the river and having fun.
Available this summer is the option to ‘Book a Boat’. It guarantees a private raft for you and your group, and you'll save a bit of money too. It’s for groups of 4 - 8 people.
The Full Day White Water Discovery trip is our most popular option and it offers a complete rafting experience. It will take you through both the Upper and Middle Canyons.
If you're looking for a quicker trip with lots of fun rapids, the Half Day White Water Express is what you're after. This trip gets you right into the big whitewater in the Middle Canyon of the Kicking Horse.
The rafting season runs until September 10th.
Check out the video below for a taste of high water on the Kicking Horse. June and early July are high water months and this is when the Middle Canyon is as big as it gets.
2. Golfing
Head out for 18 holes of golfing or mini golf at the Golden Golf Club. Photo: Golden Golf Club
The Golden Golf Club is already in full swing for the season (pun intended). If cruising around the fairways is a happy place for you, the GGC is ready for you.
You can reserve your tee off time and print your scorecards online, so getting out on the course couldn't be easier. The driving range and restaurant are open, as well.
If you’re looking for a family friendly outing, the 18 hole mini golf course is open. It's a fun way to spend a few hours and is always good for a laugh.
3. Fishing tours
Dave is the go to guy for anything related to fishing in the Golden area. Photo: The Golden Gillie
The Golden Gillie is your go to for anything fishing in the Golden area. 18 years of local knowledge will be here to greet you and make sure you get the experience you’re hoping for. Owned and operated by Dave Burns, you'll enjoy his company as much as the fishing itself.
Give him a call or send an email and he’ll help you make a plan. His fishing tours are for beginners and seasoned anglers.
4. Gondola Rides, Via Ferrata, Sightseeing, Boo the Grizzly and Downhill Biking
Ride the gondola to the top of the Resort for 365 degree mountain views. Photo: KHMR
Whoa, that was a mouthful - there's definitely lots to do at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. They're gearing up and will be open 7 days a week this summer.
You can easily spend a day exploring the resort and we recommend a trip to the top of the mountain for the 365 degree mountain views.
We feel fortunate every time we’re up there, and you can pair the views with a nice lunch at Eagle’s Eye Restaurant. For a bit of adrenaline try downhill biking or the Via Ferrata (a secured climbing route) while you’re up there.
5. ATV Tours
ATVing in the mountains of Golden, BC. Photo: Tourism Golden
Canadian Offroad Adventures is already hitting the dirt. May 1st is their opening date so if you’re feeling the need for speed give them a call. You’ll explore the logging roads and forests around Golden, and they have several different tour options available.
Whether you're looking for a full day or only a few hours, Canadian Offroad can help you out.
6. Kayak Rentals
Kayaking through Golden in the warm summer sun. A kayak rental gives you the freedom to explore on your own.
Have you considered renting a 1 or 2 person inflatable kayak? If you want to set off and explore on your own, this will give you that freedom.
They’re stable, they’re sturdy and they’re great for kids and pets. There are tons of lakes in the area, and the Columbia River is a gentle option if you have a couple vehicles to provide your own shuttle.
We can help point you in the right direction at the time of booking or when you come to pick up your boat.
7. Bike Trails
The options for mountain biking are endless. Pick up a trail map and you can pedal for days. Photo: Tourism Golden
Golden’s bike trails are open and they’re in great shape! The Golden Cycling Club is the best spot to get info, but we can ensure you Golden has it all.
Cruisy, single track, stroller track, downhill, uphill, forest rides, river side, techy, smooth, flowy, jumpy, stompy and fast (or slow if you want).
You can check out the Mountain Shadows Network, the Moonrakers or the CBT Trails. Before committing to a ride, take a look at TrailForks for up to date trail conditions and any potential closures.
We love them all. Just start pedalling.
For some of our favourites, check out the Best Bike Trails in Golden, BC
8. Hiking Trails
You'll pass these stunning waterfalls on the Mummery Glacier Hike - one of our favourites
Get on your hiking boots. You could hike everyday this summer and still not cover all the trails surrounding in the area. There are lots of local trails, with the Golden Hikes website being the best source of info. There are also all the National Park hiking options.
Whether you’re heading to Yoho, Glacier or Kootenay National Park, be sure to check the appropriate Parks website for the most up to date info. Hiking trails should be open, but campgrounds, day use sites and other areas may not be (or they may require reservations).
If you're heading out early season it's important to remember that the alpine trails will still be snow covered.
For ideas on the best hikes to check out, here are some suggestions:
5 Best Hikes in Yoho National Park
Best Hikes in Kootenay National Park
5 Best Hikes in Glacier National Park
9. Paragliding
Get a birds eye view of Golden, the Columbia Wetlands, the Canadian Rockies and Purcell Mountain Range
Want to look down at it all from above? Altitude Adventures is planning to take flight starting this summer. Floating through the sky is one of the coolest experiences. It’s about as close as you can get to feeling like you’re flying.
Yes, people have wing suits, but that's probably not what you're after if you're looking for a bit of leisurely adventure.
10. GOLDEN SKYBRIDGE
Canada's highest suspension bridge here in Golden, BC
Golden just got a whole lot cooler with the addition of the new Golden Skybridge. Home to Canada's highest suspension bridges and 3 km of nature trails, you'll get amazing views of the valley and Hospital Creek Falls below.
A zip line will whisk you across the canyon and a bungee swing is coming soon. This is a family friendly stop offering adventures for all ages and adrenaline levels.
11. SKYDIVING
Skydiving over the Purcell, Selkirk and Rocky Mountains in Golden, BC
You'll be jumping from an airplane in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Mountains in every directions, rivers and glaciers and forests below.
The views are as impressive as the jump itself and we know it's a day you'll never forget!
12. Horseback riding
Horseback riding tour in Golden, B.C. Photo: Tourism Golden
Hop on a big 4-legged friend and explore the beautiful Blaeberry Valley. You'll explore the forests and rivers and mountains in the valley. It's one of the most impressive areas for scenery in Golden.
That covers it for activities as of now. The majority of restaurants, cafes, and bars are open too. Many have already opened their patios and others plan to in the coming weeks.
The Whitetooth Brewing Company is open, along with many other bars, restaurants and cafes in Golden. Photo: Whitetooth Brewing Co.
Our little mountain town will soon be back in full swing. There are many reasons to visit and our community will be here to welcome you in. With so many things to do in Golden, BC, we hope you can plan to spend at least a few days to really experience all there is to offer.
Be sure to check local travel advisories, however, as we all know things can change very quickly.
Keeping our local community safe is the top priority. All safety measures laid out will have to be strictly followed to ensure we can continue to operate and do the things we love to do.
This is a running list of what's open in Golden, BC for summer 2022. As other things open we’ll add to our recommendations, and if we’ve missed anything let us know in the comments below.
We look forward to the next time you can visit us. Until then, stay healthy, stay well and keep living an adventure. If you have any questions, leave us a note in the comments a below, or email us at trips@glacierraft.com
Cheers from all of us here at Glacier Raft Company
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