Nestled in the Canadian Rockies between Revelstoke and Banff National Park sits the town of Golden, British Columbia. Golden is often overlooked by travelers rushing to get to Banff, but this hidden gem has a lot to offer. From its abundance of natural splendor and vibrant local culture, Golden is the perfect Banff alternative for anyone looking for a center-based walking holiday in Canada away from the crowds. Here are 7 reasons why:
National parks all around
The town is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains with two rivers running through it. Four national parks are less than 2-hours away: Kootenay, Yoho, Glacier and Banff. Glacier and Yoho offer the closest hiking trails but Kootenay and Banff are close enough for day hikes if you start early enough in the day. The drive will never get old as every one of these parks is a scenic drive worthy of a trip unto itself. Our favorite routes are between Canmore to Golden, Lake Louise to Jasper and Golden to Banff via Radium Springs.
Outdoor adventure hub
Just because Golden is smaller than Banff doesn’t mean there’s any shortage of things to do outdoors. In fact, Golden boasts some of the best hiking, mountain biking and whitewater rafting in all of British Columbia. Skydiving and gliding are also popular here, making this a great choice for a multi-activity walking holiday. For more activities visit the Golden Tourism site.
A town with character
One of the things that makes Golden so special is its small-town charm. With a population of just over 4,000 people, Golden feels like a tight-knit community where everyone knows everyone. This is in stark contrast to Banff, which feels crowded, touristy and impersonal. Golden was once home to one of Canada’s largest Chinatowns and it was an important stop on the Canadian Pacific Railway.
The neighboring town of Field also has some interesting history and is well worth a quick visit. We suggest hiking one of the many trails from Takkakaw Falls and stopping at The Siding Cafe for coffee and healthy grub. If you hike the Iceline Trail, you’ll need a heavier meal and you’ll find that at Truffle Pigs Bistro.
Food with local flair
Another thing that sets Golden apart from Banff is its food scene. While Banff has its fair share of great restaurants, Golden has a more authentic approach with its array of locally-owned cafes and eateries. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it in Golden—from wood-fired pizza to fresh seafood dishes straight from the coast. Hang out at Golden Bakery and Deli, where everyone stops for fresh baked bread, Kicking Horse Coffee and the best carrot cake I’ve ever had! Bluebird Cafe is also a hotspot with their grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches, perfect for day hikers.
Walkers are welcome
True to its roots as a railroad town, Golden is compact and walker-friendly. Everything is accessible on foot and connected by Golden’s Rotary Trail (4.3mi/7km) which takes you through town and follows the Kicking Horse River until it converges with the Columbia River. It’s a beautiful walk with opportunities for people watching, skipping rocks and popping in to local businesses. Visit Golden Hikes for more trails in the area.
Easy on your wallet
Golden offers a more affordable alternative to Banff without sacrificing any of the charm or adventure. Here’s how you can save money:
- CAR RENTAL – Use an alternative like Turo to rent a vehicle. We saved about 40% when we went and they met us at our arrival gate. If you book early enough, you may find one with extra perks. Our rental came with an annual national park pass (saved us $60) and the option to add an ice chest and trekking poles (additional fee).
- LODGING – Basecamp Lodge Golden is a great budget choice in town if you don’t need a kitchen. There is also a hostel and several vacation rentals available on Airbnb, VRBO or listed on Golden’s Tourism site. Prices are about 50% lower in Golden than in Banff (at least when we went in August 2022).
- FOOD – We always save money when we have a kitchen, but if you want to eat out or buy local provisions, there are good options. Golden has 2 grocery stores, both accessible on foot from any downtown lodging.
- RESIST THE EXCURSIONS – like all tourist destinations, Golden will entice you with guided excursions and expensive cable car tickets. Hiking is free (once you pay the park entrance fee) and you can get some amazing mountain-top views by driving or hiking yourself.
All season destination
One of the best things about Golden is that it’s a great destination year-round. In winter, visitors can hit the slopes at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort or go snow shoe hiking through Yoho’s picturesque forests blanketed in snow. Come summertime, there’s no shortage of trails to explore or rivers to swim in.
If you’re looking for an authentic Canadian Rocky Mountain experience without all the crowds, Golden should be at the top of your list. With its abundance of outdoor activities, vibrant local culture and rich history, Golden has something for everyone. If you’re planning a trip to Banff, consider this hidden gem instead. If you want to book with a walking holiday company, Macs Adventure offers a Western Rockies Drive and Hike that includes Golden.
