Nestled in the impressive Columbia River Wetlands and flanked by the Canadian Rockies to the east and the Purcells to the west, Golden is a remarkable locale close-by six of Canada’s most breathtaking national parks: Glacier, Kootenay, Mount Revelstoke, Yoho, Banff and Jasper. Make Golden your basecamp when visiting each park.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

Nature in all its glory at Glacier National Park, boasting a mere 40-minute drive along the renowned Rainforest to Rockies route on the TransCanada Highway 1. The park welcomes visitors throughout the year. Its valley bottom trails open in late May, while those consumed by snow at higher elevations await you until early July. The day-use areas and campgrounds start to buzz with life and activity come June and late June.

Few places can rival the sheer diversity of plant species that the interior temperate rainforest hosts. Journey from the forested valley bottom trail to the soaring alpine heights, and find yourself mesmerised. The blending of the alpine environment with the old growth rainforest culminates in a rich habitat teeming with black & grizzly bears, caribou, wolverines, mountain goats, and an assortment of birds – a true spectacle for all nature lovers!

Stride confidently along the historic railway, a symbolic final chain in Canada’s inaugural trans-continental railway. Find the remains of Western Canada’s first ever luxury mountain lodge, Glacier House, a living testament to the vibrant history. The Columbia Mountains beckon you with opportunities for exploration, whether you’re a stone’s throw away from your car or far from the nearest asphalt. The hiking trails offer a variety of challenges for every skill level. From easy, scenic valley-bottom walks (the accessible Hemlock Grove Boardwalk or the Loop Brook Trail) to rewarding ascents (Abbot Ridge Trail or Perley Rock Trail).

KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARK

Parks Canada proudly recognizes Kootenay National Park’s location within the traditional lands of the Ktunaxa and Secwépemc peoples. They recognize their stewardship over land and waters of the park, now known as Kootenay National Park, has transcended over time.

Nestled just a brisk 70-minute drive south of Golden (103.5-km), Kootenay National Park stands as a testament to nature’s grandeur, boasting multi-day backcountry trails or picture-perfect campgrounds for leisure seekers. Enjoy the regenerating mineral waters of Radium Hot Springs or embark on an adventure with a full-day hike, one that brings you face-to-face with fossils that predate even the dinosaurs with a guided hike to the Burgess Shale Fossils.

Experience the warm embrace of the Radium Hot Springs, situated in the heart of the prestigious UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. Open throughout the year, this expansive, family-friendly destination beckons travellers from all corners of the globe. Revel in the healing power of the naturally heated mineral water, consistently holding a temperature of 39°C (102F), enriched with an array of calming minerals.

Over 200 inviting red Adirondack chairs dot the landscape across our Canada’s most precious and distinctive locations – including 3 sets at Kootenay National Park (Juniper Trail, Marble Canyon & Simpson River Trail). Journey with a companion and unwind in these distinct red chairs, and enjoy the vistas of surrounding the mountains and/or winding rivers. 

MOUNT REVELSTOKE NATIONAL PARK

Journey to the peak of the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, in Mount Revelstoke National Park, is a rare gem in Western Canada where you conquer mountain heights via a smooth, paved road. Feast your eyes on the magnificent wildflowers flourishing in awe-inspiring sub-alpine landscapes. Heather Lake/Summit provides accessible parking for permit holders, ensuring utmost convenience. Take a moment to connect with the staff at the welcome kiosk, as they are readily available to assist you from the Balsam Lake parking area directly to Heather Lake/Summit (which is a mere 1-km drive away). Experience an unparalleled visual treat at each accessible viewpoint along the Parkway.

Just a short 1.5-hour drive from Golden or an even shorter 30-minute journey from Glacier National Park situates you on the world-renowned Trans-Canada Highway 1, where attractions like the Giant Cedars and Skunk Cabbage boardwalks capture the hearts of visitors and locals alike.

Once you reach the pinnacle of Mount Revelstoke, there are a network of trails weaved through breathtaking subalpine meadows. Experience remarkable panoramic views and immerse yourself in the region’s rich history brought to life. The Eva, Jade, & Miller Lakes day hikes enables you the rarity to trek the sublime beauty of the alpine without the challenging climb to these alpine lakes.

YOHO NATIONAL PARK

Just 20-minutes to the East on the TransCanada Highway 1, majestically lies Yoho National Park, Golden’s closest neighbour. Located in the western slopes of the Great Divide in the Canadian Rockies, Yoho leaves you awe-struck with its towering peaks adorned with glaciers and waterfalls. Enjoy the beauty of nature with a quick drive through the newly completed Kicking Horse Pass.

Experience the legacy of over 500 million years in the Burgess Shale fossils, bridging the gap between the present-day species and their primeval ancestors. Representing a marine ecosystem that thrived even before the era of dinosaurs, the detailed preservation of these fossils reveals a world we never knew existed. Such is their importance that they form an integral part of the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. With Parks Canada shielding these globally significant troves, they also offer two exclusive guided hikes to the Burgess Shale fossil sites to Mount Stephen and the Walcott Quarry.

Lake O’Hara, one of the crown jewels of Yoho National Park, is resplendent in its alpine majesty. Honouring its ethereal beauty while ensuring its protection, Park Canada has streamlined access through a reserved-only shuttle bus service (late June to early October). The prime opportunity to visit Lake O’Hara’s breathtaking hiking trails is in the prime of summer, from July to late September. Until late June, beware that the higher, snow-clad routes may still pose an avalanche hazard.

GOLDEN, BC

With Golden as your anchor, immerse yourself in the rich history of Swiss Guides in Canada. In 1899, pioneers like Eduard Feuz Sr. and Christian Haesler blazed their way from Switzerland, serving as the country’s first mountain guides. United with the Fuez brothers, Christian Haesler Jr., Rudolph Aemmer, and Christian Bohren, this team made up of 35 Swiss guides between 1899 and 1954 not only led thousands of mountain ascents in the Columbia and Rocky Mountains flanking Golden, but they themselves became famed attractions.

Thanks to the foresight of the Canadian Pacific Railway management, the legacy of these trailblazers lives on in the Edelweiss Village & Resort, established in 1912. Six Chalets were built as permanent residences for the second generation of guides, and these historic homes endure to this day, owing to the generous contribution of Walter Feuz’s family.