Every season has its unique appeal in the Rocky Mountains, but everyone seems to love summer universally. In the outdoor paradise of Golden, BC, who could blame them? Stunning mountain scenery and adventures await around every corner, inviting you to do little more than unplug and explore.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a bona fide thrill-seeker, or seeking some good old-fashioned relaxation, this mountain town genuinely has something for everyone.
Here are 10 of the best Golden activities to enjoy during this year's summer vacation.
Best Things to Do in Golden This Summer
1. Take a Hike
With its alpine location in the heart of the Rockies, summer is prime hiking season in Golden. From easy strolls to moderate treks and all-day adventures, there's a trail here for every experience and skill level.
If you're looking for easier, family-friendly hikes, don’t miss Wapta Falls, Confluence Park Trail, and the Golden Rotary Trail. Thompson Falls and Cedar Camp Trail offer more moderate challenges, but most kids should still be able to manage. Summer visitors also enjoy hiking at Kicking Horse Mountain, with several routes of varying difficulty and the unique opportunity to tackle trails only accessible by gondola. Fun fact: the trails here are ski runs in the winter!
If you’re looking for the best hiking trails near Golden, BC, check out our list here.
2. Hit the Trail on Two Wheels
One of the most exciting summer activities in Golden is mountain biking, and enthusiasts enjoy numerous trails both on the mountain and in town. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has its very own lift-accessed mountain bike park, offering over 3,700 feet of vertical and 50+ kilometers of trails.
Rides range from easy to difficult, with wooden features, berms, narrow singletrack, rock slabs, and more fun challenges. The bike park is largely a hidden gem, but those in the know make a beeline here on their summer vacation.
Down in Golden, you'll find another 100 kilometers of trails across three trail systems: Moonrakers, Mountain Shadows, and the CBT Mainline Network. The most experienced riders may also want to try the downhill trail system on Mount 7, originally built for Psychosis, "the steepest, longest, and fastest downhill mountain bike race in the world."
3. Explore Golden from the Water
Experience the Canadian Rockies from a different perspective by taking to the water. Borrow a paddleboard from Kicking Horse Lodging (completely free, one of our Stay® | Well amenities) and paddle around Cedar Lake. Or, if you want to venture out a bit further, rent a kayak or canoe and explore the popular Golden attraction Reflection Lake or the Columbia River's calm waters.
4. Whitewater Rafting
Not-so-calm waters more your speed (literally)? The notoriously wild Kicking Horse River offers another fantastic adventure this summer: whitewater rafting.
Wild Water Adventures and Hydra River Guides both offer several excursions, and there are options suitable for kids ranging up to 'Maximum Horsepower.'
5. Ride the Scenic Gondola
Hop aboard the Golden Eagle Express at Kicking Horse Mountain for breathtaking views and a relaxing ride up to 7,700 feet (2,350 meters). At the summit, you can access a network of hiking trails, simply soak up the stunning panorama, or enjoy an unforgettable meal at Eagle's Eye restaurant, Canada's highest restaurant. Reservations are highly recommended.
6. Day Trip to Nearby National Parks
When you're deciding what to do in Golden, it's perfectly okay to think outside the box. This mountain town is surrounded by a whopping six national parks, and naturally, summer vacation is one of the best times to visit them. The natural wonders of Banff, Yoho, Jasper, Kootenay, Glacier, and Mount Revelstoke national parks are all an easy, scenic drive from Golden.
7. Walk Across Canada's Highest Suspension Bridge
Test your nerves by walking across the Golden SkyBridge, suspended 426 feet above the canyon floor. That experience alone is one of the best things to do in Golden this summer, but there are several other exciting family attractions onsite. Ride the mountain coaster, fly across the zipline, or tackle the rock-climbing wall or ropes course.
8. Tackle the Via Ferrata
Challenge yourself on Kicking Horse Mountain's Via Ferrata. The iron climbing route is somewhere between technical rock climbing and hiking, using a fixed steel cable as an assist. This one offers three thrilling climbs up the face of Terminator Peak, with route options ranging from 1–3 hours.
As a bonus, the Via Ferrata adventure is all-inclusive, granting access to other popular Golden activities, including the grizzly bear refuge, Eagle's Eye, and disc golf.
9. Get Sky High
With its gorgeous mountain scenery, it comes as no surprise that Golden is highly regarded as one of the best places to paraglide or skydive. From May through October, you can take to the skies with tandem paragliding flights, and best of all, no experience is necessary. Check out Altitude Adventures for this summer's flight offerings.
10. Enjoy Resort Amenities
On rainy days or when you just want to unwind and enjoy a staycation, take advantage of the onsite amenities at Kicking Horse Lodging. From the fitness centre to cafes and dining options, outdoor hot tubs, and more, you can relax and enjoy your summer vacation just the way you envisioned. And don't forget to take advantage of the Stay® | Well amenities, with complimentary hiking gear including trekking poles, child hiking carriers, binoculars, bear bells, to yoga mats, and SUPs to explore and fully enjoy the resort.
Say Hello to New Summer Excursions at Kicking Horse Lodging
One of the best ways to explore the variety of exciting Kicking Horse Mountain Resort activities summer has to offer is to stay here. With several accommodation types, you can choose from condo-style suites, traditional hotel rooms, or standalone cabins at Glacier Mountaineer Lodge, Palliser Lodge, or the vacation homes.
Whatever you go with, you'll enjoy easy access to not only the resort but also all the summer activities Golden has to offer. Check out our current packages and book now!
