You’re planning a vacation to the beautiful Canadian Rockies and aren’t sure where you should stay. Golden or Banff? These visually stunning locations offer more than a few things to see and do for a complete vacation experience.
While these destinations are unique in their own ways, they provide many different benefits. If you’re unsure if Banff is the spot for you, read on to learn why you should choose Golden over Banff as your base for exploration and adventure.
Banff vs. Golden
Situated in the Rockies, Banff and Golden are top spots for tourism and outdoor recreation. You’ll find quite a few similarities between both since they share similar geography, but a few differences make Golden a top contender against Banff.
Why Visit Banff?
There is no denying that Banff is a beautiful destination where many travellers head year-round. The resort town within Banff National Park is known for its hot springs and scenic views of Mt. Cascade and Mt. Rundle. Hiking, biking, water activities, wildlife observation, historic sites, and a museum are just a few things to do within the park.
The town and surrounding park are one of the most visited destinations in Canada. This includes Canadian travellers, visitors from the United States, and significant international tourists worldwide. Millions of tourists plan to visit and stay in the national park yearly.
The park covers more than 6,600 square kilometres with endless opportunities for outdoor adventuring but the town is ideal for tourists with no shortage of restaurants, boutiques, retail shops, and hotels, which creates a busy, non-stop environment.
Why Stay in Golden, BC?
If you’re hoping to avoid crowds while staying at an ideally located spot near the top attractions in the Canadian Rockies, Golden is the place to be.
The town is big on charm and a friendly atmosphere but small in the hustle, bustle, noise, and crowds that larger destinations experience. Nestled along the Kicking Horse and Columbia Rivers, Golden is a paradise for travellers looking to relax and enjoy beautiful settings.
Along with access to various local attractions, adventures are unlimited in the six nearby national parks. These include Banff, Kootenay, Yoho, Glacier, Mount Revelstoke, and Jasper for rafting, biking, hiking, and canoeing.
Golden is also convenient to nearby towns and villages, such as Canmore, Radium Hot Springs, Kimberley, Kananaskis, Lake Louise, Field, Invermere, and Revelstoke.
Maintaining small-town charm while blending a vibrant vibe and modern conveniences sets Golden apart – you won’t want to miss this gem.
5 Reasons to Stay in Golden, B.C. for Your Vacation
1. Enjoy Luxury While Staying Cost-Efficient
For visitors who wish to get the most out of their vacation time while minimizing overall costs, Golden may be a better option for you than Banff. Since Banff is a resort town that sees a regular influx of visitors, the price of food, lodging, and other activities tends to be higher.
Additionally, Banff accommodations book up quickly and far in advance, which can send prices skyrocketing even more. Staying in the Golden area can save you some cash without sacrificing quality. For a resort stay, choose Kicking Horse Lodging. The experience is 5-star, and the included amenities allow you to get local while saving money on national park entrance fees and some rentals.
2. Dining Options for Every Palate
Whatever your taste buds crave, there’s a restaurant in Golden that can satisfy you. The diverse selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner eateries can easily take you from casual to fine dining.
Whitetooth Grill – Offering a classic bistro menu, drink specials, and mountain views from the rooftop patio, you can enjoy this grill onsite during the ski season.
Eleven 22 – Since 1994, a creative food menu and assorted drinks have been served in an upscale atmosphere.
Red Tomato Pies Ltd. – Order a fresh-made pizza, salad, sides, and desserts for take-out or delivery.
Reposados – This spot offers tacos, an extensive margarita list, and great gluten-free and plant-based options in Golden's downtown.
Riverhouse Tavern – Inviting and casual atmosphere with outside seating, mountain views, and pool tables.
The Wolf's Den – Specializing in local, made-from-scratch Canadian fare with flare, this stop offers an informal atmosphere, patio seating, and live music.
A stay at Kicking Horse Lodging gives you access to these onsite dining options and plenty of our partner restaurants in Golden.
3. Activities Around Golden Are Unbeatable
When looking for a unique activity or adventure, plenty of options are located in and around Golden.
Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge
Put on your walking shoes and walk along Canada's longest timber frame bridge. Built in 2001, this impressive freestanding structure spans the Kicking Horse River.
Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre
Open year-round, visiting Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre is an opportunity of a lifetime. At the centre, visit the wolves in their enclosures and learn about their lifestyle from knowledgeable staff. If you want to experience a true adventure in the wild, sign up for one of the tours with a free-roaming wolf as your guide.
Glacier Raft Company
One of the most refreshing activities near Godlen is a whitewater rafting tour on Kicking Horse River. Book a tour with Glacier Raft Company and choose from one of the rafting trips through the upper, middle, or lower canyons.
Golden Skybridge
Image by: Golden Skybridge
If being high in the sky is your idea of adventure, walk along the Golden Skybridge suspension bridge that rises 426 feet above a deep canyon with panoramic mountain views.
Add to the excitement with a ride on the Railrider Mountain Coaster, take on the challenge of climbing the rock wall, or get an adrenaline rush with a ziplining adventure.
4. Getting Outdoors is Easy
Hiking Trails
Mountain and river views and forested landscape await you on the many hiking trails around Golden.
Consider the 11.9 km out-and-back Thompson Falls trail or the Golden Rotary Trail is 10 km and takes about an hour and a half. Both are rated moderate.
For an easy trek, Kobe's MTB Loop is 6 km long and takes nearly two hours to traverse. Experienced hikers experienced in tackling steep up-and-down sections can take on Table Mountain and Navvy Peak out-and-back trails rated hard.
Waterfalls
For scenic views, hiking trails, and ideal picnic spots, several waterfalls are located near Golden.
In Yoho National Park, Wapta Falls on the Kicking Horse River is the largest at 98 feet in height and 490 feet wide. Hike the trail to the falls for a lovely place for taking photos. The stunning Takakkaw Falls are also in the park and worth a visit.
Paddleboarding, Kayaking and Canoeing
With serene rivers and lakes to explore, there are several places to rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard near Golden. There are several tour options to choose from, so you can enjoy a relaxing paddle or undertake a whitewater rafting excursion.
Several places to consider include Glacier Raft Company for rafting, Columbia Valley Canoes for kayak and canoe rentals, and our own Stay® | Well Amenities for paddleboard rentals.
Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snowshoeing
Golden offers an extensive selection of winter activities. You can try out the Moonrakers Trail if you’re an avid snowshoe, make sure to check out our Stay® | Well Amenities to rent your own pair or explore the many mountain drops onsite at the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
All experience levels are welcome on the mountain, so you have the freedom to explore and take your time to get comfortable.
5. Experience the Golden Vibe
All-in-all, the vibe in Golden is laid-back. The focus is on having the time to enjoy the town and its atmosphere without the fast pace of a larger city or town like Banff. The multitude of activities will help you avoid the crowds while experiencing the culture and hospitality of Golden.
With this town, you can experience a more authentic view of hospitality, with local businesses and people thrilled to share how great the area is.
For travellers looking for a memorable vacation at their own pace, Golden should be at the top of your list. You’ll beat the long lines, skip the overcrowded areas, and won’t have to stress about finding the perfect place to stay.
Book Your Stay with Kicking Horse Lodging
There’s so much to do and see in the areas around Banff and Golden, so choosing which option works best for your needs can be difficult. When seeking a less crowded, more diverse set of offerings for your next vacation, consider Golden, B.C. Year-round hospitality and exciting activities make this town a gem.
Ready to take the plunge? Book with Kicking Horse Lodging today!
