Golden, British Columbia, has long been known as a natural playground for thrill seekers, and fall is the perfect season to explore its many natural wonders and adventures. As the leaves change colour, the temperature drops, and the summer crowds dwindle, the options for thrilling things to do in the fall are endless.
Whether you're hiking, biking, rafting, or (literally!) soaring through the sky, the memories you create in Golden will last a lifetime. And with Kicking Horse Lodging as your basecamp, you'll have everything you need to stay safe and comfortable.
Hiking and Backpacking
Image courtesy of Dave Best Photography
Ask just about anyone, draw or visitor, and you'll hear that the renowned hiking is one of the biggest Golden activities that draws people to this small mountain town. It's difficult to find a trail that isn't stunning but fall adds a whole new layer of magic. Cooler temperatures, fewer bugs, and vibrant autumn colours...what's not to love? There's no shortage of options for every skill level, but some of the most popular 'adventurous' (i.e., more challenging) trails include Canyon Creek Loop, Terminator Ridge at Kicking Horse Mountain, and Mount 7.
Before you hit the trails, stop by the front desk at Kicking Horse Lodging for complimentary bear bells, bug spray, trekking poles, and even child hiking carriers. These are all part of our Stay® | Well amenities, one of the perks that makes us one of the best accommodations in Golden.
Mountain Biking
Perhaps even more so than hiking, Golden's mountain biking scene is epic. Between the 100-plus kilometres of singletrack trails, the downhill network on famous Mount 7, and the mountain bike park at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, there's plenty of diversity in terms of both terrain and challenge.
Autumn is an ideal time for this fast-paced sport favoured by adrenaline junkies, with cooler weather making the climbs more bearable and the trails far less crowded. If you need a bike while you're in town, head to the Performance Rental Centre at Kicking Horse Mountain.
Whitewater Rafting
The Kicking Horse River is renowned for its wild rapids, and the best way to fully appreciate their power is to get out on the water! Although the whitewater rafting season winds down by the end of September, if you time it right, this can be one of the more unique thrilling things to do in the fall. The 'golden' foliage (pun very much intended!) provides a striking backdrop to the sparkling turquoise water, making this especially Instagram-worthy, also.
Local outfitters including Glacier Raft Company, Wild Water Adventures, and Alpine Rafting all offer a variety of guided trips. And if you're visiting Golden as a family, most of them have at least a couple of beginner-friendly trips for the little ones.
Rock Climbing
Climbing is easily one of the lesser-known Golden activities. Not because it's not incredible, but because the area is simply more well-known for its hiking, biking, river recreation, and snow sports. Popular climbing spots include Spillimacheen Crags (AKA "Spilli Rock"), Bugaboo Provincial Park, Yoho National Park, and Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or just starting out, local guides like BC Mountain Guides and Alpine Odyssey can help you find the perfect route. Serious thrill seekers can even take courses in mountaineering and ice climbing.
Need your climbing fix even when the weather is terrible? Check out Confluence Climbing or Dirtbag Climbing Corporation, Golden's two indoor climbing gyms. Bonus: they're both less than 15 minutes from Kicking Horse Lodging.
Zip Lining
For a different kind of thrill (one suitable for even the youngest adrenaline junkies!), head to Golden SkyBridge, home to a spectacular 1,000-foot-long zipline. The heart-pounding ride is a blast, and the best part is that you don't need any special skills or experience. Of course, the SkyBridge itself is one of the highest in Canada, spanning across the gorge 426 feet high. Then there's the canyon swing, ropes course, mountain coaster, and more. With the birds'-eye view and colourful scenery, these are all especially thrilling things to do in the fall!
Note: Golden Skybridge closes for the season in mid-October.
Paragliding and Hang Gliding
Golden’s stunning landscapes and ideal wind conditions make it a mecca for paragliding and hang gliding. When you picture soaring high above multiple mountain ranges, two wild rivers, and the expansive Columbia River valley, it's easy to see why! And when you toss in beautiful colour-changing foliage, you can imagine that it's one of the most thrilling things to do in the fall.
This scenic mountain town is also home to one of the world's top five gliding launch pads, Mount 7. Notably, many locals hike up to Mount 7 to watch the gliders when they're looking for what to do in Golden.
Local outfitters Altitude Adventures, Free Bird Hang Gliding, and Golden Paragliding offer tandem flights for beginners, as well as lessons and advanced courses for those looking to eventually fly solo. Adrenaline junkies seeking an even bigger thrill may want to try skydiving. Skydive Extreme Yeti offers tandem jumps for an unparalleled rush.
Wildlife Viewing
Fall is one of the best times, if not THE best time, for spotting wildlife in Golden. As summer crowds disperse, animals become more active, plus their activity level ramps up in preparation for the dormant winter. Common sightings include elk, deer, moose, black bears and the occasional grizzly, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, coyotes, and countless bird species.
You never know where you'll encounter a wild animal, so grab a pair of binoculars at Kicking Horse Lodging before heading out (another one of our Stay® | Well perks!). With a bit of patience and luck, you’ll have the opportunity to see some of Canada’s iconic wildlife in their natural habitat.
Explore Nearby Yoho National Park
Located less than 40 minutes from Kicking Horse Lodging and 20 minutes from Golden, Yoho National Park is a must-visit for every adventurer. The park is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the Rockies, including famous Emerald Lake and towering Takakkaw Falls. Fall is the ideal time to explore, with fewer crowds and a landscape of jewel tones offering unforgettable hiking, paddling, rock climbing, and wildlife watching.
Wrapping Up
Whether you're tackling the rapids, exploring the skies, or conquering rugged terrains, the diverse activities available ensure there's never a dull moment. Embrace the crisp fall air, the stunning landscapes, and the welcoming community that make Golden, BC, an essential destination for your next adventure.
So, gear up and get ready to make unforgettable memories this fall. Golden, BC, is calling all thrill seekers to immerse themselves in the ultimate seasonal escapade. Are you ready to answer?
