Is Golden BC Worth Visiting? A Mini Guide

If you are currently planning your Canadian road trip itinerary and wondering: “Is Golden BC worth visiting?” – you have come to the right place. Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Golden is a true hidden gem for outdoor lovers and those wanting to explore British Colombia and Alberta to the fullest. In this blog post, I will let you in on my top reasons why Golden BC should be on your travel radar and why it’s a destination, you won’t want to miss.
Quick Q&A
Where Is Golden?
Golden is a small mountain town in British Colombia, Canada, situated near 6 of the stunning national parks in Canada! It is just a 20 minute drive from Yoho National Park, a 40 minute drive from Glacier National Park and a 1,5 hour drive from Banff National Park. I visited the town as a stop on my multi-day roadtrip from Vancouver to Banff – and boy am I glad I did!
Is Golden BC Worth Visiting On A Canada Roadtrip?
Yes, definitely! Golden is a great road trip stop on your way through British Colombia, and has plenty of fun activities and adventures to offer outdoor lovers. The charm of a Canadian mountain town like this one really doesn’t compare to anything else. And if the proximity to 6 amazing Canadian national parks didn’t justify Golden as a great road trip stop for you, I don’t know what will! But just in case you are still deciding, read along to find out WHY I think Golden BC is worth visiting.
Where To Stay in Golden BC?
Before we move on to explore the wonders of Golden, we need to be clear on the following questions: Is it even possible to stay in this small mountain town? Is it budget friendly? And are there any great places? Yes, yes, and YES! There are plenty of places to stay in Golden, and although the quality of the places seem to vary, there are several great hotels and B&B’s. And to make this road trip stop even better, the accommodation in Golden is ALOT more affordable than those in either Revelstoke or Banff and Jasper National Park. We stayed at Basecamp Lodge Golden, which was absolutely perfect for what we needed. It had the cozy vibes of a quaint ski hut, comfortable beds and spacy rooms and even a nice living room and kitchen area at free disposal.

Why Golden BC Is Worth Visiting
It Is The Perfect Mixture Between Nature And The Comforts Of A Town
One of the biggest reasons Golden BC is worth visiting is the perfect blend of town comfort and the tranquility of nature. Staying in Golden literally feel like staying directly in nature with mountains, forests and rivers everywhere you look. Due to its size, it is possible to stay in the outskirts of the town while being only a 5-10 minutes walk from the main streets surrounded by shops and restaurants. Once you are there, you will have acces to most of what you will need. You can stock up on supplies, go shopping for the things you forgot to pack, have a beer at the local pub and enjoy some delicious cuisine at one of the restaurants on the river. How amazing is it to have the best of both worlds in one charming town

The Skybridge In Golden BC: A Place Worth Stopping By
Another great reason to visit Golden BC is to experience the Golden Skybridge. This stunning attraction features two of Canada’s highest suspension bridges, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the deep canyon and roaring river below. Besides the skybridge itself, the area offers a play area for children, a beautiful picnic area, viewing platforms and breathtaking nature paths to walk along. And there is even a zipline at the skybridge, if you are feeling up for a bigger shot of adrenaline! Unfortunately I didn’t get any pictures of it, but you can check it out and learn more here.
There Are Plenty Of Cute Cafés And Pubs To Relax After A Day Of Exploring
In my humble opinion, the value of a destination increases when you can treat yourself after a long day of exploring. And Golden offers just that! I absolutely loved the small town center, with its restaurants and cafés lining the river and live music playing at the pub at night. Imagine unwinding in a charming cafe with a steaming cup of coffee or enjoying a cold craft beer in a friendly local pub. These spots offer the perfect way to soak up the town’s warm, welcoming atmosphere. So, is Golden, BC worth visiting? Absolutely—especially if you love ending your adventures with a touch of local flavor and comfort.

Visiting Golden BC Is The Perfect Excuse For A Day In The Hot Springs
Another reason why Golden BC is worth visiting is the proximity to some of the most relaxing hot springs in Canada. Just a short drive from the town, you’ll find natural hot springs that offer a perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure. Some of the best hot springs in the area include Radium Hot Springs, known for its large, mineral-rich pools and stunning canyon views, and Fairmont Hot Springs, which offers a variety of pools and a serene mountain backdrop. Both are easily accessible from Golden and make for a delightful day trip. Imagine soaking in warm, soothing waters while surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery—it’s a rejuvenating experience that adds to the charm of Golden.

It Is The Perfect Budget-Friendly Stop Between Revelstoke And Banff National Park!
Finally, another reason Golden, BC is worth visiting is its budget-friendly nature compared to more popular destinations in the Canadian Rockies, like Banff and Jasper. While a single night in these mountain towns can quickly deplete your budget, Golden offers a more affordable alternative. The town has a range of accommodations to suit various budgets, from higher-end options to more economical choices, including charming campsites by the river. This means you can explore the stunning surroundings without breaking the bank—and maybe even extend your stay to soak in more of the beauty! Also, Golden’s proximity to Banff National Park makes it a perfect spot to spend the night before heading into Banff early the next morning.

After reading this blog post, I hope the point of it is clear: Golden in BC is DEFINITELY worth a visit. It is both a valuable and affordable road trip stop in the Canadian Rockies and will offer you the serenity and peaceful mountain town charm, that Banff and Jasper due to its popularity cannot. Not to mention the fact that it is surrounded by some of the most beautiful national parks in the entirety of Canada! Add it to you list and get going.
