Experiences

Local Adventure

We're Here to Guide You

We’re carrying on the tradition of the original Swiss Guides.

More than 100 years ago, Edelweiss Village became home to some of Canada's first Swiss Mountain Guides. Drawn from the Alps by the Canadian Pacific Railway, these legendary guides helped introduce visitors to the Canadian Rockies, leading early mountaineering expeditions and sharing the landscapes they came to know so well. Their knowledge, passion, and spirit of adventure helped shape mountain tourism in Western Canada, and their legacy still lives on here today.

While the equipment may have changed and the trails are better marked than they were in 1912, our role hasn't changed all that much. We still love introducing people to this incredible corner of British Columbia.

Whether you're chasing powder, paddling the Columbia, hiking to alpine lakes, or simply looking for somewhere beautiful to spend the afternoon, we'd like to think we're carrying on the tradition of those original Swiss Guides by helping you discover the very best of Golden and the Canadian Rockies.

Below are some of our favourite ways to explore throughout the year.

Summer Adventures

Summer in Golden is about making the most of long days, warm evenings, and unlimited access to the mountains. From family-friendly attractions to challenging backcountry adventures, you'll find something for every pace of travel.

Hiking

With six national parks surrounding Golden and three major mountain ranges meeting here, you'll never run out of trails to explore. Choose from gentle riverside walks, alpine ridge hikes, glacier viewpoints, or guided heli-hiking adventures that take you deep into remote wilderness.

Our recommendations include:

✦Yoho National Park
✦Glacier National Park
✦Banff National Park
✦Kootenay National Park
✦Mount Revelstoke National Park
✦Kicking Horse Mountain Resort hiking trails
✦Rotary Trail
✦The Golden Stroll walking tours
✦Guided heli-hiking experiences

Mountain Biking

Golden has quietly become one of Canada's premier mountain biking destinations, with more than 185 kilometres of trails ranging from beginner-friendly forest rides to technical alpine descents. Whether you're looking for lift-access downhill, flowing singletrack, or scenic family rides, you'll find it here.

Popular riding areas include:

✦Kicking Horse Mountain Resort Bike Park
✦Mount 7
✦Moonraker Trail Network
✦CBT Mainline Network
✦Rotary Trail
✦Mountain Shadows

Rivers & Water Adventures

Golden sits at the meeting point of two historic rivers: the Columbia and the Kicking Horse. One delivers world-famous whitewater rafting, while the other offers peaceful paddling through one of North America's largest intact wetlands.

Spend the day rafting thrilling rapids, kayaking quiet backwaters, paddleboarding calm stretches of river, or casting a line into some of British Columbia's most scenic waterways.

Recommended experiences:

✦Whitewater rafting
✦Canoeing
✦Kayaking
✦Paddleboarding
✦Fishing
✦Columbia Wetlands

Wildlife Experiences

Wildlife is part of everyday life in Golden. Keep your eyes open and you may spot elk, deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black bears, grizzly bears, moose, wolves, osprey, bald eagles, herons and countless other species throughout the region.

For guaranteed encounters and a chance to learn more about local conservation efforts, visit:

✦Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre
✦Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge
✦Rocky Mountain Buffalo Ranch

As always, admire wildlife from a respectful distance and never approach or feed wild animals.

Family Adventures

Golden is an incredible destination for families, offering plenty of adventures that everyone can enjoy together.

Some of our favourites include:

✦Golden Skybridge
✦Mountain Coaster
✦Zipline
✦Challenge Course
✦Kicking Horse Gondola
✦Eagle's Eye Restaurant
✦Mini Golf
✦Bowling
✦Golden Museum
✦Art Gallery of Golden
✦Farmers' Market
✦Easy walks throughout the national parks

More Summer Activities

Looking for even more ways to explore?

✦Rock climbing
✦Mountaineering
✦Trail running
✦Horseback riding
✦Golfing
✦Scenic helicopter tours
✦Paragliding
✦Fishing
✦Bird watching
✦Photography tours

Winter Adventures

Winter is what first put Golden on the map, and it's easy to see why. Deep snow, legendary terrain, and access to some of Canada's best skiing make this one of the country's premier mountain destinations.

Backcountry skiers on deep snow near Golden

Skiing & Snowboarding

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is only minutes away and offers some of the most exciting terrain in North America. Golden also makes an excellent home base for exploring multiple ski resorts on a single trip.

Nearby resorts include:

✦Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
✦Revelstoke Mountain Resort
✦Lake Louise Ski Resort
✦Sunshine Village
✦Panorama Mountain Resort

Backcountry, Heli & Cat Skiing

Golden is internationally recognized for its backcountry skiing. With dozens of nearby lodges, experienced guides, and some of the deepest snow in Canada, this region attracts skiers and snowboarders from around the world.

Options include:

✦Heli skiing
✦Cat skiing
✦Guided ski touring
✦Backcountry skiing
✦Splitboarding

Nordic Skiing & Snowshoeing

Prefer a quieter pace? Explore peaceful forests and mountain valleys on cross-country skis or snowshoes while enjoying some of the most beautiful winter scenery in the Rockies.

Ice Climbing & Winter Mountaineering

When waterfalls freeze and alpine routes come into condition, Golden becomes a world-class destination for ice climbers and experienced mountaineers looking for unforgettable winter objectives.

More Winter Activities

✦Snowmobiling
✦Public skating
✦Golden Rockets hockey games
✦Winter wildlife viewing
✦Scenic gondola rides
✦Winter photography
✦Winter hiking

Local Knowledge, Trusted Partners

Over the years, we've built relationships with many of Golden's best guides, outfitters, adventure companies, and local businesses. Whether you're looking to book a whitewater rafting trip, arrange a heli-hiking adventure, find the perfect mountain bike rental, or discover a hidden local favourite, we're always happy to point you in the right direction.

Every guest receives our welcome package before arrival, with an expanded guide waiting in your chalet when you check in. Inside, you'll find local recommendations, seasonal highlights, maps, and helpful information to make planning easy.

Once you've booked your stay, don't hesitate to lean on us. We'd be happy to recommend trusted local operators, share our favourite experiences, and help you create an unforgettable itinerary tailored to your trip. It's one of our favourite parts of welcoming guests to Edelweiss Village + Resort.

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

For more than a century, Edelweiss Village has been welcoming people to the Canadian Rockies. We'd love to welcome you next.

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