Between the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta lies a destination rich in minerals and wonders. The majestic area is called the Golden Triangle, so named because it’s a treasure trove of gold, silver, and copper. It's one vast area yet to be fully explored and believed to hold more of those precious minerals.
The triangle is famous for road trips because of its small towns that offer big surprises, their views of nature, and their rich history. BC is proud of the Golden Triangle because it’s an attractive destination where adventures are endless. National parks can be explored, animal sanctuaries can be visited, and hot springs can be enjoyed. Such diversity can only be had in British Columbia, all the while enjoying Canadian hospitality.
In 2019, BC was visited by six million people, maybe some of them repeaters after taking in all the sights and sounds of the Golden Triangle. Who would not want to visit a destination so natural and so serene? The gold rush is a thing in the area, but with its beauty, there’s more dopamine than minerals in the triangle. From the lush forests to the pristine waterways, the Canadian Golden Triangle is easily anyone’s happy place.
The Town of Golden
Golden’s location in the Rocky Mountain Trench and around the rivers of Columbia and Kicking Horse makes it the best hangout spot for those who want to fill their adrenaline cup. It’s the ideal starting point of a Canadian road trip that’s one for the books.
Hiking, Biking, And Climbing
Since Golden is nestled in the majestic Rocky Mountains, it’s a place where hikers need to be. Aside from the Trench, trekkers can also explore Purcell and the Selkirk Mountains, not to mention the national parks near the town. They can have easy treks to the Columbia River or ridge hikes from Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
Bikers are in for a treat, too, because Golden has some of the best trails not just in the region but in North America. Cyclists can conquer 185 kilometers of cross-country trails, all the while enjoying the views of the Rockies. For a more thrilling ride, they can go downhill at Mount 7. Biking challenges are exciting on this side of the world, thanks to Mother Nature’s wonders.
Climbers, meanwhile, have the Bugaboo Provincial Park at their disposal. The state park is famous for its granite spires and glacier terrain. Mountaineers who can conquer its challenges will have all the stunning views as their reward of a lifetime. Whatever the season or the activity, Golden is the place to be.
Water Adventures
Lakes or rivers? Wherever they want to float, tourists will have a splashing good time in Golden. The top water activity to be experienced in this Canadian town is whitewater rafting along the Kicking Horse River. It has class three to four rapids, making it one of the most intense in the country. Those who want a mellow ride need not worry because the Columbia and Blaeberry Rivers got them covered.
Meanwhile, paddlers are lucky because the pristine lakes of Golden are ready to satisfy them. Canoers will have a fun time sightseeing in Cedar Lake, with its wilderness offering calm. Reflection Lake, meanwhile, aside from its clear waters, is famous for birdwatchers. Kayakers can also have a fun time paddling on the reservoir of Kinbasket. Not to be missed, too, is Mitten Lake, where boaters can have a busy day fishing. If water fun is the need, then Golden is the solution.
Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park’s name came from the Cree expression of amazement, something tourists will experience in this stunning destination. It has spectacular views of ice fields and mountains working together to be as awe-inspiring as they can be. Yoho, indeed!
- The park is open year-round.
- The visitor center is open from May 1 to June 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; from Jun. 9 to September 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and from Sept. 29 to October 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- There's a $10.5 entry fee for adults and $9 for senior citizens. Those aged six to 17 are free of charge.
Yoho Adventures
Tourists should be in Yoho, and once there, they only need to have that eagerness to explore. Adventures abound in this Canadian paradise. They can join conservation hikes to have a fun learning experience or maybe a fossil trek for a history lesson.
Other points of interest that can be explored include the village of Field, a welcoming place for weary travelers; the Natural Bridge in the Kicking Horse River; the Spiral Tunnels viewpoint, where trains can be observed; and the roaring Takakkaw Falls, or the larger Wapta Falls. The Emerald Lake also awaits its swimmers, fishers, and paddlers. Whatever the adventure, Yoho delivers.
Kootenay National Park
After Golden and Yoho, the scenic drive should take tourists to the mesmerizing Kootenay National Park. It's a mishmash of wonders because it has icy rivers and steamy hot springs. With such offers, a sightseeing drive is not enough; a stopover is a must.
- The park is open year-round.
- The visitor center is open from May 1 to June 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; from Jun. 111 to September 6 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and from Sept. 7 to October 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- There's a $10.5 entry fee for adults and $9 for senior citizens. Those aged six to 17 are free of charge.
Kootenay Adventures
Hiking is the best way to explore Kootenay’s wonders, like Floe Lake, Helmet Falls, the alpine huts, Numa Falls, Ball Pass, and many more. Just like in Yoho, it has some of the well-preserved Burgess Shale fossils. Campers are welcome, too, thanks to oTENTiks, perfect for families and groups of friends.
One key attraction in Kootenay is Radium, a village famous for its hot springs – the place to relax the body after a day of exploration.
- The hot spring is open from Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. It opens at 10:30 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
- A single-entry admission costs $8, while a day pass is $12.75.
What’s with the Canadian Golden Triangle? Nothing but treasures that can be kept in the heart.