From scenic hikes and suspension bridges to cozy cafés and local gems, here’s exactly how we spent three unforgettable days exploring Golden, British Columbia.
How We Spent 3 Days in Golden
Golden is often seen as a quick stop on the way to Banff or Yoho National Park, but after spending three days here, we quickly realized it’s worth slowing down for.
Between mountain views, local cafés, outdoor adventures, and charming downtown streets, Golden has the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Here’s exactly how we spent our three days.
Day 1: Explore Downtown & Discover Local Gems
After checking into the Prestige Inn Golden, we headed straight into downtown to explore.
Golden’s downtown isn’t huge, but that’s exactly what makes it special. Instead of rushing around, we wandered through local boutiques, gift shops, bookstores, and artisan stores while enjoying the relaxed mountain-town atmosphere.
One of our favourite stops was Four Points Books, a cozy independent bookstore filled with local titles, gifts, and friendly staff.
Of course, no afternoon was complete without a visit to Chai Bar.
We grabbed authentic chai and fresh pakoras before taking a peaceful walk along the Kicking Horse River. It’s one of those simple experiences that made us appreciate Golden even more.
That evening, we enjoyed dinner at Raven + Pine, followed by drinks at Rockwater Grill & Bar, the perfect place to unwind after a full day.
Day 2: Adventure Around Golden
We started the morning with breakfast at Bacchus Books & Café, one of our favourite cafés in town.
Great coffee, delicious breakfast, and a cozy atmosphere made it the perfect way to start the day.
Next, we made the short drive to Wapta Falls.
The easy hike leads to one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies, and getting close to the base of the falls is an experience you won’t forget.
After returning to Golden, we headed to the Golden Skybridge.
Walking across Canada’s highest suspension bridges while surrounded by mountain views was incredible. We also tried the zipline and spent time exploring the rest of the park’s attractions.
Day 3: Relax & Enjoy Golden
Our final day was much slower.
We picked up fresh baked treats from Golden Bakery & Deli, one of the town’s favourite local bakeries, before grabbing coffee and matcha from Ethos Café.
Afterward, we spent some time at the Golden Golf Club, where we rode around in golf carts, played mini golf, and soaked in the mountain scenery.
Before leaving town, we took one last stroll through downtown, stopping into a few more local shops before heading home.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Prestige Inn Golden, which ended up being a great home base for exploring the area.
Its central location made it easy to reach restaurants, cafés, attractions, and downtown without spending much time driving.
Is 3 Days Enough in Golden?
Absolutely.
Three days gave us enough time to experience Golden’s outdoor adventures while also slowing down to enjoy its cafés, local businesses, and small town charm.
If you’re planning a Rockies road trip, we’d recommend spending a few nights here instead of simply driving through.
Golden has so much more to offer than just being a stop along the highway.
Save This Golden Itinerary
If you’re planning a trip to Golden, save this itinerary for later it includes some of our favourite cafés, restaurants, outdoor adventures, and hidden gems that made our visit so memorable.
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