A season worth hiking for in Golden, BC.
It is no secret that from the beginning of September until the middle of October, it is the best time to lace up your boots, throw on a pack and hit the trails in the mountains. Imagine this: you pull up to the trailhead with a crisp in the air, the crunch of pine needles underfoot, an uncrowded parking lot and yellow leaves swaying in the sunlight. The promise of panoramic views of glaciers, flourishing forests and towering peaks fuels your legs on the switchbacks. If you want to make this picture a reality, here are the best trails in the surrounding national parks to make it a truly unforgettable experience.
Best Beginner-Friendly Trails
Located just a 25-minute drive east of town, Wapta Falls in Yoho National Park delivers a dramatic contrast from the bright, turquoise waters of the Kicking Horse River to the deep emerald green of the surrounding conifers. The total distance of the hike is 4.4km, offering a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs while on your way to or from town.
If walking through a mossy, lush forest sounds like a perfect way to welcome the changing of the season, Meeting of the Waters in Glacier National Park is a 3.3km loop that invites you to enjoy two glacier-fed streams that converge in a captivating display of colour and motion. Their crystal-clear currents swirl together over smooth stones, creating an ever-changing mosaic of turquoise, blue and white before continuing downstream as a single waterway.
This photo is from Bear Creek Falls. Another beginner/intermediate-friendly hike in Glacier National Park.
Marble Canyon in Kootenay National Park proves that even impressive hikes do not need to be long. If you like bridges that overlook gorges carved by fast-moving rivers, you’ll love Marble Canyon. This 1.8km hike takes you on a journey through a limestone gorge that showcases thundering waterfalls and brilliantly coloured glacial water.
Best Moderate Trails
Heading to Golden via Highway 1? Paget Lookout in Yoho is a great way to kickstart your Golden vacation. Located near the border of Alberta and British Columbia, this 7km, 525m elevation gain trail unveils a panoramic view of the Bow, Cataract Brook and Kicking Horse Valleys. Add 5.8km to your hike if you want to visit the strikingly blue Sherbrooke Lake. You will be sure to get your heart rate up on this hike, but it is worth the strain!
Look no further than Stanley Glacier in Kootenay National Park for high view rewards and moderate effort. Follow cruisy switchbacks into an alpine basin with easy access to waterfalls, glaciers and views from the valley bottom to the tops of peaks. With 410m of elevation gain over 9.8km, you’ll be smiling and fulfilled by the end of the day.
Best Difficult Trails
Hiking in the alpine is an incredible experience as you reach a sense of awe that can only be felt above the tree line. The Iceline Trail via Little Yoho in Yoho National Park (20.3km loop, 1,090m of elevation gain) takes you into the heart of a barren and dramatic glacier-shaped environment with tarn lakes.
If steep trails call your name, head west of Golden to Glacier National Park. Known for its authentically rugged beauty, you’ll be sure to enjoy Abbott Ridge (15.6km, 1030m elevation gain). This hike takes you from forest to tundra, where you can enjoy scenic views of fall foliage, and ends on a narrow ridge. Be sure to bring your camera.
The best way to enjoy Golden’s trails is to come prepared. Mountain weather can change quickly, so pack for rain, sleet or even early snow, and bring a headlamp for shorter fall days. Carry bear spray, check the Parks Canada website for trail conditions and closures before you go, and if you’re hiking with your dog, keep them leashed and pack out all waste to help protect wildlife and these special places.
So how do you get here? Golden is a three-hour drive west of Calgary and an eight-hour drive east of Vancouver. This fall, discover Golden at the Heart of the Parks.
Article sponsored by Tourism Golden.
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