From stunning waterfalls to scenic trails: Discover the wonders of Golden, B.C.

Fall in Golden. (Photo by: Maur Mere Media)

What is shoulder season? Embracing the in-between in Golden, B.C.

Shoulder season is a term well-known in tourism and mountain towns. It’s often accompanied by shorter days, changeable forecasts, and locals impatiently waiting for the ski resort to open.

Think of summer as the peak of a mountain: the town is buzzing, the trails are busy, and there’s always something to do. But after the peak comes the shoulder, that quieter stretch between seasons when summer has faded and winter hasn’t quite arrived. But despite its reputation as the awkward in-between, shoulder season might just be one of the most underrated times to visit the mountains.

So how can you enjoy this in-between season of life? For starters, pack your puffy jacket, sunglasses, rain jacket, and sunscreen, because you will probably need all of the above!

Golden, B.C. (Photo by: Tige Lussier)

Visit the hot spots, but without the crowds!

The Canadian Mountain National Parks are a bucket-list destination for many, and for good reason. Towering limestone peaks, brilliant turquoise waters, and thundering waterfalls make them an unforgettable escape for nature lovers.

Come October and November, the crowds in Yoho National Park begin to dwindle, but the scenery certainly doesn’t become any less impressive.

Visiting Emerald Lake is the perfect way to welcome the changing seasons. You’ll still get the iconic, glacier-fed turquoise waters, but instead of fighting for a parking spot, you might find yourself deciding which photos to delete from your memory card to make room for even more scenery. With fresh snow dusting the surrounding peaks while the valley bottom often remains snow-free, the 5.3 km loop around Emerald Lake offers the perfect pace to slow down and embrace the in-between. Less than an hour from Golden, Emerald Lake is the perfect place to slow down and soak up the beauty of shoulder season.

Emerald Lake. (Photo by: Vincent Schnabl)

Wapta Falls is a go-to hike no matter the season. This 8 km round-trip trail is accessed just off the Trans-Canada Highway, making it an easy adventure to add to any fall itinerary.

With minimal elevation gain, the trail winds through the forest before reaching an impressive view of the Kicking Horse River plunging 30 metres over the falls. During shoulder season, cooler temperatures, quieter trails, and snow beginning to dust the surrounding peaks make the scenery even more dramatic. Only 32km east of Golden, Wapta Falls brings big views for minimal effort!

Wapta Falls. (Photo by: Vincent Schnabl)

Explore the local trails

Shoulder season is not the time to worry about breaking any speed records. Slow things down with the Golden Stroll, a self-guided route that connects some of the best places to wander around town. Follow the Kicking Horse River, cross the iconic Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge, and take in the views of the Purcell and Rocky Mountains.

Strolling by the river. (Photo by: Tige Lussier)

Embrace your inner black bear

Leading up to the cold winter months, bears have three things on their minds: calories, calories, calories. The more, the merrier! While visiting Golden, you can embrace a similar mindset. With more than 30 restaurants, cafés, and breweries combined, Golden’s food scene will have you well-fed and ready to enter your own torpor era.

Start the morning in a cozy café while the air is still crisp, grab lunch on a sunny patio while watching the snowline creep down the mountains, and top it all off with dinner downtown. Food is fuel in the mountains, for humans and bears alike, and Golden has no shortage of ways to fuel up before winter settles in.

Food in Town. (Photo by: Tige Lussier)

Once you’ve stuffed your face with Golden’s delicious food scene, retreat to a cozy cabin for an evening of well-earned relaxation. Golden has accommodations for every kind of getaway, whether you want to stay close to the action downtown or disappear somewhere secluded where cell service is nowhere to be found. Maybe a crackling wood stove, exposed timber beams, and a window overlooking snow-covered mountains are calling your name. Whatever cozy looks like to you, Golden has plenty of places to settle in, slow down, and watch winter make her grand entrance.

Get cozy in Golden, B.C. (Photo by: Dave Best)

Shoulder season may mean changeable conditions, but that’s part of the fun. One day might bring sunshine and colourful leaves, while the next leaves a fresh dusting of snow on the mountains.

It's time to slow down, check the forecast, pack an extra layer, and let the weather decide what kind of day you’re going to have. Eventually, winter will win and Golden will trade hiking boots for ski boots, but until then, embrace the in-between.

It's time to plan your trip!