In the Spring of 1806, David Thompson (fur-trader, explorer, surveyor and map maker) navigated the Blaeberry River, landing him at the mouth of the Columbia and Blaeberry Rivers, just 10 kilometres west of Golden. Thompson’s dream: to discover, navigate and 
map the heavily sought, ‘Majestic River’ that flowed to the Pacific Ocean – all of which he successfully accomplished!
Like David Thompson’s passionate search for the discovery of source of the river, many of us also search for special geographical areas to explore, reside, and fulfill our passions in. Surrounded by the Rockies and Purcells, with no boundaries other than the wide-open and vast spaces of the interior of British Columbia and the Pacific Ocean to the West, Golden offers an unlimited potential for year-round, mountain living. The sheer number of lakes, rivers, forests and mountains (neighboured by 6 National Parks), make Golden a world class haven for outdoor and nature enthusiasts.
Winter in Golden is famous for both the quality and quantity of skiing options. With the highest concentration of backcountry ski lodges in North America, Golden is a prime destination to set up a home base in. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is also renowned for its extremely rare and tasteful terrain, coupled by its quality champagne powder. Recent developments and expansions of Dawn Mountain’s incredible cross country ski trail system have allowed for hosting the 2010 Western Master’s National Championships! Some additional winter activities enjoyed are ice climbing, snowshoeing, ice fishing and snowmobiling.
Choices for summer fun are more than abundant! Both the downhill and cross country mountain biking scenes in the Golden area are thriving and continuously evolving. Cross Country Mountain Biking in Golden rates among the best in the world, with single track that ebbs and flows between 3 lakes on a network of trails known as the Moon Rakers. With a wide-ranging choice of high speed, technical, and mellow terrain, with LONG vertical descents, Golden has also become a downhiller’s dream. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is hosting the showdown between Alberta and BC in the Western Open BC Cup Finals and Alberta Down Hill # 5. Golden was also host to the internationally renowned Psychosis Downhill Race, a race down Mount Seven which boasted the steepest, longest and fastest event in the world! For Golf enthusiasts, the Golden Golf Club has been referred to as “the Jewel of the Columbia Valley” and ranks among the top in the province, and 65th in Canada! Though the list is extensive, some more summer options include hiking, mountaineering, fishing, hunting, camping, canoeing, white water rafting and kayaking the epic Kicking Horse River, as well as paragliding/hang gliding from the internationally acclaimed Mount Seven launch pads.
Outside of the many adventuresome activities to choose from, there is a blooming Arts and Culture scene in Golden, popularly known as Kicking Horse Culture, adding a pleasant and vibrant dynamic to an already wonderful family community.
Whatever your search is, whether it be to start a thriving business, live a peaceful mountain lifestyle with unlimited possibilities, or to spend time relaxing in Golden’s amazing back yard, be sure to tune in to the additional links I’ve provided. You’ll find ample, helpful information which will help you enjoy the unlimited mountain possibilities in the Golden and surrounding areas.
