Activities and Eating Spots Close to Vagabond Lodge at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Golden BC.
Columbia Wetlands AdventureColumbia Wetlands Adventure is located south of Golden on Highway 95 about 25 minutes or so where the owners have created a "Gem" of a place with floating walkways, suspended bridge, and all sorts of other cool stuff. Not only do they offer a "wildlife viewing" float trip but they also rent canoes and kayaks. We rented canoes with them and just had an amazing day. Depending on the water level(it was pretty high when we were there) they even have a raft anchored in a lake where you can tie up to, and swim. We took a picnic with us and tied to the raft.
Their website is www.wetlandsadventures.com Highly recommended. |
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Horseback Riding in the Blaeberry ValleyBear Corner Adventures operates a back country horse back riding operation. The owner, BJ is a former warden in Yoho National Park and has been running this operation for 10 years. He has a number of rides he does including overnight trips up to Howse Pass which is at the end of the Blaeberry Valley. It is a very historical area as the Howse Pass and the Blaeberry Valley was the original fur trading route through the Rockies. The first white man to cross it, was David Thompson who played a big part in exploring the west and came across the pass in the early 1800's. On the east side is the North Saskatchewan River which empties eventually into the Atlantic Ocean and on this side the Blaeberry River empties into the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. It is a great valley to explore on horseback and BJ will make it a memorable trip. His website is www.bearcornerb-b.com. If you have your own horse, you can board it there too.
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CANOEING/KAYAKING ON THE COLUMBIAOne of the things I have wanted to do since moving here was go canoeing on the Columbia River. But until this year, there was nobody who would rent you a canoe. But now there is a company based out of Nicholson.(a few minutes south of Golden on highway 95) For $50 for a 3 person canoe or $35 for a kayak you can go for a paddle on the Columbia River. It is an an absolutely fabulous trip. We took about 2 and a half hours to get to the airport in Golden where the owner of the company comes and picks you up and takes you back to your car. Along the way we saw all sorts of wildlife especially eagles. And we stopped on a beach fore a picnic too. I am sure on some days you see moose, bear, beaver, muskrats, deer and more. And in one of the small lakes we went into along the way, lots of trout and some were a pretty good size. The water is so clear. The company is called Columbia Valley Canoes and the phone number is 250 272 0859.
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Rock Climbing in SpillamacheenThis is definitely a cool spot for climbing enthusiasts. One of the many hidden gems in and around Golden BC. Spillamacheen is about 40 minutes south of Golden on highway 95. From there, you cross the Columbia River and drive for about 20 minutes to a small area where you see an outhouse and park anywhere. Then you hike for about 15 minutes and you will find yourself looking up a big wall of rock. And this is the spot. On a nice summer day, you may be the only person there or there may be 50 people.
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Skiing & BoardingIt doesn't get much better than Kicking Horse Mountain Resort for Skiing and Boarding. The resort is just 10 years old but already is gaining a reputation as one of the most demanding Ski Resorts. When they say "black diamonds runs" they are "black diamond runs" with many number of steep chutes to challenge even the best skier. But at the same time there are a variety of runs for every caliber skier. Don't let it scare you. There is skiing for everyone here at Kicking Horse.
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GolfThe Golden Golf Club is one the top ranked courses in Canada and is just a 10 minute drive from Vagabond Lodge.
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Whitewater Rafting.Kicking Horse River has some of the best Whitewater Rafting in North America. It is a wild ride.
There are three companies based in Golden and we recommend all three. Glacier Rafting, Alpine Rafting, and Wet & Wild Adventures. |
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Heli-SkiingThe Golden Area has some of the best Heli-Skiing/Snowboarding in the World.
Purcell Heli-Skiing has been operating out of Golden for almost 40 years and offers day trips. And an hour away is Great Canadian Heli Skiing which operates extended stay Heli-Skiing trips. Great Canadian operates exclusively with small groups and Unlimited Vertical. You go until you drop. If you are looking for that extra adventure, either of these two companies will put a smile on your face. |
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Nordic SkiingThe Dawn Mountain Cross Country Centre is accessible directly from Vagabond Lodge.
Operated by the Volunteer Golden Nordic Cub, it features over 20 km of loops that cater to every type of skier in a fabulous serene setting. Under construction is a new "Day Lodge" which will have a warming area, coffee shop and rental facility. One of the hilights of the year is the annual Huckleberry Loppett. Here is a link to a video from the 2010 Loppett. |
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Horseback Trail RidesThere a couple options for Horseback Riding in the area. During the summer months, Flying W Trail Rides offers a variety of trips from across the Road from Vagabond Lodge.
And within a short drive, if you are looking for a more adventuresome trip, Bear Corner Adventures is a year around operation that include overnight trips on Horseback |
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HikingThe hiking around Golden BC is some of the best in the World. Yoho and Glacier National Park are within an 45 minute drive at most. Yoho's Ice-line Trail is considered one of the top hikes anywhere.
In the Golden area, Gorman Lake and Mummery Glacier hikes are some of the more popular. You can get more details on the local hikes at www.goldenhikes.ca |
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Paragliding with Altitude AdventuresOne of the many things you can do in the area is Tandem Paragliding. Apparently this is one of the best areas in the Rockies for this Sport. The take-off spot is Mount 7, which is across the valley from Vagabond Lodge and Kicking Horse. The landing spot is the Eco Ranch which is just south of Golden. One a beautiful sunny summer day, both Hang gliders and Para glider's are taking off every few minutes. Quite a spectacle. Our son Kori and his fiance Elaine decided to give it a try and loved it. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, this is the spot.
Company they went with is Altitude Adventures. |
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Other Activities in the Area.
On a snowmobile or ATV
Golden area is a Snowmobiling Mecca. And you can go on a number of trips with Rocky Mountain Riders from the doorsteps of Vagabond Lodge or you can rent one of their machines and go on your own. In the summer you may try some backcountry ATV
ATV tours is another option in the summer. Canadian Off Road Adventures is based in Golden and offers a variety of trips in the area.
On the Mountain
Kicking Horse Resort is the home to not only some of the most challenging ski/snowboard terrain anywhere, but in the summer there is downhill mountain biking, - as well as the Grizzly Bear Refuge.
Places to Eat
Golden and area has some great eating spots. In no particular order, we recommend to our guests for upscale dinning, The Island, Eleven22,Cedar House Restaurant and Whitetooth Bistro.
At Kicking Horse Mountain Resort,
Corks, Eagle's Eye, and for pub food, "Peaks Grill" next to the Gondola or Winston Pub in Winston Lodge.
Real Estate Information
Bob Tegart -Remax of Golden
Friends of Vagabond Lodge
Canadian Alpine Adventures
For more information on all these activities you can contact Golden Tourism Association or the Golden Chamber of Commerce
