Top 10 Things to Do Near Vagabond Lodge This Summer.
Summer in Golden, BC is all about big landscapes, warm rivers, and endless mountain adventure. Whether you’re here for adrenaline or slower days in nature, there’s something for everyone just minutes from Vagabond Lodge.
Here are our top 10 things to do nearby this summer.
1. Whitewater Rafting on the Kicking Horse River
One of the most iconic summer experiences in Golden.
The Kicking Horse River is fast, wild, and glacier-fed, offering world-class whitewater rafting through dramatic canyon scenery. Guided trips cater to different comfort levels, making it accessible whether it’s your first time or your fifth.
2. Visit Boo the Grizzly Bear
A memorable and educational wildlife experience.
Boo is a rescued grizzly bear living in a protected sanctuary near Golden. Visitors can observe him in a natural-style environment while learning about bear behaviour and local conservation efforts.
3. Via Ferrata at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
A guided alpine climbing adventure with unbeatable views.
Climb fixed cables, ladders, and rocky ledges high above the valley floor while safely harnessed to the mountain. It’s an incredible way to experience the scale of the Rockies from a completely new perspective.
4. Downhill Mountain Biking at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
One of the best lift-access bike parks in Canada.
Take the gondola up and descend through alpine terrain, flow trails, and technical forest runs. There are routes for beginners through to advanced riders looking for a challenge.
5. Golden Skybridge
A huge canyon experience with epic views.
Walk across suspension bridges high above a dramatic gorge, with waterfalls, forest trails, and optional activities like zip lines and canyon swings.
6. ATV Off-Road Experience in the Backcountry
A rugged way to explore the mountains beyond the main trails.
Join a guided ATV tour and head deep into the surrounding backcountry, riding forest roads, mountain terrain, and scenic viewpoints you wouldn’t otherwise reach. It’s a fun, adventurous way to experience the wild side of Golden.
7. Kayaking or Paddleboarding at Emerald Lake (Yoho National Park)
One of the most beautiful places in the Rockies.
Emerald Lake is known for its turquoise water and mountain backdrop. In summer, it’s a perfect spot for kayaking or paddleboarding, offering a peaceful way to experience the lake from the water.
8. Cedar Lake
A quiet local favourite just outside Golden.
This short forest hike leads to a peaceful alpine lake that’s perfect for a refreshing swim on warm summer days. It’s simple, scenic, and rarely crowded.
9. Explore Yoho National Park
A world-class alpine landscape on your doorstep.
Beyond Emerald Lake and surrounding areas, Yoho offers glaciers, waterfalls, and dramatic mountain scenery that showcase the best of the Canadian Rockies.
10. Relax in Golden’s Cafés, Breweries & Riverside Spots
Slow down and enjoy the town itself.
Golden has a relaxed, welcoming feel with great coffee shops, local breweries, and river access points perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.
A final note
However you spend your days, Golden has a way of balancing big adventure with quiet mountain moments.
And when the day is done, Vagabond Lodge is here waiting — your home in the heart of adventure.
