A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary At Vagabond Lodge (Summer Adventure Edition).
Golden, British Columbia is the kind of place where a long weekend quickly turns into a much longer stay. Surrounded by six national parks and endless outdoor adventure, it’s the perfect base for a summer escape in the Canadian Rockies.
If you’re staying at Vagabond Lodge, here’s how to make the most of three days in and around Golden.
Day 1: Arrive, Explore & Ease Into Mountain Life
Arrive in Golden and settle into Vagabond Lodge, just steps from the gondola at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
Your first day can be as relaxed or as adventurous as you like.
For a more laid-back start, take a stroll along the river, explore Golden’s local shops, and stop in at one of the town’s coffee spots to soak up the relaxed mountain-town atmosphere. It’s an easy way to ease into the rhythm of life here.
If you’re ready for something more exciting, head to the Golden Skybridge, where you can walk across towering suspension bridges above the canyon or take things up a level with the canyon swing for a true adrenaline hit.
Either way, finish the day back at Vagabond Lodge, where you can unwind in the hot tub or sauna, play a game of pool, and settle into the social, welcoming atmosphere of the lodge.
Day 2: Big Adventure Day – Mountains or River
Today is all about going big.
Choose your adventure:
Whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River for fast-paced glacier-fed rapids and canyon scenery,
or
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, where you can ride the gondola up for via ferrata, hiking, mountain biking, or simply soaking in the alpine views.
Either way, expect a full day outside in the Rockies.
Return to Vagabond Lodge in the afternoon and ease back into the space. This is where the lodge really shines—afternoon homemade baking, a hot shower, then time to unwind.
Later, head down to the shared spaces for a drink, a game of pool, or a soak in the hot tub before dinner. It’s a social, easygoing atmosphere where guests often swap stories from their day.
Day 3: Lakes, Waterfalls & Exploration
After a big adventure day, today is about slowing the pace down and enjoying some of the quieter corners around Golden and Yoho National Park.
Start with a visit to Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, where you can walk the shoreline, paddle on the turquoise water, or simply take in the mountain scenery. It’s one of the most iconic spots in the region.
On your way back, stop at Cedar Lake for a short walk and a swim in summer, or visit Hamilton Falls for a quieter waterfall stop in the forest.
For something a little more dramatic, the Canyon Creek Trail offers a short canyon walk with impressive views into the gorge below.
If you want a unique geological stop, the Hoodoo Creek area in Yoho National Park is also worth a visit, with short walks leading to striking hoodoo formations shaped over time.
By the afternoon, you’ll be back in Golden with time to relax before your final evening at the lodge—whether that’s a sauna session, a soak in the hot tub, or an easy night around the pool table.
