STUFF TO DO AND WHERE TO EAT 

Kayaking


This is a great gem we have in our back-yard. We put our kayaks into the Columbia River at Nicholson which is just a 5 minute drive south of Golden.  From there we paddle and float our way down to a spot next to the airport.  It is a 10 km trip and takes about 2 hours.  There are all sorts of wildlife you can see.  Especially bald eagles but  sometimes you can spot elk, deer, even bears crossing the river.  Fantastic. ​

Mountain Biking

There are a number of amazing cross country mountain biking trails in our area.  The CBT trails are accessible directly from Vagabond Lodge.  Outstanding for almost every calibre rider.  These are all single track and come with a variety of challenges.  Go slow and be cautious is my motto and you will live to enjoy the ride. 
Here is their great website which gives you all the details. www.goldencyclingclub.com

Via Ferrata

This was a new addition at Kicking Horse in 2015.   It is a "secure climbing route" called a Via Ferrata.  You are always hooked with a cable and you climb with hand holds and either metal steps imbedded in the rock or on rock ledges.  You take a short course first and they supply you with helmet and harness.  I did the 4 hour Escension route with our guide Lisa.  It was outstanding.  If you have a fear of height then it is not for you.  The suspension bridge which is the first part of the route weeds out the people who are not able to take heights.  Highly recommended. 


Skiing and Snowboarding

It 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.

Heli-Skiing

The Golden Area has some of the best Heli-Skiing/Snowboarding in the World.  
Operating out of Golden now is CMH/Purcell(formerly Purcell heli-skiing).  Their operation is an easy 20 minute drive away. And when the weather for heli-skiing isn't great, you can still ski Kicking Horse
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. 

Other Activities in the Area. 

Fishing- Fishing guide service. goldengillie.com

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 dining, Eleven22, and The Island Restaurant, Wolf's Den, Whitetooth Bistro. 

At Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, 
 Winston Pub,  Double Black(lunch) Eagle's Eye at the top of the mountain(lunch only during the summer) Peaks Grill

Friends of Vagabond Lodge
CMH, Great Canadian Heliskiing, Selkirk ski and bike Shop, Mistaya Lodge, Golden Alpine Holidays, Purcell Mountain Lodge

For more information on all these activities you can contact Golden Tourism.