Embracing cozy season in Golden, British Columbia

Wrapped in a plush robe with a steaming mug of coffee in hand, you slide back the curtains and let the soft morning light stream through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Your slippers make a soft pitter-patter as you shuffle across the wooden deck, stopping at the edge to soak up the view of the Blaeberry River, its vibrant turquoise hue contrasted by a frame of crimson leaves and thick grove of trees in the surrounding forest.

The only sounds are the chirping of birds welcoming the start of another day, and the trickle of the glacier-fed water as it flows between steep mountain ranges.

This idyllic start to the day is what cozy season looks like in Golden, B.C., the kind of place you come to take a big, deep breath and just let it all go.

With a prize position on the doorstep of six national parks, Golden is known as an adventure destination with activities like mountain biking, hiking, whitewater rafting, zip lining and even a via ferrata.

While most visitors make their way through the alpine town in summer or opt for a winter trip to ride the slopes at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, shoulder seasons like spring and fall allow the same easy access to trails without the crowds.

In autumn, the crisp air and a tapestry of orange and yellow hues sweep through the surrounding valleys while charming cabins equipped with hot tubs, saunas and wood-burning fireplaces await, making this the ultimate escape to simply slow down-–the opposite of what Golden is usually known for.

What to do during the shoulder seasons in Golden, BC

The backcountry paradise surrounding town has gems like waterfall walks, canoeing, cycling trails, fishing and wildlife sightings in every season.

It can be tempting to get your adrenaline going on the mountain coaster and canyon swing at the Golden Skybridge which is open from late May to mid-October, or while soaring over the scenic Mount 7 site during a tandem paraglide.

However, some choose to come here to get away from it all and back to nature, opting for laid-back excursions like forest bathing, leisurely hikes to scenic spots like the impressive Wapta Falls, bike rides on the Golden Rotary Trails looping around town, or simply strolling across the timber-framed Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge which arches over the Kicking Horse River.

Cozy up at a cute cafe in town: Ethos Cafe’s fresh-baked bread and sweet treats regularly prompt lineups out the door, while Bacchus Cafe has been a longtime staple even for those just passing through town.

Browse titles at the family-owned, independent Four Points Books on the first floor, then head upstairs to grab a carefully crafted coffee or nosh on sandwiches and hearty soups at Bacchus which is also lined with bookshelves.

Animal encounters also happen year-round in these parts: visit the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre to learn all about wolf conservation, visit Boo the bear up at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, or head to Rocky Mountain Buffalo Ranch to see a herd of buffalo up close.

Back downtown, sample Belgian-inspired and West Coast influenced small batch beers at Whitetooth Brewing Company, head over to the retro Golden Bowling for a round of five-pin (don’t forget to grab a stash of candy on the way out, guaranteed to spark nostalgia) and saddle up to the bar at Stolen Bell Distillery for a happy hour craft cocktail.

In the evening, standout spots for dining around town include comfort cuisine at local fave Eleven22, tacos and margs at Reposados, Whitetooth Bistro and The Island Restaurant. Or, take advantage of the full kitchens and barbecues found at many self-contained accommodations, and spend the night cooking your own feast before heading outside with a glass of wine for a late-nite bonfire and stargazing.

Accommodations in Golden, BC

Those self-contained accommodations are the pièce de résistance of a shoulder season getaway, and Golden has dozens of unique, memorable spots for an idyllic escape.

A newcomer worth trying to snag a stay at is the impressive CABN Golden, a pair of Scandinavian-inspired A-frames overlooking the Blaeberry River just a 15 minute drive from town.

Situated about 100 feet apart and built for privacy, they can be rented separately or together, which is an ideal set up for either a romantic couples’ getaway or for groups and families.

Each cabin has a bedroom on the main floor with a king-size bed, a separate bedroom upstairs with twin beds that can be pushed together, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, living area with fireplace, laundry, storage room and outdoor deck overlooking the water with a barbecue.

Perhaps the best feature is each one has its own private, separate sauna room looking out at the surrounding forest and river through a massive wall-sized window, complete with a rainfall shower.

Essential oils and cushy robes are thoughtfully provided to make it feel like the ultimate spa experience, and is the perfect place to warm up during a chilly autumn evening.

If it’s more of a glamping vibe you’re after, The Blaeberry Base located nearby has two geodesic domes which each boast a full kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and private deck with barbecue and firepit.

There’s also a cedar sauna on site, shared with guests staying in the neighbouring cabins that have their own hot tubs.

The Blaeberry Base. Courtesy of Tourism Golden

Finally, snuggle up inside one of the Golden Tiny Homes, and soak in views of the Purcell Mountains from this secluded hillside property on the outskirts of town.

Each one has a queen bed, pullout couch, full kitchen and bathroom, and access to a shared treetop sauna and hot tub.

No matter where you choose to kick back and relax, Golden’s stunning scenery and secluded spots make it the perfect place to embrace the idea of not being busy and lean into cozy season.

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