|
|
History
Originally known as "The Cache", Golden was a base camp for Major Albert Bowman Rogers and his
survey crew during the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway's tracks. When a camp to the east became known as "Silver City",
Rogers and his survey crew renamed their camp "Golden City". After four years, "City" was removed
from the name, as it seemed pretentious for a place that only had tents and some quickly-made buildings.
Tourism became popular in the early 1900's with the hiring of Swiss guides by the Canadian Pacific Railway.
The lure of fresh, unconquered peaks and indeed the prospect of viewing and experiencing the
untouched wilderness of an infant country enticed Europeans and eastern Canadians to fill Canadian Pacific Railway passenger cars and
their hotel rooms.
To make Swiss employees feel more at home the Canadian Pacific Railway constructed chalets of Swiss concept and
called their accomplishment Edelweiss Village. Today the original homes stand overlooking
Golden as the town progresses into the age of tourism.
Location
Golden is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, where the Kicking Horse River
and the Columbia River meet. Situated at the cross roads of the Trans-Canada Highway
and Highway 95 South, Golden sits not only on one of the major trade routes (TransCanada
Highway) of Canada, but offers access to some of the most pristine backcountry around.
Distances and Travel Times:
From Calgary: 268 kilometres / 3.5 hours
From Edmonton: 562 kilometres / 6 hours
From Cranbrook: 250 kilometres / 3 hours
From Vancouver: 713 kilometres / 9 hours
From Seattle: 822 kilometres / 10 hours
Places to See
- Golden Museum
The Golden Museum collects and preserves the history of Golden and its neighbours. The collection
includes newspapers dating back to 1891, maps and plans, personal histories, over 2200 photographs,
and artifacts.
- Banff National Park
Just 30 minutes away, Banff National Park is home to incredible mountain peaks, hoodoos, hot springs,
immense valleys, dense forest, meadows blanketed in wildflowers, and unforgettable lakes and rivers.
- Columbia River Wetlands
Known as the "Serengeties" of North America, the wetlands contain the second largest concentration
of blue heron in western Canada, with a colony of more than 300 pairs. Over 265 species of birds also
come to the wetlands during their annual migration.
Moose, cougar, wolves, grizzly bears, coyotes, mink, river otters, and beaver
are some of the mammal species found here. Colorful reptiles and amphibians also live here,
including Rubber Boa, Painted Turtles, and the endangered Leopard Frog.
- Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Activities at or near the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort are plentiful. Experience the
majestic beauty of the Rocky and Purcell Mountains on a guided snowmobile tour, or try
some snowshoeing on the nearby trails. Cross-country skiing is another popular activity.
Things to Do
- River rafting!
The world-renowned Kicking Horse River provides an exciting 32-kilometre journey through
Yoho National Park and the Canadian Rockies. Suitable for beginners or experts.
- Climbing!
Kicking Horse Canyon and Yoho National Park are renowned for ice climbing, and the Bugaboos
and Spillimacheen Crags are popular rock climbing spots.
- Hang Gliding and Paragliding!
Mount 7 is one of the world's best spots for flying; thermals from the Great Rocky Mountain
Trench have carried gliders more than 200 kilometres! Book a tandem flight and let an experienced
guide take you on the ride of your life.
- Skate Outdoors!
Ice skating is available on the many sloughs around the Columbia River. Reflection Lake is
a well-known skating spot, too.
Events
- Spilli Chilli Cookoff
Born out of possible delusions during a cold winter's morning, this annual June event
is a chance for local cooks to show off their chilli! Come out for great food, musical performances,
and displays from artists!
- Mount 7 Psychosis
The world's most demented downhill mountain bike race! It takes place every July and features nearly 4000 vertical feet of
single track, an alpine start with 150 metres of 40 degree locked up shale surf and an optional
43 feet air over the crowd! This is impressive stuff, folks.
- Canada Day Celebrations
Kumsheen Park is the place to be for games, competition, action, entertainment, music,
excitement and quality family fun. Fireworks top off the day in a colourful display.
- Show 'N Shine
A classic car show and rally held in downtown Golden. This is the event car buffs won't
want to miss. The classic car show and competition draws vintage automobiles from all over in this
annual two day event.
- Golden Rodeo
An annual 3-day event in August that features a parade, music from local musicians,
rodeo performances, and- perhaps best of all- cowboy poetry!
Notable Comments
- Participants at the recent Spilli Chilli Cookoff were prepared to dazzle the judges with their
chili. What they weren't prepared for was a judge who was too hot for their food. Famed humorist
Homer Cameron drenched himself in gasoline before the competition and proceeded to light himself up
with a match just before tasting was set to begin. When asked if he needed water, he laughed and replied, "Let's
wait for the chili to arrive!"
- from Fernie Sparwood, in a report for the Dawson Creek Inquirer
- "I like Golden!"
- Delores Clayburn, an enthusiastic seven-year old from Kamloops
Contact Information
Golden & District Chamber of Commerce
Box 1320, 500-10th Avenue North
Golden, BC V0A 1H0
Phone: 250-344-7125
Fax: 250-344-6688
Toll-Free: 800-622-5643
E-mail: info@goldenchamber.bc.ca
Web: www.goldenchamber.bc.ca
|
|
