Be Adventurous...Your Way
Whether it's your first time visiting Golden, or you've been coming for years, let Spruce Hollow Lodge be a part of your adventure and the mountains of memories just waiting to be made. Many activities listed below are available across seasons, so don't let our suggestions box you in, be spontaneous as you explore our beautiful region!
Winter
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort With a vertical drop of over 4300ft and the only stop of the 2024 Free-ride World Tour, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is the destination for those who love extreme skiing and snowboarding, and of course, Apres Ski.
Ride the Back Country, Groomers or Alpine Whether you're bringing your own sled, or renting from a vendor in Golden, the options are limitless for snow machine enthusiasts. Point in any direction you choose, and you can carve your own trail. A note to those wishing to use the groomers...a trail pass will need to be purchased and can be done through Sled Golden.
Heli-Ski/Cat Ski the Mountain Ranges of Golden Whether you want a helicopter to drop you to an isolated location and slice through fresh champagne powder, or you want to experience the thrill of cat skiing untouched terrain, Golden is where you can get your adrenaline pumping.
Ice Fish the Mountain Lakes Take advantage of the numerous lakes that are nestled among the forested roads of Golden. Pack your gear and some shrimp bait and hit the trails. **Most lakes are only accessible by snow machine, but there are some that you can get to by snowshoe or 4x4.**
Winter is the perfect time to book at Spruce Hollow Lodge. Hit the slopes at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort or book a snow mobile tour on one of the numerous groomed trails or into the back country. Let your heart race by exploring the world class heli and cat skiing/snow boarding terrain or make your way to one of the numerous lakes that surround us to enjoy the incredible ice fishing. Unwind after a long day by booking yourself a massage in the comfort of Spruce Hollow or sink into the hot tub to ease those tired muscles.
Spring
Fish on a Mountain Lake or River The lakes and rivers surrounding Golden and the Columbia Valley offer some of the most idyllic scenery to cast your line. Catch a rainbow or mud trout to fry for dinner, but remember that a BC fishing license is required for all anglers.
The Farmer's Market in Spirit Square The Farmer's Market in Spirit Square near the pedestrian bridge in Golden is opened from 10-3pm every Wednesday, June through September. Drop by to support local vendors offering a variety of goods to make your stay even more enjoyable.
The Golden Skybridge on Golden Donald Upper Road Located just 2 minutes drive from Spruce Hollow, The Golden Skybridge is the ultimate adventure for those who want to feel the rush of being on Canada's highest suspension bridge and take in the views of the Rocky and Purcell Mountain Ranges. You can also ride the zip line, mountain coaster or canyon swing. Fun for all ages!!
Drive the Scenic Columbia Valley If a meandering road trip is on the agenda, take highway 95 out of Golden towards Radium Hot Springs, where you are likely to see migrating trumpeter swans and spring flowers in full bloom. As you cruise under snow capped mountains, remember to stop along the way for jaw dropping photos to remember your vacation with us.
When the snow starts to melt, The Columbia Valley finds new life. As you leave Spruce Hollow Lodge and drive towards Golden, you'll pass the world renowned SkyBridge, where there is truly something for every adventurer. If you find yourself driving through the our beautiful town, make your way to our Wednesday Farmer's Market in Spirit Square next to the Pedestrian Bridge or enjoy walking one of the many trails that wind through the valley to end up at one of the local establishments for a quick bite. Spring is also the time of year when Boo, our resident grizzly emerges from his den in his refuge on Kicking Horse Mountain. It is a quiet time of year in Golden to truly experience our town like a local.
Summer
Raft the Kicking Horse River If extreme sports are on your list of things to do, visit a local operator to book your exhilarating ride down the Kicking Horse River. With white water rapids interspersed with calm and scenic sections, you'll love this one-of-a-kind experience. If you're really lucky, you may even spot some local wildlife taking a stroll next to the river or see a train pass by. Not to be missed!
Hike an Alpine Trail or local Riverbed Whether you're into a slow and leisurely walk through town or want to take your hiking shoes, hydro-pack and bear spray, Golden is your ultimate destination for any journey. With alpine treks and river trails at your disposal, find the perfect balance to round out your holiday.
Find Susan Lake in your 4x4 Located about an hour from Spruce Hollow is the most spectacular lake, known mostly to locals. The drive is like everything else in Golden, not for the faint of heart. If you have a 4x4 and are comfortable navigating old forested roads, pack a snack and experience a true mountain lake. Please be aware, there is absolutely no cell phone service anywhere on this road, so plan accordingly and be bear aware!
Take a walk into Wapta Falls, visit Emerald Lake and Field If a driving adventure speaks to you, point your wheels East along Highway 1 and head towards the town of Field. Along the way, stop at Wapta Falls. This short, but scenic hike is ideal for those looking for a more low-key day, but still want to get those amazing pictures. Once leaving Wapta, continue East until you see the sign to turn into Emerald Lake and the Natural Bridge. These attractions are easily accessible, but absolutely stunning in their beauty. There is a hike that will take you around Emerald Lake that is easy to moderate. Once back on the highway, take the 2 minute drive East to the little town of Field for some refreshments. Remember that all these attractions are located within Yoho National Park boundaries and require a park pass, obtainable when you pass through the park gates en route.
Get ready for an unforgettable summer of adventure in Golden BC! This paradise for thrill-seekers offers a wide range of activities that will get your heart racing. From swimming at Cedar Lake and rafting the Kicking Horse River with Glacier Raft Company or Kootenay River Runners to hiking and mountaineering with a guide from BC Mountain Guides, fishing and canoeing, exploring waterfalls, and mountain biking on world-class trails, there's something for everyone! Come and experience the thrill of the great outdoors from the perfect location of Spruce Hollow Lodge his summer.
Autumn
See the Colours of Fall as you go through the Valley Once Autumn has arrived, the colours of the Columbia Valley are truly spectacular. The air is crisp and smells incredible and the mountains are alive with reds, oranges and yellows. Take a walk along the Kicking Horse River in the municipal park in Golden or drive further into the Columbia Valley to see nature put on a show. There are so many places to stop your car, get out and take a walk and photos. Remember though, this is an active time for bears as they are preparing for hibernation; be aware and take your bear spray for those longer nature walks.
Golden's Pedestrian Bridge in Spirit Square. Fall is a great time of year to act like a local and visit some of the restaurants or boutique shops located in town. Park your car to do a little shopping or feasting and take a stroll towards the pedestrian bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. Sit on a bench while you enjoy your coffee and watch as the town slows down to catch their breath before the winter crowds arrive. Listen as you hear accents from all over the world that have made Golden home and the unique place it is.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort Mountain Biking Early Fall is the most incredible time to hit the hill with your mountain bike and do a little extreme riding. This course is for advanced riders and will require a gondola pass. Your adrenaline will be pumping as you make your way down the various trails. While there are several categories of terrain, this mountain is not for the faint of heart, no matter the seaon. Visit the Eagles Eye restaurant if go make the gondola ride to experience dining at 7700ft. Reservations are highly recommended
Visit Boo the Grizzly at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort Whether you're wanting to experience the thrills of Kicking Horse Mountain on your mountain bike, lace up your hiking boots, or just take the gondola to have a drink in the Eagles Eye, don't forget to have a look for Boo in his 20 acre refuge. He may be visible from the gondola or you can book a tour to get a closer look. Only available until Boo decides to hibernate for winter.
The mountains are calling your name in Autumn as the colours are putting on a show and the snow is crowning the surrounding mountains. Get your adrenaline bursting with the heart pumping terrain found on Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Take some time to visit Boo the Grizzly on his one of a kind refuge or enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants in Golden. Take some time to walk the numerous trails located in and around town, while enjoying a hot beverage from a local cafe. Fall is also the time runners from around the world descend on Golden for the Golden Ultra trail running events.
Take a drive
and discover the Rockies
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Getting here...
is part of the adventure
Getting to Spruce Hollow Lodge is part of the adventure itself. You can enjoy a short but amazing 2.5-hour drive from Calgary through the heart of Banff National Park and Yoho National Park. As you drive by the towns of Canmore, Banff and Field, the journey to get to us is truly part of the adventure. Coming from the West? Equally as spectacular as you move through other mountain towns and follow the winding Highway 1 East.
Get to Know Golden
Local Businesses to discover and enjoy
Spruce Hollow Lodge welcomes the opportunity to support local businesses. We have world class activities, guides, services and restaurants just waiting for you. Please click on the links below to start your adventure
Mountain Resort
Company
Guides
Dirtbag Climbing Corporation
Climbing
Rentals and Tours
Runners
Mobile Massage