This blog will age me and yes, I remember Lobo’s music. I grew up in a family that traveled most summers, and my parents subscribed to the theory you better understand history and geography if you see and absorb it. In reality; they just want to get us out of our remote isolated community for everyone’s sanity, anything else was a plus!
Summer 2019, my husband and I did a road trip through parts of British Columbia and Alberta. I had traveled as a child and adult through out both provinces; him not so much. A friend recommended Golden as a place to stay. I researched and decided I liked several rentals in Kicking Horse Mountain Resort just outside of Golden. IMHO a "Brilliant Decision" (he does agree and has invoked editor rights for this blog).
Golden, BC
Directions to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
Golden is a fantastic base for exploring hiking trails, mountain climbing, mountain biking, white water rafting (May-July), world-class skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, along with waterfalls, lakes, and various heritage sites; so basically, it’s a great outdoor activities base regardless of season. The Kicking Horse Pass Resort is 13 km up the mountain from Golden; or in others words the ski resort area of Golden. We visited in a “shoulder season”, so restaurants and bars at the resort were on reduced hours or not opened. We primarily dined in at our rental condo with a few evenings in Golden.
Surrounded by six incredible Canadian National Parks; Golden served as our gateway to visit them; specifically, Revelstoke, Yoho, Glacier, Banff and Jasper (Kootenay was visited from another locale). The drive to the Columbia Icefields (Jasper) made for a long day, but that was really the only one.
Boo June 2019
Our rental was perfect for the two of us, a one-bedroom condo with washer and dryer and a private hot tub on the patio. We could not have asked for more except maybe a softer mattress! The icing on the cake to staying in Golden and unknown to us until we arrived, is the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge which is in the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. This is the largest enclosed and protected grizzly bear habitat in the world and is home to Boo. Boo was born in the wild with his mother being shot and killed by a poacher in June 2002, leaving Boo and his brother, Cari, orphaned and defenseless at just five months of age. They were given a second lease on life and a new home at the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge. Alas Cari died but Boo is a thriving Grizzly you can visit. Just make sure to confirm the schedule as it is not open to the public for more than 4 or 5 hours per day during the spring, summer and fall seasons.
Golden for us will always be about “You and Me and A bear named Boo”. Although we saw several grizzlies in the wild, the highlight of this trip will always be Boo. Finally, the Eagle’s Eye Restaurant at the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is worth a visit; if only for the breath taking views.
Boo Playing in his Pool
Mountain Bikers heading up Kicking Horse Mountain
Road to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Golden BC Outdoor Playground; Road to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge
Reflection Lake, Golden BC
Video Compilation of Boo Clips
The following web sites are excellent resources for information on Golden BC and the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
