Golden is best known as a super scenic, world-class destination for outdoor adventure, but it’s also one of the best places in the Rockies to slow down and soak in the evening skies. With minimal light pollution, wide-open views, and stunning mountain scenery in every direction, this little mountain town delivers big when it comes to sunsets, stargazing, and golden hour photography.
Whether you're a seasoned astrophotographer or just want a quiet place to watch the sky transform from day to night, here are three of Golden's best spots to catch the magic:
Reflection Lake and Mount 7
Reflection Lake is a favourite among both locals and visitors for good reason. Just a few minutes from downtown Golden, it offers quick access to beautiful views, wildlife, and evening light. The small lake is located at the base of Mount 7, especially popular for mountain biking and paragliding. The parking lot can be quite busy in the summer months, but don't let that deter you; most people here are riding rather than watching the skies.
A short path leads from the parking lot to a wooden viewing deck overlooking the lake. It’s easy to see where the lake gets its name: glassy, mirror-like reflections of Mount 7 and the sky often appears on calm water. The platform has interpretive signs about local bird species, plus a shaded picnic area, making this an ideal place to wind down at the end of the day. If you're an early riser, this is also a fantastic spot to catch sunrise, with the sun casting its early golden glow on the water.
For even more dramatic views, follow the 13-kilometer gravel road up Mount 7 itself, named for the distinct "7" formed on the mountainside every spring when the snow melts. The drive is manageable for most vehicles and absolutely worth it. At the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Columbia Valley and wetlands, the Purcell Mountains, and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort across the valley. The wooden launch pad used by paragliders doubles as an incredible perch for sunset, and once the sun dips below the horizon, this becomes one of the top stargazing locations in Golden. The combination of minimal artificial lights and a high vantage point means the night sky feels enormous up here.
Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge
If you're looking for sunset spots in Golden, BC that don’t require a drive or a hike, the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge is a must. This downtown landmark is the longest freestanding timber-frame bridge in all of Canada, stretching 46 meters (151 feet) across the Kicking Horse River. Built from Douglas fir and weighing over 200,000 pounds, the bridge, referred to as a "superstructure," is not just a feat of engineering but also a striking place to enjoy dusk.
The area around the bridge connects with the Rotary Walking Trails and Spirit Square, so it’s ideal for pairing your visit with a relaxing riverside stroll. Wildlife sightings are common here, especially elk and deer in spring and fall at dawn and around sunset, so have your camera ready. Looking north as you stand on the bridge, you’ll see the jagged peaks of the Dogtooth Range; to the south, Mount 7 rises dramatically in the distance. The river below winds its way to connect with the Columbia, reflecting soft colours from the sky during golden hour.
Once it gets dark, the bridge also makes a compelling subject for night photography. Be cautious near the riverbanks after sunset, as the Kicking Horse's currents are notoriously swift in even the best conditions. But for anyone asking where to watch the sunset in Golden, this scenic option right downtown is hard to beat.
Kicking Horse Mountain Viewpoints
Once at the top, you can enjoy the views from where you are. You can head into Eagle’s Eye (Canada’s most elevated dining experience at 7700 feet) for a coffee or some lunch.
For the best alpine views with minimal effort, take the Golden Eagle Express gondola up to the summit of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. It’s a 20-minute ride to the top, with the views getting exponentially better with every passing minute. You’ll gain over 1,200 meters of elevation, arriving at an expansive alpine landscape with 360-degree views.
At the summit, you have options. Follow one of the trails going both directions along the ridgeline, relatively mellow but offering some of the best golden hour photography spots in the area.
The surrounding peaks of the Purcell and Selkirk ranges unfold in every direction, bathed in shifting shades of pink, orange, and purple as the sun sets. With some advance planning (and a reservation), you can also head into Eagle's Eye, Canada's highest elevation restaurant, for dinner or a drink.
The resort is also one of the best places to watch the stars in Golden. At over 7,700 feet above sea level, there’s little to no light interference and countless places to enjoy the view. Cozy up on your private patio, go for a quiet walk, or indulge in a night soak in your hot tub, arguably among the top stargazing locations Golden has to offer. On a clear night, constellations are sharp, and if you're lucky, you might even catch the faint glow of the Milky Way.
Enjoy Golden Hour in Golden
After a night of chasing sunsets or stargazing under the alpine sky, you'll want a place that’s both convenient and comfortable. Kicking Horse Lodging offers several excellent options, all nestled at the base of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Glacier Mountaineer Lodge, Palliser Lodge, and Aspen Vacation Home, each offering cozy, upscale accommodations that feel like your own private cabin.
With amenities like fireplaces, full kitchens, and easy access to trails and viewpoints, these properties make a perfect basecamp for anyone exploring the night skies. And if you’re staying on the mountain, you won’t have to go far for an impromptu sunset session or late-night stargazing right from your balcony or patio.
