Golden, BC, is best known for its easy access to mountains, rivers, and trails…
But it's also one of the best starting points for unforgettable summer road trips.
Within a few hours, you can drive through towering mountain passes, turquoise lakes, ancient glaciers and spectacular national park scenery.
Whether you're planning a leisurely day trip or a full-day adventure, there are several scenic drives near Golden BC within easy reach of Kicking Horse Lodging.
Here are four of the best scenic routes Golden BC has to offer for your summer itinerary.
1. Yoho National Park
45 hour/61 km (38 miles) from Golden
Just west of Golden, Yoho National Park packs an incredible amount of scenery into a relatively compact area. You cross into the park minutes after leaving town, craggy mountain peaks, waterfalls, and emerald lakes quickly replacing highway views.
One of the highlights is Emerald Lake, famous for its striking green water and easy lakeshore walking trail. Continue farther along Yoho Valley Road to reach Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada's tallest waterfalls, plunging more than 370 meters (1,214 feet).
Wapta Falls is another can't-miss, the largest waterfall along the Kicking Horse River. It's not particularly tall, but instead incredibly wide The drive is beautiful, but the real appeal is how many stops you can fit into a single day. Short hikes, picnic areas, canoe rentals at Emerald Lake and scenic viewpoints make it easy to spend several hours exploring without venturing far from Golden activities.
2. Glacier National Park
45 minutes/58 km (36 miles) from Golden
Driving west along the Trans-Canada Highway takes you into Glacier National Park, home to dramatic alpine scenery and one of Canada's most important transportation corridors. The highway follows the route pioneered by the Canadian Pacific Railway through the Selkirk Mountains, offering impressive views almost the entire way.
The heart of the drive is Rogers Pass National Historic Site, where you'll find a visitor centre with exhibits about the area's railway history, avalanches, and mountaineering. Several easy-to-moderate hiking trails begin nearby, including popular Hemlock Grove Boardwalk, winding through an old-growth cedar and hemlock forest. Keep an eye out for wildlife. Mountain goats, black bears, and marmots are all commonly spotted (and seen) in the park, especially during early mornings and evenings.
3. Columbia Icefields Parkway (via Banff)
2.5 hours/200 km (124 miles) from Golden
Of all the road trips near Golden BC, the Columbia Icefields Parkway is arguably the most famous. From Golden, drive east into Banff National Park before joining Highway 93 North, a route consistently ranked among the world's most impressive drives.
The scenery changes constantly: expect glacial lakes, soaring peaks, waterfalls, and sweeping valleys around nearly every corner. Popular stops include Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and Mistaya Canyon before reaching the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle. Visitors can book an Ice Explorer tour onto the Athabasca Glacier or walk the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass platform extending over Sunwapta Valley. Even if you choose to mostly stay in your vehicle and enjoy the scenery from afar, simply driving this route is an unforgettable experience.
4. Smith-Dorrien Trail
3 hours/277 km (172 miles) from Golden
Travellers looking to escape the crowds should consider the Smith-Dorrien Trail, a rugged backcountry route connecting Kananaskis Country and Canmore.
Parts of the road may close seasonally, but in general, from Golden, you'll travel toward Radium Hot Springs, then head north through Kootenay National Park and into Kananaskis Country. Unlike other scenic drives near Golden BC on this list, much of the Smith-Dorrien Trail is gravel, making it best suited to drivers comfortable on unpaved roads.
In dry summer conditions, most passenger vehicles can complete the route, but checking current road conditions before setting out is always recommended. The reward is a quieter drive through wonderfully remote landscapes. Highlights include Spray Lakes and opportunities to spot moose, bighorn sheep, and bears. Several trailheads along the route provide access to excellent hiking, while numerous picnic areas give you a reason to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Stay Close to Every Adventure
After a full day behind the wheel exploring one of the road trips near Golden BC, Kicking Horse Lodging serves as a comfortable home base to recharge before the next adventure.
Comprised of traditional hotel rooms, condo-style suites, and vacation homes the accommodation options at Kicking Horse Lodging make it easy to find the right fit for your trip. Many suites include full kitchens, while select rooms and cabins feature private outdoor hot tubs—the perfect way to unwind after hours on the road and trail.
You'll stay close to hiking and mountain biking trails, then return each evening to the peaceful mountain resort atmosphere—all while being just a scenic drive away from some of Canada's most unforgettable landscapes.
