Let's be honest — there's not a single 'bad' view in the Rocky Mountains as a whole, and certainly not anywhere in British Columbia. But when it comes to envy-inducing, Instagram-worthy views, specifically in Golden BC, some simply stand out more than others. With its location in the Columbia River Valley and proximity to six pristine national parks, including world-renowned Banff and Jasper, this charming small town delivers huge helpings of stunning scenery (and epic adventure!).
Check out 10 of the best views in Golden BC, all worthy of the 'gram and within an easy drive of Kicking Horse Lodging.
1. Kicking Horse River
Courtesy of Tourism Golden - Dave Best Photography
Running right through town, Golden's very own Kicking Horse River holds some of the most Instagram-worthy views in the area. It's winding and wild, snaking through the mountains that frame it so perfectly with rugged, snow-capped peaks. Beaverfoot Forest Service Road, east of town, has several panoramic lookouts.
Photography tip: in late summer, following spring runoff from the mountains, the river is a bright, milky, almost impossibly blue color.
2. Thompson Falls
Courtesy of Tourism Golden - Dave Best Photography
Unlike some other Golden attractions on our list, Thompson Falls is a rarely crowded gem. That's right...a little-visited waterfall in British Columbia does indeed exist! This cascade is on the Blaeberry River just outside of town, and you can reach it in any vehicle. An overlook takes you to a spot just above the falls, but if you're up for some adventure, take the moderate 7-mile hike.
Photography tip: the best viewpoint for capturing Thompson Falls in a picture is slightly downstream. Walk away from the falls, then turn and look back toward them from different spots.
3. The Top of Mount 7
Courtesy of Tourism Golden - Dave Best Photography
Visitors don't hear much about Mount 7 unless they're looking for the most extreme types of fun when they think about what to do in Golden—it's best known as a launch point for hang gliding. You can either hike up or drive the road to the top, but be aware that it's a rough, pothole-riddled road (why is it that the roughest roads so often lead to the greatest adventures?!).
Photography tip: head to the launch pad during golden hour, when you'll be able to capture the light sparkling off the Columbia River below.
4. Golden Eagle Express Gondola
Kicking Horse Mountain's scenic gondola whisks you from the base of the mountain up to the summit, over 7,700 feet in elevation (2,347 meters). At the top, simply take in some of the best views in Golden BC or hike one of the many trails.
Photography tip: Pictures snapped during the gondola ride are epic, but to really induce FOMO in your followers, snag a reservation at Eagle Eye Restaurant, perched at the very top of the mountain.
5. Emerald Lake
Nestled inside the underrated Yoho National Park and just 20 minutes from Golden (one hour from Kicking Horse Mountain), Emerald Lake literally looks more like a photo than real life. The glassy, mirror-still lake is accessible year-round, a brilliant turquoise blue in the summer months and freezing solid in the winter.
Photography tip: You can take a trail completely encircling Emerald Lake or rent a canoe to paddle around it. Canoe rentals are available from the summer months through early October.
6. Golden SkyBridge
Courtesy of Tourism Golden - Katie Goldie
Perched exactly 426 feet above the Columbia River Valley, it should come as no surprise that some of Golden's most Instagram-worthy views are found along the Golden SkyBridge. Walk across Canada's highest suspension bridge—if your nerves can handle it, that is, stopping to take in the 360-degree views as you go.
Photography tip: the views from the bridge itself are incredible, but be sure to walk around the property and take pictures of the bridge from a distance, too.
7. Wapta Falls
Another wildly scenic waterfall in Yoho National Park (we told you it's underrated!), Wapta Falls is both impressive and easy to reach. It's no wonder that visiting it is one of the top Golden activities for locals and visitors alike! You can hike right up to the base of the falls and if you're lucky, you may see rainbows formed by the constant mist.
Photography tip: Wapta Falls is along the Kicking Horse River, so to catch them flowing while the water is that ethereal bright, milky blue, visit during late summer.
8. Mummery Glacier
Courtesy of Tourism Golden - Andrew Chaud
If you're up for a bit more of a challenging hike, Mummery Glacier delivers in a big way with far and away some of the best views in Golden BC. Everything about the scenery, and the hike itself, for that matter, is best described as BIG. The mountains and views here somehow make you feel small in the world in a beautiful way.
Photography tip: in the summer, you can see a wall of waterfalls flowing off the mountainside by continuing along the ridgeline when you get to the trail's high point.
9. Whitewater Rafting
Since the river is arguably the most popular (natural) Golden attraction, it makes perfect sense to get ON it to chase some of the best views. Kicking Horse has a well-earned reputation for being a particularly wild river, but there are some calmer stretches, too, so it's suitable even for people who have never rafted. Book trips with local outfitter Wild Water Adventures.
Photography tip: buy an inexpensive, waterproof phone case to wear around your neck, so you can snap photos along the river without worrying about your expensive electronics.
10. Golden Larches in Autumn
Fall in British Columbia, as a whole, is Instagram-worthy, and that's putting it very mildly. It's a stunning display of jewel-toned colours, changing almost daily beginning in mid- to late September. Although there aren't many great larch hot spots right in town, one of the best Golden activities during this season is seeking them out. Luckily, there are several gram-worthy places within a short one-hour drive.
Photography tip: the closest spots to Golden for photographing larches are Lake O'Hara in Yoho National Park (80 kilometers) and Diana Lake in the East Kootenays (90 kilometers).
In Golden, every corner seems to unveil a picture-perfect moment waiting to be captured. From the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the tranquil reflections on crystal-clear lakes, this town is a haven for photographers and adventurers alike. With each vista more breathtaking than the last, Golden offers an endless array of Instagram-worthy views. Whether you're exploring its iconic landmarks like Kicking Horse Mountain Resort or discovering hidden gems off the beaten path, it promises unforgettable visual experiences.
So grab your camera, tag your location, and immerse yourself in the beauty that’s Golden, BC – where every snapshot tells a story worth sharing. Book your stay at the Kicking Horse Resort.
