Pacific Northwest Gems: Golden, B.C.

If you find yourself on the Trans-Canada Highway, do not simply get lost in the majesty of the peaks and turquoise water of Banff. Take a turn off the highway into this little nugget of a town called Golden. Located in British Columbia and within proximity to six of the most scenic National Parks, Golden is a small mountain town filled with history and culture and is quietly making a run for mainstream. 

Disguised as sleepy, Golden is working towards developing a culinary reputation with dining offerings that rival some of the larger BC towns. For a fast stop in town with your bridal party, consider Eleven22, which offers a modern, personal dining experience in a historic building with patio views of Golden Mountain. Downtown, Whitetooth Mountain Bistro is open all day and touts an atmosphere that is both contemporary and casual. They can accommodate larger parties and their downtown location is more central to entertainment, making them a top choice in Golden for a more active wedding party experience.

If you’ve got a bit more time, consider a quick drive up Golden Mountain to the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, where you can catch the gondola to the mountain’s peak for a meal in the clouds at the Eagle’s Eye Restaurant. This is not standard ski lodge dining. Eagle’s Eye offers regional cuisine prepared using classic French techniques. Mountaintop private suites, as well as reception space, are available, making this one of the most unforgettable venue options in BC. Summer weather affords a clear and endless view of the Canadian Rockies, with the most rugged and awe-inspiring panoramic locations to say “I do.”

Photos courtesy of (in order of appearance): Claire Dibble (1st, 9th & 10th), Kat Hadford Photography (2nd), Agathe Bernard (3rd & 8th), Best Impressions Photography & Web Design (4th & 5th), Patrick Garbutt with Mountain Sledder (6th), Jeff Bartlett (7th), A Barrett Photography (11th)

This article first appeared in Destination I Do’s Spring/Summer 2019 issue. You can order a copy here.