Our private 38-acre property features a specially marked "Follow the Wren" trail system perfect for family exploration. The map is printed and hung on the wall in our mudroom.
Kids love following the custom trail markers while spotting local wildlife and plants along the way. The easy terrain and engaging signage make this an ideal activity for families with children of all ages.
Where the mighty Kicking Horse and Columbia Rivers meet, Confluence Park offers the perfect setting for a family picnic and outdoor adventure. The park features sandy beaches for play, easy walking trails, and plenty of space for kids to run free. Pack a lunch and spend the afternoon watching kayakers navigate the rapids while the kids build sandcastles.
This 18-hole mountain-themed mini golf course offers fun challenges for all ages. Kids especially love the creative obstacles and the ice cream treats available at the clubhouse. The course is well-maintained and features beautiful mountain views that parents will appreciate while the family competes for the lowest score.
Emerald Lake, located in Yoho National Park, is a must-visit destination for families looking for an easy yet breathtaking outdoor experience. The lake’s brilliant turquoise waters make it one of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies. Visitors can rent a canoe and paddle across the calm, crystal-clear water, surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests.
For those who prefer to explore on foot, the Emerald Lake Loop (5.2 km / 3.2 mi) is an easy, family-friendly hike that circles the lake. The back section of the trail feels more like a hidden forest path, adding a sense of adventure.
The Natural Bridge near Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park is a stunning, kid-friendly roadside stop with easy access and safe viewing of the Kicking Horse River carving through rock.
Note: Lake Louise is another amazing stop however it is a considerably more busy than Emerald Lake. It is worth a visit if it is your first time visiting the Canadian Rockies.
This family-friendly 4.6km round-trip hike leads to one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies. The wide, well-maintained trail has minimal elevation gain, making it perfect for little legs. The thundering 30-meter waterfall at the end provides an epic reward for your effort.
Note: once you turn off the highway it is about another 2km drive to the start of the trail so it is worth driving to the entrance.
Click AllTrails Wapta Falls
- Watch majestic buffalo roam freely across scenic mountain pastures while learning about North America's largest land mammal
- Learn authentic Indigenous fire-making techniques and view historical artifacts
- Hear Leo Downey's incredible journey from Hollywood stuntman to buffalo rancher and conservationist
- Get up close (but safe) views of these magnificent creatures weighing up to 2,000 pounds
- Discover how buffalo shaped Indigenous culture and the history of the Canadian West
- Learn about sustainable ranching practices and buffalo conservation efforts
- Experience traditional storytelling about buffalo hunting and prairie life
- Understand why buffalo are perfectly adapted to survive harsh mountain winters
- Take stunning photos of buffalo against a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains while learning about their behavior patterns
Reposados: Quick, casual Mexican food where kids can watch tacos being made and customize their meals.
@reposados_tacos_golden | Click HERE
Island Restaurant: Spacious pub setting with kids' menu, highchairs, and relaxed atmosphere perfect for families.
@theislandrestaurant | Click HERE
The Bar & Grill: Modern casual dining with mountain views, kids' menu, and spacious booths perfect for families.
@thebarandgrill.golden | Click HERE
Wolf’s Den: Casual dining with welcoming atmosphere and varied menu suitable for all ages.
@thewolfsdenrestaurant | Click HERE
Rockwater Grill & Bar: Family-welcome until 9pm with large portions and kids' options.
@rockwatergrill | Click HERE
Bluebird Cafe: Casual breakfast spot perfect for families with house-made pastries.
@bluebirdcafegolden | Click HERE
Eleven22: Housed in a historic 1920s home, this upscale restaurant serves innovative Asian-fusion cuisine paired with an impressive wine list.
@eleven22.restaurant | Click HERE
The gondola ride up Kicking Horse Mountain is an adventure in itself, offering spectacular views of the Columbia Valley. At the top, families can enjoy the kids' climbing wall, hiking trails, and lunch at Eagle's Eye Restaurant – North America's highest-elevation restaurant. The mountain air and alpine environment create an unforgettable experience.
Perched at 7,700 feet above sea level, the Eagle's Eye Restaurant at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort offers fine dining with breathtaking 360-degree mountain views and serves up seasonal cuisine featuring local ingredients. Access requires a gondola ticket (purchase at the resort base), and advance reservations are highly recommended for this unique dining experience that's earned its reputation as one of North America's most spectacular mountaintop restaurants.
Click HERE for the Gondola & Click HERE for Eagle Eye Restaurant
Walking across Canada's highest suspension bridges delivers guaranteed excitement for the whole family.
The two bridges hover 426 and 262 feet above the canyon floor, offering breathtaking mountain views. Kids especially love the adventure course designed just for them, while parents appreciate the excellent photo opportunities.
Beyond the bridges, families can enjoy a variety of exciting activities suitable for all ages. The Canyon Edge Challenge Course provides safe thrills for children aged 5-12 with mini ziplines and rope challenges, while older kids and adults can test their courage on the more advanced ropes course. The Ridge Walk offers a gentler experience with interpretive trails and stunning viewpoints, perfect for those preferring to keep their feet closer to the ground.
The Village Plaza serves as a comfortable home base with a café, gift shop, and rest areas. Seasonal activities add extra excitement throughout the year, including axe throwing (ages 10+), giant outdoor chess, and nature scavenger hunts during spring and summer months. Family package rates make this attraction an excellent value, and with most activities included in the admission price, families can easily spend 2-4 hours exploring all the Skybridge has to offer.
Click HERE to read more about our adventures on our blog. Click Banff Jasper Collection | Golden Skybridge for the direct website to Golden Skybridge.
Experience the thrill of white water rafting with professional guides who specialize in family adventures. The company offers age-appropriate routes that provide excitement while maintaining safety. All equipment is provided, making this an easy way to introduce children to the excitement of river rafting.
Click Kootenay River Runners to book.
Open year-round, the Northern Lights Wolf Centre offers a rare chance to see wolves up close while learning about their vital role in nature. Dedicated to conservation and education, the centre teaches visitors about human-wildlife coexistence through engaging guided tours.
Perfect for families, kids will love watching the wolves and hearing their haunting howls. Interactive presentations make learning fun, and unique experiences like photography walks let guests see these majestic animals in action. A visit here is an unforgettable way to connect with nature and support wolf conservation.
Click Northern Lights Wolf Sanctuary for more information.
Alleycat Bowling offers the perfect rainy-day activity for families. The 5-pin bowling alley features eight bumper lanes for younger children and creates a fun, competitive atmosphere for the whole family. The retro vibe and affordable prices make this a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Kids will love the massive wall of candy, packed with an endless variety of sweet treats.
Click Tourism Golden | Golden Bowling Alley for more information.
This hidden gem offers a perfect summer cool-down spot for families. The sandy beach and shallow water create a safe swimming environment for children, while the surrounding trees provide welcome shade. The nearby playground and picnic facilities make it easy to spend a full afternoon enjoying the water.
Perfect for a rainy day! Step back in time and discover Golden's fascinating history through interactive exhibits and displays. Kids love exploring the railway artifacts and learning about local wildlife, while parents appreciate the well-curated Indigenous culture exhibits. The museum provides an educational experience that's engaging for all ages.
Click Golden BC Museums
The Golden Rotary Trail in Golden, British Columbia, offers a scenic and family-friendly biking experience suitable for riders of all levels. This well-maintained, mostly flat loop spans approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and winds along the Kicking Horse River, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trail passes through residential areas, treed paths, and by Reflection Lake, offering a diverse and picturesque journey.
Starting at the iconic Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge—the longest freestanding timber-frame pedestrian bridge in Canada—the trail is easily accessible and well-marked, making it ideal for families, including those with bike trailers. The route is shared with pedestrians, so riders are encouraged to be mindful of others. Whether you're seeking a leisurely ride or a way to explore Golden's natural beauty, the Golden Rotary Trail provides a memorable biking adventure.