This BC small town was named among Canada's 'prettiest places' and it looks like a postcard
It's a little Swiss village in the mountains. ⛰️
Golden Skybridge. Right: Golden, BC
Visiting this small town in B.C. feels like stepping into a postcard, with a mini-Swiss village, snow-capped mountain peaks and glistening blue lakes around it. It's a hidden gem tucked away in the Canadian Rockies and surrounded by some of the most incredible nature the country has to offer.
Lonely Planet released its list of the "15 prettiest places in Canada" and the town of Golden came in at 10th place. Praised for it's historic — and now restored — mini-Swiss village, local attractions, and surrounding national parks, it's easy to see why this spot is among the most picturesque in the country.
The first stop in the small town is your place to stay, and it's hard to beat the Edelweiss Village + Resort. The resort history is unique, since it was actually first build in "the early 1900s when the CPR employed experienced Swiss guides to safely guide tourists into the mountains."
According to the Golden Tourism website, they constructed six Swiss-style chalets to make up the mini-village, in order to "make them feel more at home."
Now, those chalets are refurbished, and you can book a stay there for yourself. Overlooking the Golden and Columbia Valley, you'll get views from the windows that make it easy to see how the town's been dubbed among Canada's prettiest spots.
Another intrigue of the town is the Golden Skybridge – which is home to the highest suspension bridge in Canada. Here, you can float 426 feet above a canyon, getting incredible views of the Purcell and Rocky mountain ranges while at it. They also have a mountain coaster, zip line, and rock wall.
Natural beauty is at the forefront of a trip here, and it's not hard to find. You can wander deeper into nature, though, at the four national parks that surround Golden — Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier, and Mount Revelstoke.
These parks are home to incredible views, many hiking trails, booming waterfalls, fields of wildflowers, and bright blue lakes.
The surroundings are pretty amazing, but right in town, you'll also have fun. It's quaint, with cozy shops and restaurants to explore and a tight-knit community.
If you want nature, small-town vibes and a splash of adventure — Golden is the spot.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.