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We love our furry friends! When we’re planning a holiday, bringing her along often factors into our plans. We know it can sometimes be a bit tricky to travel with your pet, but no need to worry if you’re coming to Golden, B.C.
Golden is very dog friendly and there are lots of places and activities you can enjoy together.
We spend A LOT of time outside on the trails, rivers and lakes. Here are our suggestions for the Top 5 Dog Friendly Activities in Golden, B.C.
Does your dog enjoy the water? If so, renting a kayak and heading to one of our many lakes is an awesome way to spend a day.
Golden is surrounded by many lakes, so there are options in all directions. Cedar Lake is a good choice for somewhere close, and there’s Nine Bay, Marion and Kinbasket if you want to get somewhere more remote.
We have maps and info sheets and can help get you on your way when you’re here.
Our inflatable kayaks are 2 person inflatable kayaks, so they’re super stable and there’s lots of space for you and your pooch. We recommend you sit in the back and put your pup up front. Better views for them and easier to maneuver for you.
The kayaks are very durable so if your dog wants to hop on and off there are no worries there. If you want to hop on and off, no worries there either. They’re stable enough to get both of you back up to carry on your way.
For more information about renting a kayak, or to reserve yours today, head to this Kayak Rental Page.
Hiking! Our dog LOVES hiking and we’ve spent many years exploring the trails around Golden.
Options are more limited in the National Parks, but the great news is there are SO many amazing hikes that are out of the Parks.
This could definitely be an entire blog in itself, but we’ll list a few of our favourites. Feel free to get in touch if you’d like more info.
Canyon Creek is an out and back trail so you can go as long or as little as you like. The trailhead for Canyon Creek is only 15 mins south of town. It’s steep to start but then mellows out for a relaxing hike along the edge of the canyon.
Gorman is a beautiful Alpine Lake! The drive to the trailhead is trickier than the hike itself. We recommend a high clearance vehicle for this one (although we do see small vehicles up there). The scenery is stunning, the lake is bright blue, and there’s a canoe up there all summer if you’d like to go for a paddle. The hike is a little over 3 km.
This is a steep hike to a pretty alpine lake that’s tucked away in the forest. It’s a quiet trail so you’ll likely have it to yourself, and there are camping pads if you did decide to stay overnight. The hike is 5.5 km.
Golden is in bear country, so make sure you’re bear aware before heading out. Make lots of noise, carry bear spray and keep your dog on a leash if they aren’t consistent with recall.
Exploring the trails on two wheels is another great way to explore the area and let your pup burn off a bunch of energy. There are many trail networks around town which are dog friendly.
Golden has excellent bike trail maps. They’re free and you can pick one up at most locations around town (we have them here).
Golden has all sorts of trails. Lots of friendly green trails, all the way up to steeper, technical black trails.
For a friendly ride for you and your dog, here are a few suggestions.
Located 15 minutes out of town, the Moonrakers offer 50 km of trails. You could spend days exploring this area. Most trails are rolly and friendly but check out a trail map for more difficult terrain. There is lots of water in this area, so your pup will be able to drink and swim.
These trails are on the opposite side of the valley. The trails are more technical, but are still accessible to all abilities. There is no water in these trails, so pack a drink for your pup or head out early in the day before it gets too hot.
Take it Easy is a pretty trail that rides along the edge of the riverbank overlooking the Columbia River. The trail is in the forest so you’ll have lots of nice shade. It’s an out and back trail that’s approximately 3.5 km.
Bikes can be rented in town at Higher Ground, or up at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort from their Rental Shop.
Frisbee golf (or disc golf) is gaining popularity and Golden has a brand new course on the edge of town. Located behind the ball diamonds, the 18 holes wind through a treed forest. It’s a pretty spot and there’s lots of space for your dog to run as you make your way around the course.
It might be challenging if your dog likes to fetch frisbees, but if this isn’t a concern we say play away!
Discs are available to buy for a reasonable price at a couple shops in town.
Mount 7 Forestry Road is the best way to access the course.
Who doesn’t love cooling down on a hot summer day. If your pup is anything like ours, they’ll take any chance they get to hop in and wet their coat.
Cedar Lake is a great option for you both to jump in. It’s a small wilderness lake that’s located on the bench above the Columbia River. It warms up to a very comfortable swimming temperature by mid summer, and is also a good spot to bring a SUP, floaty tube or inflatable kayak.
The lake is accessed via forestry road, halfway up the road to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
For a swim spot that’s closer to town, the Kicking Horse River and Columbia River are good options. The Columbia is warmer and slower moving, and a great spot to access it is by Confluence Park.
The Kicking Horse is much faster moving so you’ll want to find a good eddy. There’s a little beach that can be accessed from the end of the Rotary Trail by the Golden Municipal Campground.
If you’re coming to Golden, B.C. with your dog, we hope this helps with your planning. We know how important it is to find puppy friendly places. Golden really does have so many activities that the whole family can enjoy together.
If you’re travelling with your dog and your kids, check out our recommendations for the Top 10 Family Friendly Activities in Golden, B.C.
If you have other suggestions or ideas we should add, please get in touch to let us know.
You can email info@alpinerafting.com
– Alpine Rafting Team
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