Golden, British Columbia, is a picturesque town nestled in the southeastern part of Canada. It's located 262 kilometres west of Calgary, Alberta, and 713 kilometres east of Vancouver. This charming town is steeped in history and surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
Golden's history dates back to 1807 when David Thompson, a renowned fur trader, surveyor, and map maker, was tasked by the North West Company to open a trading route to the Pacific Northwest. Thompson's journey led him across the Rocky Mountains and along the Blaeberry River to the future site of Golden.
In 1881, the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) hired surveyor A. B. Rogers to find a rail route through the Selkirk and Rocky Mountains. Rogers established a base camp, initially known as McMillan's Camp, marking the beginning of Golden. By 1884, the settlement was renamed Golden City, later dropping the word 'city'.
Golden also holds a significant place in South Asian Canadian history. Sikh settlers arrived in Golden in 1902 to work at the Columbia River Lumber Company, building the first gurdwara (Sikh temple) in North America in 1905.
Golden's economy has been heavily influenced by the CPR and the logging industry. However, the development of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and other outdoor adventure companies has allowed the town to diversify into tourism.
Golden is beautifully situated in the Rocky Mountain Trench, built around the confluence of the Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers. It's surrounded by three different mountain ranges and five national parks: Yoho, Banff, Jasper, Glacier, and Kootenay.
Golden is conveniently located on Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada Highway), and it is the northern terminus of Highway 95, connecting it to the United States.
Golden experiences a climate with influences of the humid continental and semi-arid varieties. Summers are warm but rarely hot, with winters being somewhat moderated in comparison to areas east of the Rockies. The town also sees heavy annual snowfall, averaging 184 centimetres.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Golden had a population of 3,986 living in 1,734 of its 1,892 total private dwellings. This marked a change of 7.5% from its 2016 population of 3,708. With a land area of 11.33 km2, it had a population density of 351.8/km2 in 2021.
Golden, British Columbia, is a town that beautifully blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone who appreciates stunning landscapes, Golden is a destination that promises a unique and memorable experience.
