Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
For most people, Golden, B.C is a town they’ve passed through on their way to grander destinations. Golden is a place to grab a third coffee, use the restroom, only to continue on, no longer! Golden has opportunities to experience BC in wild and unique ways. With the new Skybridge opening, it now boasts Canada’s highest suspension bridge!
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
Golden is a spectacular four hour drive from our home-base, Kelowna. Through the mountains and past serene lakes, the drive is every bit a part of the experience. We arrived at our Airbnb, The Black Diamond Lodge in the Blaeberry Valley, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of nature.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
The open concept and modern decor is warm and welcoming, I could imagine staying here in any season. Each bedroom opens up to the expansive deck and a hot tub beckons to ease our leg muscles after the long drive.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
Although this was a romantic anniversary getaway, the cute bunk beds and the fully stocked kitchen as well as the fire pit outside and games in the cupboards, made me think that we need to bring the boys here on a return trip.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
We awoke our first day to an ethereal sound that was so difficult to place, at first it wound its way into my dreams. As the chorus continued, I awoke to realize the song I heard was real and it was coming from the wolves that neighbour the property. Their voices filled the air in a mournful, exquisite ode to the fading nighttime, an experience I’ll never forget.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
Our first task of the day was to discover the best coffee in Golden, which we found in the vintage-style, pop-up cafe, The Wandering Fern. I likened the coffee to a European style, it took me right back to Italian cafes in Rome and the treats are from a local bakery, fresh each morning. Despite the rain, we could see this was a popular choice with locals. The owner told us she often rents her moveable cafe out to weddings and other events and can also be enjoyed at the Farmer’s Market.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
With our lattes in hand, we visited the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge, a beautiful, flat place to ride bikes, enjoy the gray-blue colour of the river, or take photos on the bridge.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
Every day at 10:15 am a tour that you cannot miss is held at The Rocky Mountain Buffalo Tours and happily, this is right around the corner from our accommodation. Leo proudly shared with us his life’s experiences all over the world and how he got to this place of settling down with a rapturous herd of buffalo.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
I don’t think I’ve ever had such misconceptions about a type of animal until Leo began explaining the personalities, the routines, and the lifestyle of his buffalo. First off, I never knew how dangerous they are! Most ranchers will never walk among their herd because they’d be gored to death. Leo spent several years gaining the trust and respect of his bull and females until he could safely and respectfully approach them without a fence in between.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
His love for these animals is evident. Their size and demeanor had our group in awe as did the stories of the predators who visit the property and the web of life that this farm attracts. We visited the newest additions to the farm as well and am reminded how much the boys would have loved to see the pigs, chickens, and bunnies!
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
I asked on Instagram for my followers to share their favourite places to visit in Golden and an overwhelming number recommended Reposados Tacos, so this is where we headed for lunch.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
I was wary that too many people had said good things that my expectations would now be too high. I worried for nought, the food and drinks were delicious! We eat first with our eyes, presentation is a huge part of the dining experience to me and Reposados got it right with each thing we ordered. The drinks and food were stunning.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
I could see why this place had been a favourite of so many, all ages were dining inside and out on the patio, everyone was smiling and having a good time, the staff were attentive and friendly, and we left feeling more full than I could have imagined.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
With happy stomachs we walked to our next stop, Bona Fide Boutique, Golden’s best shop for trendy apparel, accessories, and housewares. Here I found my favourite brands and the best colours and styles for this season. They even had mommy and me matching swimwear!
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
After trying on several dresses, ogling the adorable kid’s line, and sampling several hats, I had two bags of summer wear to take home with me. If you don’t think you’ll get out to Golden anytime soon, shop online here and receive free shipping on orders over $150.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
Finally, it was time to head to the new Golden Skybridge, a mere five minute drive from the downtown core. We were pleased to find an adorable gift shop with local BC goods, concessions, and the cutest kids playground. Kids can have their own treetop adventure while parents enjoy a BBQ bite from the Village Grill.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
A short walk led us to the bridges, the first of two is the longest and highest in Canada, 426 feet above a sweeping canyon and 200 foot waterfall. With views of the canyon, the waterfall, the Purcell and Rocky Mountains and the glorious blue sky, I can’t decide where to look first. I’m drinking it all in at each of the viewing platforms and marvelling being here among this glorious nature.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
Open 9am-9pm, with reasonable rates and plenty of spaces to enjoy, this park will soon have even more excitement as it will be joined by ziplining and a canyon swing! This is definitely an attraction to add to your BC summer bucket list!
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
That evening we celebrated our anniversary on the Rockwater Grill and Bar’s riverside patio. With views of the Whitetooth mountains, we enjoyed the sounds of the rushing river as we sipped on refreshing drinks and chatted with the amazing staff about the area.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
The Rockwater Grill and Bar and the Whitetooth Mountain Bistro share a talented, local chef, Aaron Warnock, who’s created a tantalizing menu for all palates. Both establishments seek to create an inspired but accessible menu for locals and visitors alike.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
We started with a creamy feta appetizer with confit tomato, marinated olives, black garlic, basil chimichurri, on warm flatbread. Our mains consisted of the daily specials and we finished it off with creamy creme brulee!
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
The Rockwater Grill and Bar hosts musicians from around the world in live music events. In typical years, this venue is perfect for large groups looking to unwind from a day of hiking or skiing.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
The Whitetooth Mountain Bistro is equally exceptional for lunch or dinner. Highly reviewed, Warnock integrates ethinic flavours with Canadian ingredients. Whether you’re just passing through, or stopping to spend some quality time in Golden, make sure you enjoy at least one of these local restaurants!
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
The next day we had one more adventure on our list to enjoy, the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Center. I had to see who had serenaded me the previous morning and what creatures held such passion in their souls to sing so beautifully. The center is a sanctuary for wolves who would otherwise have been put down, and serves to educate people on the importance of this apex predator as a vital aspect of the entire ecosystem.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
There is no breeding here, the object is not to breed more wolves into captivity but to save the ones who have gotten a little too close to people and give them a happy home while staff can share their crucial message of preservation. As it was with the buffalo, there is a respect rather than a spirit of fear here between the humans and the animals.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphoto
As we reflected on our anniversary weekend on the drive home I kept thinking we couldn’t have chosen a better place to get away. The people of Golden are some of the friendliest we’ve ever encountered in the province, the options for exceptional food were plentiful, and we left feeling like our weekend had been full of never-been-had-before experiences. As you’re planning your BC adventures this year, I can’t recommend a stay in Golden, B.C enough!
Follow us on @loewenlifestyle for more photos and suggestions for your BC adventures. We love connecting with locals and visitors so send in your suggestions, requests, reviews or even just an introduction. We’d love to get to know you! A special thank you to local photographer @jessicajoyphoto for documenting this incredible getaway for us!
