The golden triangle in Canada is not only famous for its mineral ores but also for the stunning road trip experience it provides. Encountering a grizzly bear in the pine woods is something you'll never forget. Taking a road trip through the golden area of the Kootenay Rockies is not only an adventure but also a welcome relief from overrun outdoor destinations. While the neighboring Banff National Park suffers from overcrowding due to too many tourists, the heavenly lakes and glaciers along the Golden triangle offer a pristine view without human interference.

Challenging Places to Explore

There are many things to do here to get your adrenaline pumping. Explore some great trails with the blue Parcell Mountains on one side and the Rockies on the other. Next, gather some courage and walk across the Golden Sky Bridge, which is strung across a gaping canyon at a height of 426 ft above a 200 ft waterfall. For accommodation, you can either choose log cabins, or basecamp. Some places to look up to are Cheddar House Chalet Cabin, Kootenay Park Lodge, and Boutique mountain lodge basecamp. You can also camp beside the ground of the Kicking Horse River for some experience under the stars.

Hot Springs

While exploring the beautiful villages, drive down south to enjoy hot springs in the Radium Hot Springs. The quaint idyllic town nestled between the mountains is just 1.5 km west of Banff National Park and is situated between the crossroads of Highway 93 and 95. The beautiful vista of the Columbia River and the scenic beauty of Sinclair Canyon will dazzle you as you enter the village. Arrive early in the morning to enjoy the hot springs here, or head down the bumpy road to the more remote Lussier Hot Spring if this pool gets busy.

Kootenay River Paddling

There are many water activities you can enjoy while traveling through the Golden Triangle. On the east side of the country, the Columbia River is great for easy paddling. You can enjoy the Kootenay forest, pine trees, icy water, and mountain peaks while on the river. The magnificent views of mountains become more prominent while kayaking in the harsh flowing whitewater of Kicking Horse River. The last section of the river ends up in the Golden Triangle. Try a multi-day trip starting near the river’s headwaters in Kootenay National Park. The trip will take you south to Rocky Mountain Trench at Canal Flats through forested canyons. In West Kootenay, experience paddling the calmer side of the Kootenay within the Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre.

Backcountry Trekking

On the Golden Triangle road trip, there are several nature treks that you can partake in to experience the natural beauty up close. After reaching the Kootenay National Park, prearrange a multi-day trek through the Rockwall trail. Along the alpine trail, the altitude changes the course. The course starts at Paintpod trail heads (1434m), passes through Hemlet falls (1770m), and ends at the Rockwall pass (2230m). The stretch continues through the tumbling pass, tumbling creek, Numa creek, and Numa pass and ends at Floe Lake trailhead. The untamed nature you encounter is simply breathtaking.