Golden, BC: The Perfect Cozy Season Destination

We love a good cabin in the woods, but many will be pretty surprised to learn that your options are pretty limited around the Canadian Rockies. While we have no shortage of outdoor adventures around Banff, it’s still busy around town. If you’re looking for a true mountain cabin escape, you’re better off setting your sights on the Columbia Valley.

One of our favourite little towns to escape to is Golden, B.C., which has several “secret” spots that make for an inviting escape. Between the summer and winter seasons, there is a little less to do around town, making it a great time to enjoy the cozy season. It’s the perfect time for a good book, puzzle by the fire, soup, and time spent doing nothing.

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What Slow Time Looks Like in Golden

Golden is a great spot to unwind and escape the hustle of everyday life. We spent early November tucked away in a cozy cabin along the Blaeberry River just outside of town. The new Golden CABNs provided the most ideal place to stay, far away from any modern annoyances. We cannot think of a more idealistic cabin-in-the-woods feeling. You can learn more about Golden on Tourism Golden’s website.

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Cozy Mornings

Every morning we spent along the Blaeberry was nice and slow. There was no rush out the door to see the next sight or get on the hiking trail. We had a tea and a late brunch using bread from the local bakery. There is no rush to change out of comfy lounge clothes in the morning.

Living a busy life, pulling out a book in the morning is not something we typically do in the mountains, but it was a refreshing way to enjoy a slower pace of life. After a bit of reading and coffee, we’d head into town or take a walk along the river right from our cabin. The ever-present babbling of a river is a sound that we will never tire of hearing.

Cafe Time

When we did venture out into town from our idealistic cabin in the woods, it was to visit a local cafe like Ethos, Bluebird, Wandering Fern, or Bacchus Cafe. Golden has several gems that are characteristic of the unfussy little town.

We love the sourdough from Ethos, sandwiches at Bluebird, and soups or carrot cake from Bacchus Cafe. Of course, if you’re after something more substantial, there are some great places to grab a meal, such as Reposados, Stolen Bell, The Wolf’s Den, and Eleven22. Or you can grab a fresh brew from the local brewery, Whitetooth Brewing.

Compared to the hustle and bustle of Banff, which can at times feel like a city, Golden still feels like a small town with a deep soul. Locals here are still busy going about their lives and greeting one another while out in town. It’s a sense of community that anyone from a busier part of the world longs for. This vibe makes it nice to simply stroll around town, and wander into a cafe or two in the afternoon.

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Slow Nature

Golden lies in a wide section of the Columbia Valley where rivers and mountain ranges meet. There is no shortage of natural wonders that surround the mountain town. In peak summer, it’s hard not to feel the draw of the spectacular Glacier or Yoho National Park.

However, when the snow hides the trails and a chill settles in, it’s a great time to take a slow walk through town. We found it the perfect time to take in the Golden Stroll, which are two interactive walks around town that combine the town’s stories and nature. There are multiple QR codes on the path that you can scan and instantly learn about Golden’s unique history.

We still made time to see some highlights while in the Blaeberry, such as the Northern Lights Wolfdog Centre. If you want to explore more, we suggest you read our things to do in Golden article.

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Puzzles, Books, And Doing Nothing

Our cabin had a nice collection of games to enjoy, something we rarely enjoy at home with life’s obligations. It’s also something most visitors to the Canadian Rockies rarely enjoy. These relaxed pursuits are a breath of fresh air compared to the hustle and bustle of busy outdoor trips when you feel the need to be on the hiking trail or at the ski resort every day. You can even pick up a good book, new or used, from the charming Four Points Books in Downtown Golden.

With unopened puzzle boxes at home that had been collecting dust, we saw it as the perfect time to complete one—something we had not done in years. Quite honestly, one of the greatest joys was spent not doing much of anything, but spending a bit of time along the river doing nothing.

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Our Base – Golden CABNs

There are plenty of great places to stay in Golden, and we got to check out one of the best! On our most recent trip, we got to check out the newly built Golden CABNs. These modern A-frame-style cabins make for an incredible home away from home. They featured modern finishes, comfortable furniture, a gas fireplace, high-speed internet, private saunas, floor-to-ceiling windows, and so much more. They’re great for a family or couple, with a lofted bedroom perfect for children.

The location was just far enough away from Golden for solace, but not so far that we felt isolated. It’s a community outside of town called Blaeberry, a wide floodplain with a river running through it. It’s surrounded by mountains and well known by those looking to truly escape.

Golden CABNs are set right along the Blaeberry River. An inviting spot to take a cold plunge after heating up in the sauna – if you’re brave enough. You’ll enjoy it in peace, as the cabins are far enough apart for privacy.

We spent our evenings watching night descend on Blaeberry from the comfort of our private sauna. The Finnish sauna features a huge window that looks out towards the river and forest. After a nice meal prepared in the well-equipped kitchen, we sat down to a board game or puzzle together.

While there are only two Golden CABNs for now, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other great places to stay around town. We love Cedar Creek Chalets, the rentals at the base of Kicking Horse, and the B&Bs scattered throughout the area. There are also some awesome wood cabins along the Kicking Horse River just outside Yoho National Park.

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The Magic of Cozy Season

A slow travel style can feel just as meaningful as one that seizes the day. It’s a great opportunity to reclaim time, connect as a couple, rediscover simple pleasures, and give the mind a much-needed break. We’ve always had a soft spot for Golden, and that remains after years of visiting in both the summer and winter.

It remains an inviting escape for those looking to break away from the crowds, especially in the off-season, which is the perfect time to enjoy a good book, soak in the sauna, walk along a riverfront, or spend an afternoon in a cozy cafe. We love this crisp season in the mountains, while we dream of the winter to come. More than anything, we’re always happy to enjoy every season.