Known both as "The Ultimate Adventure Destination" and "The Heart of the National Parks", the town of Golden, British Columbia is fast becoming internationally acclaimed for the huge variety of sights and adventures which await you there.

Its location is one that a nature enthusiast, an outdoor sports fan, and any tourist dream of. Golden, with a population of approximately 4,000 permanent residents, is surrounded by six mountainous national parks: Yoho, Banff, Jasper, Mount Revelstoke, Glacier and Kootenay -- Yoho National Park being just a half-hour drive away.

At the junction of the Trans-Canada Highway #1 and Highway 95, it is also the junction of the Columbia and Kicking Horse Rivers, making it an ideal spot for water adventures of all kinds. Golden is just around the corner from the Columbia River wetlands, providing an important stop in the migratory route of over 250 different species of birds; and in Golden's back yard, there is Reflection Lake (seen above), a beautiful and peaceful spot to relax.

Some of its most highly acclaimed features are the incredible powder snow to be found here at the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, along with thermals second to none, making it a world-class stop for snowboarding, downhill, cross country, and heli-skiing, along with hang gliding and paragliding. In fact, the Canadian National Hang Gliding and Paragliding Championships are held here every year at Mt. 7.

With so many things to do in Golden, it's easier to say what a visitor couldn't find here. A quiet community with a wonderful variety of shops and restaurants, Golden is a perfect location for anyone wishing to explore the Canadian Rocky Mountains to their fullest.