The Golden Visitor Center opened its doors on Sunday, May 19 and will remain open every day until the end of September. In June and September, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and in the peak months, July and August, with extended hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Visitor Center positively impacts our community. Locals can use various services, such as the Sani-Dump (available when the Visitor Center is open), the sale of Parks Canada daily and annual passes, and tickets for local attractions such as Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and the Golden Skybridge (in the second case, with a 10% discount). They can also pick up free maps for hiking, biking, and outdoor activities.
The Visitor Center is a welcoming gateway for newcomers. Our knowledgeable counsellors offer a wealth of information about our lovely mountain community as a destination.
Locals can also immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the Ktunaxa Nation, the Shuswap Band of the Secwépemc Nation, and the Métis Nation Columbia River Society, through an interpretive display. This display, a testament to our community’s diverse history, includes a video about the Ktunaxa Nation, a mural showcasing the vibrant Métis culture of decorative arts, four artworks about their sacred plants (all created by local artist Hanako Nagao), and an interpretive display featuring a traditional Métis capote. Soon, the exhibit will be enriched with new elements from the Ktunaxa Nation and Shuswap Band.
Since last year, many Goldenites have found one of their favourite little “greasy spoons” in Bubbles and Crepes, the kiosk that operates just outside of the Golden Visitor Centre and just reopened its doors this weekend.
Finally, through visitor services, the Golden Visitor Center can generate longer stays, future visitation and returns, which translates into revenue for our community. According to a survey conducted last summer, “on average, spend has drastically increased over the past four years. In fact, travel parties spent $1,092 while in Golden in the peak season of 2023 which was up 80% over 2019 results ($606).”
