Last week, communities across the country celebrated “Tourism Week”, a chance to reflect on the impact and importance of tourism in Canada. When most people hear the word “tourism,” they probably picture ski hills, white water rafting, and other exciting adventure activities—and fair enough, Golden has no shortage of those. But if you pause to think about it a little more deeply, you’ll realize that tourism runs far deeper than the obvious. Like many resort towns, big and small, Golden has absorbed tourism into the very fabric of our community.
Golden’s roots are in industry. For many years, much of the town was employed in the forestry industry or working on the railway. Everything changed with the introduction of our first ski hill—Whitetooth Ski Area, now known as Kicking Horse Mountain Resort—which marked the beginning of a new economic chapter, one powered by tourism. Back then, few could have predicted just how much this new industry would grow. These days, if tourism were to suddenly disappear, we’d all feel it.
Take our shoulder seasons, for example—those quieter times in spring and fall. Businesses notice the dip in customers, and then breathe a sigh of relief as visitors return for summer or winter. Tourism brings surges in business that help carry local entrepreneurs and employers through the year.
You might not realize the indirect ways tourism benefits the town. Visitors often fall in love with Golden and later decide to buy property, build homes, or start businesses, feeding into local industries like construction, real estate, and trades.
As someone who was born and raised in Golden, I take a huge amount of pride in where I’m from. I love seeing people experience the incredible views, wild landscapes, and vibrant community we get to wake up to every day.
Golden also sits in a truly unique spot, surrounded by six national parks, which only adds to its appeal.
Of course, tourism isn’t without its frustrations—I’ll be the first to complain about out-of-towners treating our roads like a driver’s ed course. But in the same breath, I genuinely enjoy meeting people who’ve chosen to visit our town. Their presence means more than just crowded trails and parking lots; it means they’re supporting local businesses, many of which are owned and operated by fellow locals.
And it’s not just the business owners who deserve a shoutout—it’s also the people behind the scenes. The ski guides and patrol ensuring safety in the backcountry, the baristas making your morning coffee, the cleaners keeping the accommodations spotless—all of them are essential to Golden’s tourism experience.
As locals, it can be tough to see our once-secret spots become popular. But it’s all about perspective. The tourists you meet on Mount 7 today might be the reason your favourite coffee shop can stay open tomorrow.
As larger operators like the Golden Skybridge become part of our landscape, the challenge—and opportunity—is to find a balance that preserves Golden’s small-town character while supporting sustainable growth.
Over the years, the tourism industry itself has evolved. Twenty years ago, the focus was on attracting visitors. Now, especially in smaller resort communities like ours, the focus has shifted to managing tourism in a way that sustains both the community and the environment. That’s where organizations like Tourism Golden step in.
Established in 2012, Tourism Golden originally served as a destination marketing organization. More recently, they’ve shifted into a destination management role—helping to balance the needs of visitors with those of the local community.
“Tourism is a cornerstone of our community. It not only supports local businesses and creates jobs, but it also strengthens our sense of place. Through partnerships and funding, tourism helps enhance outdoor recreation amenities, maintain trail systems, and bring events that enrich life for both residents and visitors. It’s how we turn the natural beauty of the area into a shared opportunity,” shares Andy Brown, communications manager at Tourism Golden.
If you want to test your local Golden knowledge, check out the Tourism Golden Trivia Night on Thursday, April 24th at the Rockwater Grill. There will be lots of prizes, including a grand prize for the winning team.
If you’re feeling a little rusty, brush up with the Golden Guide—a helpful resource developed by Tourism Golden to educate newcomers and hospitality staff about the ins and outs of our community.
With domestic travel on the rise, we have a unique opportunity to host Canadians exploring their own backyard. Let’s show them what makes Golden so special, while remembering to respect the land, the locals, and the legacy we’re building.
