Heritage and Culture
Highlights: Archaeological sites, history, historic monuments, and culture and community
You can start this itinerary from any location as you explore the Golden triangle.
The Golden Triangle is rich in cultural heritage. Visit museums, national historic sites and attractions along the way to learn about this area’s rich natural and cultural history.
Download a printable version of this itinerary.
Hints & Tips:
- Purchase your National Park pass at the Visitor Information Centres in Golden, Radium, Yoho or Kootenay national parks. If you are planning to stay more than 6 days or visit other Parks Canada administered destinations this year, consider buying a Discovery Pass!
- Arrive early to avoid busy parking lots.
- Always carry a first aid kit and bear spray. Pack adequate food, water, clothing, maps, and gear.
- Get updates on trail conditions from Parks Canada’s website for Yoho National Park, Kootenay National Park or at Visitor Information Centres.
Day 1- Radium to Golden
Radium Visitor Centre
Radium, BC
Start with a visit to the Kootenay National Park and Radium Visitor Information Centre on Main St. East in Radium. The Visitor Centre features exhibits about wildlife, wildfire and the Ktunaxa Nation including their history, traditional way of life and creation story. Gather invaluable resources, maps and advice for your trip with the help of knowledgeable Visitor Information Counsellors.
Roundabout Art
Radium, BC
Take in the beautiful Roundabout Art new to the Village of Radium. The art, aptly named “Bighorns” is a breathtaking 20 feet tall, 40 feet wide, and 20 feet deep, constructed with COR10 weathering steel.
Discover the Village’s History
Radium, BC
Did you know the Kootenay National Park gate once read, “the mountains shall bring peace to the people”? Today the true philosophy of the Village of Radium Hot Springs is captured on a carved wooden sign in a small park next to the Apple Tree Inn.
Continue a short distance along the sidewalk into Kootenay National Park and head towards the village’s namesake Radium Hot Springs. Along the way, stop and enjoy Sinclair Falls and learn about the early settlers who enlarged the iconic “crack”, built a bridge and constructed one of the first highways through Canadian Rockies.
Head to Golden via Highway 95
As you drive to Golden on Highway 95 make sure you spend some time enjoying the Columbia River Wetlands. Stretching between Radium Hot Springs and Golden (and beyond), 180 km of wetlands is home to over 260 species of birds, animals and fish.
Day 2- Golden to Yoho National Park
Golden Museum
Golden, BC
Step back in time and learn about Golden’s history and gain a true insight into their heritage of explorers and pioneers.
Explore the Rotary Trails via the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge
Golden, BC
Enjoy 16km of trails that run alongside rivers and connect to the downtown core. Whilst in the downtown make sure you visit the longest freestanding timber frame bridge in Canada. Completed in 2001, constructed by over 100 members of the international Timber Framers Guild.
Whether you walk, run or bike or you will certainly discover the beauty of Golden.
Visit Field, BC
There is so much history in Field, BC. Check out the town’s heritage and take a self-guided tour of the town with interpretive signage.
Spiral Tunnels
Yoho National Park
Watch trains snake through the hillside and discover how Yoho’s towering peaks inspired the stories of the Kicking Horse Pass National Historic Site.
Day 3- Yoho and Kootenay National Parks
Visit the Yoho National Park Visitor Centre
Yoho National Park
The Yoho National Park Visitor Centre is located on the Trans-Canada Highway in the village of Field. Enjoy interpretive exhibits, a picnic area, and local gift shop operated by the Friends of Yoho.
Burgess Shales Guided Fossil hikes
Yoho National Park
Meet in Field
Yoho National Park is home to one of the most significant fossil finds in the world. The fossil beds are only accessible on pre-booked guided hikes. Choose from two options in Yoho, both of which require some stamina (hikes are between 7 and 11 hours) and familiarity with steep, strenuous terrain. Enjoy stunning vistas over the Yoho National Park and Emerald Lake, and explore the extensive fossil beds which offer abundant and obvious Cambrian fossils.
A third, more moderate hike is available in Kootenay National Park and must also be reserved in advance.
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