Things To Do in Golden

You could spend several days in the Golden area without realizing that the town has an older downtown core. It's a block west of busy 10th Avenue, on Main Street. There's not much here -- just a handful of shops and cafes -- but it's a pleasant break from the commercial sprawl along highways 1 and 95.

The Golden and District Museum, 1302 11th Ave. (tel. 250/344-5169), tells the story of Golden's rail history. It also has an old log schoolhouse and blacksmith's shop. It's open Monday through Friday from 10am to 6pm in May, June, and September, and daily in July and August. Admission is by donation.

Exploring the Columbia River Wetlands

South (upstream) from Golden are the Columbia River Wetlands, a 144km-long (89-mile) Wildlife Management Area that supports an incredible diversity of wildlife. More than 270 bird species have been seen in this stretch of river, marsh, and lake. The largest wetlands west of Manitoba, the Columbia River Wetlands are also a major breeding ground for the bald eagle, osprey, and great blue heron. Moose, elk, mink, and beaver make their homes here as well.

Wetlands Wildlife Safari (tel. 866/344-4931 or 250/344-4931; www.wetlandswildlife.ca) gives tours of the Columbia wetlands south (upstream) of Golden in sturdy, inflatable rubber rafts. A guided 3-hour excursion includes shuttles and snacks and costs C$69 for adults.