Wildlife on the River & Beyond: Extend Your Adventure in Golden
One of the best parts of whitewater rafting is that you’re not just paddling through incredible scenery and rapids. Instead, you’re travelling through thriving wildlife corridors in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
It’s common to spot bald eagles soaring overhead and osprey hunting along the river. You might also see bighorn sheep on rocky slopes or wandering through Radium Hot Springs, and deer grazing near the shoreline. Every trip is different, and wildlife sightings are often a highlight for guests of all ages.
If your river adventure leaves you wanting a closer look at some of the region’s most iconic animals, Golden offers two unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Say “Boo” to a Grizzly Bear
At Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, visitors can meet Boo, one of the most famous residents of the Columbia Valley. Boo lives in a 20-acre mountainside refuge where guests can safely observe him while learning about grizzly bears and their important role in the ecosystem.
The daily interpretive tours offer a chance to watch Boo forage, explore, and roam his natural habitat while knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights into the lives of wild bears. Morning tours are often the best time to see him active and searching for treats hidden throughout his refuge.
It’s an incredible opportunity to appreciate the size, strength, and beauty of one of Canada’s most iconic animals while gaining a greater understanding of bear conservation and safety.
Howl with the Wolves
For an equally memorable experience, visit the Northern Lights Wolf Centre just outside Golden.
Home to several resident wolves, the centre offers interactive interpretive tours that challenge common misconceptions about these misunderstood animals. Visitors learn how wolves help maintain healthy ecosystems and why they play such an important role in the Canadian Rockies.
For wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, specialty wolf walks and photography experiences offer a rare chance to spend time alongside these remarkable animals in a natural setting.
Wildly Natural, Naturally Wild
With a Kootenay River Runners’ rafting trip you don’t have to choose between wilderness or adventure. Our entertaining and knowledgeable guides are a highlight of the experience – and might even be mistaken for part of the local wildlife themselves.
Off the river when you are craving more you can join these great local wildlife tours to get a really close look and learn so much along the way.
Then cap off the day with a drink from a local brewery, relax on a sunny patio, and take in the mountain views. After a day on the river and exploring Golden’s wildlife attractions, there’s no better way to end the adventure.
We know you will be planning your next trip soon.
Included in this story:
The Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre is open year-round with hours of operation depending on the season. It’s located 15 minutes north of Golden at 1745 Short Road.
The Grizzly Bear Interpretive Centre at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is open seasonally, from May 30 – Sept 27, 2026. The resort is 15-minutes’ drive from town.
Photo & Content Credit: Tourism Golden & ZenSeekers