Golden Sky Bridge Review: Is It Worth Visiting? My Experience

Is Golden Skybridge worth visiting? After crossing the suspension bridge, riding the Railrider Mountain Coaster twice and ziplining across the canyon, I’d say it’s well worth adding to your Golden, BC itinerary.

I spent an afternoon here while using Golden as my base for visiting the Canadian Rockies, and it ended up being one of my favourite experiences.

There are a few things I’d want to know before visiting, though. Some trails have steep sections and loose gravel, which I managed despite my previous knee surgery, but they could be challenging for visitors with mobility concerns.

From which activities are worth paying extra for to where you can take a break and enjoy the mountain views, here’s what I found during my visit.

I was hosted by Tourism Golden and provided with accommodation and attraction tickets in order to share my honest review and opinions. Thank you to Pursuit Collection for admission to the Golden Skybridge and Kicking Horse Lodging for accommodation at The Palliser Lodge.

What Is Golden Skybridge?

Golden Skybridge is an outdoor adventure attraction in Golden, British Columbia, overlooking a forested canyon with views of the Rocky and Purcell mountain ranges.

It’s home to Canada’s 2 highest suspension bridges. The Upper Skybridge stands 130 metres (426 feet) above the canyon and stretches 150 metres (492 feet) across, while the Lower Skybridge is 80 metres (262 feet) high and 140 metres (459 feet) long.

You don’t have to be interested in high-adrenaline activities to enjoy Golden Skybridge. There are also forest walking trails, canyon viewpoints and places to sit and take in the mountain scenery.

For those looking for more adventure, there’s also the Railrider Mountain Coaster, Sky Zipline, Canyon Edge Challenge Course and Giant Canyon Swing.

My Experience at Golden Skybridge

Crossing the Highest Suspension Bridge in Canada

The Upper Skybridge is the highest of the 2 suspension bridges at Golden Skybridge, standing 130 metres (426 feet) above the canyon.

Getting there involves walking uphill along a gravel trail, with some steeper sections and loose rocks underfoot. I managed the walk without too much difficulty, despite having had knee surgery, but it’s worth considering if you have mobility challenges or find uneven surfaces difficult to navigate.

Once on the bridge, you’re treated to views of the forested canyon and surrounding mountains. The suspension bridge has a metal mesh walkway, so you can see straight down beneath your feet.

If you’re uncomfortable with heights, keep in mind that the bridge is suspended high above the canyon and can move as people cross. You can take your time crossing rather than rushing to the other side.

The Best Scenic Viewpoints at Golden Skybridge

There’s more to Golden Skybridge than crossing the suspension bridges, and I enjoyed taking my time along the forest trails and stopping at the different viewpoints.

The Canyon Trail connects the bridges with several lookout points overlooking the canyon, forest and surrounding mountains. I especially liked having different perspectives of the bridges rather than only seeing the views while crossing them.

The trails are mostly gravel, with some uphill and downhill sections and loose rocks underfoot. Staff actually check your footwear before allowing you into Golden Skybridge, so make sure you’re wearing appropriate shoes with good traction.

I wore shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain, which helped when navigating the steeper sections.

I also stopped at the Touch the Sky swing for photos, with the mountains and Railrider Mountain Coaster in the background. It’s a great place to get a photograph that captures more of the surrounding landscape.

One thing I appreciated was having places to sit and take a break. You don’t have to rush between activities, and taking a few minutes to enjoy the views is part of the experience.

Is it Scary? Riding the Railrider Mountain Coaster

The Railrider Mountain Coaster was one of my favourite activities at Golden Skybridge, and I actually got to ride it twice because one of the other attractions was temporarily closed during my visit.

Unlike a traditional roller coaster, you’re in your own cart and can control your speed using hand-operated brakes. You can slow down to enjoy the scenery or pick up the pace as you wind through the forest.

The track is 1,029 metres (3,375 feet) long, with a descent section of 669 metres (2,195 feet).

The ride takes approximately 5 minutes, including the uphill portion, where you can enjoy the surrounding mountain views before heading downhill.

One of the things I like about mountain coasters is having some control over the experience rather than being committed to a set speed.

My tip: The Coaster Pass includes 2 rides, while the Adventure Pass includes 1. Check the ticket options before booking, particularly if you want to experience the coaster more than once.

Adults can also ride the Railrider Mountain Coaster with younger children in the same cart, making it a fun activity for families. Children must be at least 3 years old, and those under 9 must ride with someone aged 16 or older. The minimum passenger height is 92 cm (3 feet), and the combined weight limit is 140 kg (310 lbs).

Taking the Sky Zipline Across the Canyon

The Sky Zipline was another highlight of my visit to Golden Skybridge, giving me a completely different perspective of the canyon as I travelled across it.

I’ve been on many ziplines over the years (in Whistler and Honduras), and I really enjoyed this one as it was one zipline and it was thrilling without being too scary.

Getting to the launch platform was actually the most challenging part for me. The uphill gravel trail was fairly steep, followed by a narrow spiral staircase, so it’s worth considering the physical effort required before booking.

Once you’re secured in your harness, you ride across the canyon with views of the forest and mountains around you. It’s a fun way to experience the landscape without having to cross another suspension bridge.

My tip: Allow yourself extra time to reach the launch platform, particularly if you need to take breaks along the way.

Other Things to Do at Golden Skybridge

You don’t have to cross the suspension bridges or ride the mountain coaster to enjoy Golden Skybridge. There are several other activities for families and visitors looking for more adventure.

Canyon Edge Challenge Course

The Canyon Edge Challenge Course takes you up into the trees, where you’ll navigate suspended obstacles, ropes and elevated platforms. It’s another option for visitors who want something more physically challenging than walking the suspension bridges.

Eagle Net Park

Eagle Net Park is a colourful network of suspended nets among the trees, where visitors can climb, bounce and move between different sections. It’s a fun option for families, with space to play above the forest floor.

The bright blue, yellow and orange netting makes this one of the more visually interesting areas at Golden Skybridge.

Axe Throwing and Climbing Wall

If you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, there’s an axe throwing area where you can practise hitting wooden targets.

The outdoor climbing wall offers another challenge, with different handholds and routes up a tall climbing tower.

Treetop Village

Treetop Village is designed for younger visitors, with wooden playhouses, bridges and elevated walkways tucked among the trees. It’s a place for children to play while enjoying the forest setting.

Giant Canyon Swing

For those looking for an additional thrill, the Giant Canyon Swing sends riders swinging out over the canyon. It’s a separately priced activity, so check the ticket options and participation requirements before booking.

I didn’t try all these activities myself, but I enjoyed walking around the different areas and seeing just how much there is to do beyond the bridges.

Where to Eat and Stay Near Golden Skybridge

Tips for Visiting

Wear appropriate footwear. Staff check your shoes before allowing you into the attraction. The gravel trails have some steep sections and loose rocks, so comfortable walking shoes with good traction are important.

Consider the walking conditions. I managed the uphill walk to the Upper Skybridge despite having had knee surgery, but some sections were challenging. The climb to the Sky Zipline platform was particularly demanding, with an uphill gravel path followed by a narrow spiral staircase.

Take breaks between activities. There are picnic tables and seating areas in The Village, as well as places to rest along the walking routes. I appreciated being able to take my time rather than rushing from one activity to another.

Allow at least 2–3 hours. There’s quite a bit of ground to cover between the bridges, viewpoints and other activities. I’d allow longer if you’re planning to try the mountain coaster, zipline or challenge course.

Check the weather and operating hours. Golden Skybridge is a seasonal attraction, and some activities may be affected by weather conditions. Check the official Golden Skybridge website before visiting.

Where to Eat at Golden Skybridge

One of the things I really appreciated about Golden Skybridge was being able to sit down and enjoy a meal without leaving the attraction.

I had vegan food and a coffee at The Village, an outdoor dining area surrounded by trees. After walking the trails and trying the adventure activities, it was so relaxing to sit outside and enjoy the forest setting.

The Village Grill offers food and drinks, including vegan options, so you don’t necessarily have to pack your day around finding somewhere to eat afterwards. It’s also a good place to take a break if you’re visiting with family or spending several hours at Golden Skybridge.

Where to Stay Near Golden Skybridge

During my stay in Golden, I stayed at The Palliser Lodge at Kicking Horse Lodging, located at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, just outside downtown Golden.

I used it as my base for visiting Golden Skybridge and other attractions around Golden and the Canadian Rockies. Staying for several nights meant I could enjoy the area without having to pack up and move to a different accommodation every day.

If you’re planning to spend time at Golden Skybridge and visit other attractions in the area, I’d recommend making Golden your base rather than treating it as a quick stop along the Trans-Canada Highway.

How to Include Golden Skybridge in Your Golden, BC Itinerary

I’d recommend setting aside at least half a day for Golden Skybridge, especially if you want to try the mountain coaster, zipline or other adventure activities. There’s no need to rush through everything just because you’re trying to fit more stops into your itinerary.

Since Golden Skybridge is only a short drive from downtown Golden, it’s easy to combine your visit with a walk along the Kicking Horse River, a stop at the historic Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge or some time browsing the local shops and cafés.

If you’re spending a few days in Golden, I’d also recommend making time for the mountain views at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort or heading into nearby Yoho National Park. Golden makes a convenient base for visiting the Canadian Rockies without having to change accommodations every night.