Stroll across Canada’s longest freestanding wooden frame bridge and take photos of the structure’s elegant design constructed from Douglas fir timber.
Spanning the tumbling waters of Kicking Horse River, the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge is a landmark in the leafy town of Golden. Stretching a freestanding span of 151 feet (46 metres) across the river’s picturesque banks, the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge is both architectural wonder and engineering feat. Walk across the covered footbridge to admire its elegant timber design and the views across the river to downtown Golden.
The construction of the bridge was organised as a community project. More than 100 participants in the Timber Framers Guild came from all over Canada, as well as the United States and Europe, to help raise the bridge in 2001. Check out the bridge’s superb design from Spirit Square. If it’s summertime, the square is lined with pretty colourful blooms and leafy foliage, and a water feature trickles down an ornamental set of steps. Walk through the square and up the stairway that leads to the bridge.
Admire the triangular trellis that extends along the bridge’s framework. A wide timber arch complements the elegant angular design. The bridge’s green-painted roof echoes the hue of the forest in the background. Wander across the bridge and look down at the coursing Kicking Horse River. If you are visiting in the winter, you might see the river meandering past snow-covered banks.
Combine your visit to the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge by linking up with the walking trail that encircles the town. The walk takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and showcases some of Golden’s charming sights. Visitors and locals alike can be seen strolling or jogging along the loop trail.
Kicking Horse River bisects central Golden and its pedestrian bridge lies a short distance west of the vehicle bridge. The bridge is a short walk south from downtown Golden’s shops, cafés, bars and pubs. A short detour from the Trans-Canada Highway will bring you to this pretty attraction. The bridge is open to visitors at any time for free. There is a parking lot on the downtown end of the bridge.
