Are you planning a move to British Columbia but looking for a quieter location away from the big cities? If so, you may be interested in living in Golden BC, a lively mountain community in southeast BC, just one of the many attractive small towns in BC.
Golden is an excellent location for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities such as skiing, hiking, and mountain biking available in the surrounding area. It is also home to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, a large ski resort around 6km west of the town.
This article will give you all the key information you need about living in Golden, BC. In addition, we will provide you with an unbiased view of the pros and cons of living in Golden BC to help you decide whether it is the place for you.
Living In Golden, BC – The Facts
Here are some key facts about this mountain town for anyone interested in living in Golden, BC.
Where Is Golden, BC?
Golden is a resort town in southeastern BC on the Trans-Canada Highway between Calgary and Vancouver. The town is around 1000 km east of Vancouver and 270 km west of Calgary, Alberta.
The town lies in the stunning Rocky Mountains, surrounded by six beautiful national parks: Yoho, Glacier, Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Mount Revelstoke.
You should also note that the town is in the Mountain Time zone (unlike most of BC, which operates on Pacific Time).
What Is The Population Of Golden in 2023?
The population of Golden in 2023 is around 4,277, based on the latest government of BC estimates released at the start of the year.
The town has seen steady growth in recent years. The latest federal census data (released in 2022) showed a population of 3,986, representing a growth in the population of Golden of 7.5% between 2016 and 2021.
The average age of the population is 40.4, just slightly lower than the national average of 41.9, and the population of Golden is predominantly white and English-speaking.
According to the latest census data, visible minorities account for around 9% of the population. The largest minority group living in Golden is South Asian, and this group accounts for half of the visible minority population.
What Is The Weather In Golden, BC, Like?
Most of Canada experiences cold, harsh winters with pleasant, moderately hot summers. However, BC’s coastal location and mountain ranges mean its climate isn’t typical of Canada.
You will find significant variations in the climate even within the province. Overall the BC weather is milder and wetter than the rest of Canada. The south coast has the mildest winters in Canada and warm, pleasant summers, while the southern interior has very short winters with long, dry, hot summers.
Golden’s position in the mountains means it has colder winters than much of southern BC but less rainfall than the west coast.
The average January low is -11.5 Degrees C, while the average July high is 24.5 Degrees C. It has around 330mm of rain annually and 160mm of snow.
What Is The Cost of Living In Golden Like?
Most immigrants find the cost of living high in Canada, and BC is one of the more expensive provinces. House prices in BC are around 50% higher than Canadian averages.
Rural areas tend to be cheaper but are still subject to higher provincial taxes. Sales tax is 12% on most goods (5% GST plus 7% PST) compared to 5% in provinces such as Alberta, and the top income tax bracket is relatively high.
Property prices in Golden are slightly lower than average for BC, but tourism has pushed prices up, and real estate is more expensive than most other communities of its size.
What Is The Golden, BC, Economy Based On?
Golden’s economy has traditionally been tied to the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and logging, which are still important industries to the town.
In addition, tourism is now an essential part of the town’s economy, boosted by the growth in recent years of its ski resort.
Is Golden, BC, A Safe Place To Live?
Canada is one of the safest countries in the world to live in. Crime rates are low, and the country always features near the top of the annual Global Peace Index rankings.
Canada, Quebec, Ontario and the Maritime provinces have the lowest crime rates, while the highest in the territories. BC crime rates are above average for Canada.
Golden is a very safe place to live, even by Canadian standards. Its crime rates are extremely low compared to both provincial and national averages.
Are You Planning A Move To Canada?
Are you wondering whether to make the move and have endless questions?
Do you want to know how much a correction officer earns, what the best neighbourhoods in Surrey, BC, are, or if Courtenay, BC, is a good place to live?
We have the answers to these and many more questions.
What Are The Schools In Golden, BC, Like?
Canada has a strong and publicly-funded education system, which consistently ranks as one of the best in the world. Education is administered at a provincial level, and BC has a reputation for excellent education within Canada.
Golden has three public elementary schools and two public secondary schools, between them covering elementary grades through to grade 12.
If you want your children to become fluent in French, then French immersion programs are also available at the elementary and secondary levels.
- Nicholson Elementary School
- Lady Grey Elementary School
- Alexander Park Elementary School
- Golden Secondary School
- Golden Alternate School
What Is The Healthcare In Golden, BC Like?
Canada has an excellent publicly-funded healthcare system which covers “medically necessary” care. Generally, hospital and doctor visits are covered, while other types of care, such as dental, optical and prescriptions, are funded for certain groups of people.
In Canada, healthcare is administered at a provincial level, so anyone living in Golden, BC, would be covered through BC Healthcare.
You should be aware that there is currently a shortage of family doctors in much of Canada, and it can be difficult to find clinics taking on new patients. This is especially true of the smaller towns and cities.
On a positive note, Golden has its own hospital (The Golden and District Hospital), which offers inpatient and outpatient facilities and 24/7 emergency care.
Pros And Cons Of Living In Golden, BC
The pros and cons of living in Golden BC will vary from person to person, but whatever you are looking for, these are key factors for you to consider.
Pros Of Living In Golden, BC
- Beautiful location
- Outdoor activities
- Ski resort
- Low crime rates
- Good schools
- Strong economy
- Good hospital facilities
Cons Of Living In Golden, BC
- High BC taxes
- High property costs
- Approx 4-hr drive to an international airport
- Relatively isolated
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