It doesn't get much better than a nice float down the Columbia River.  The Columbia River which is one of the major rivers in North America has its headwaters just about 2 hours south of Vagabond Lodge and the town of Golden.  It is always a great spot for a nice gentle float but this time of the year with the water levels going up, it is even better.  With more warm weather it will flood the entire wetlands to the south and create some nice size lakes too which you can paddle into and go for a swim on a warm day.
We haven't had a lot of warm weather yet but did manage a 20C day a few days ago and we took advantage of it. 
We put in just a few km south of Golden and it takes about 2 and a half hours to float down to our take-out spot at the airport in Golden.  We didn't paddle much and enjoyed the vitamin D as much as we could.  No bears but we did see some bald eagles and a deer on our trip. 
When things start to open up for travel and we hope soon, bring your kayak or we can find a rental for you and check it out.  You won't be sorry.  It is so relaxing and a great way for escape. 
Kicking Horse Resort is scheduled to open for the summer on June 25th for mountain biking, the gondola which accesses some great hiking as well as the grizzly bear refuge.   
Give us a call at 250 344 2622 or email info@vagabondlodge.ca

It's that time of the year here at Vagabond Lodge.  The bears are out of hibernation and looking for some good eats.  No..not what you think.  Along the roadside between Kicking Horse Resort and the town of Golden which is 10 km, it is starting to green up and you can see a bear or two or three, pretty well daily.  This year there are some grizzly bears around too which is not that usual.  There has been one hanging around just down the road from us and that is the video below.  The road is also a popular spot for biking and there  are a number of mountain biking trails in our area so a lot of traffic in cars and on bikes.  Most people are very respectful of the bears and leave them in peace and vice versa. And after a few weeks, once it starts to green up elsewhere the bears are not as evident and that will happen later in May.  But right now is the time to be super careful and leave them alone.  
Vagabond is waiting for the government to lift the travel restrictions in BC and hopefully that will happen after May 25th and the covid numbers are going down thank goodness.  There has been an outbreak here in Golden and has resulted in a community vaccination program.  Everyone 18 plus who lives in Golden can get a shot now.  Good that everyone is able to but bad that it is a result of an outbreak. 
Of note the resort is not planning to open until June 25th for mountain biking, sightseeing and hiking. We have been getting good response for the upcoming ski season especially with return guests who were not able to come and stay the last couple winters because of covid.