When you’re planning an adventure elopement in Canada, it might feel like you’ve got endless options to choose from. Infamous mountain ranges, world class resorts, idyllic towns, and just about every outdoor activity you can think of, we’ve got it all. But it all comes down to what makes you the most excited and happy on your day. For Sabrina and Phill, that was hikes and helicopters in Golden, BC and exploring the Rockies.

A couple embraces and enjoys the view of the sun setting over the trees and mountains on Mount Revelstoke in September

The most underrated place for an adventure elopement in western Canada?

Golden! There! I said it! You might be tempted to search for wedding locations in Banff or plan a helicopter elopement in Whistler, but what if I told you that Golden has just as much to offer as the more popular destinations in Canada? You’ll find those epic mountain views you’re searching for plus access to five national parks, plenty to do no matter the season, and more sun than the rest of British Columbia – all for less money and with fewer crowds.

That’s why when Sabrina and Phil narrowed down the best places to elope and landed on Golden, I was beyond thrilled! It was the cherry on top when they said they wanted to incorporate both hiking and helicopters into their elopement day. I was so ready to help them explore this hidden gem of a town and all it has to offer.

A combined helicopter and hiking elopement for a full day of fun

When you book a full day of elopement photography, you can have your cake and eat it, too. Sabrina and Phil didn’t want to choose between activities, so they made the most of their time in BC by exploring foot and flight!

What I didn’t know prior to meeting up with them was that Phil was recovering from an appendectomy just a weeks before, making me both wildly impressed and a bit worried for the hike we had planned. And while we did shift to Plan B midday, it turned out better than the original, proving that flexibility on your elopement day is the way to go.

They got ready at the sweetest cabin Airbnb in the woods, only 15 minutes from town. I met them there and then we headed to the helicopter pad. The weather hit a cold snap, which is normal for Golden in September, but we got the go ahead to fly. The flight was rougher than usual and it was very cold at the top, but Sabrina and Phil were good sports through it all. We found a sheltered area for photos and made the most of our time in the peaks before heading back down for a quick bite to eat and phase two of their adventure elopement – the hike!

We set off for our original plan, a scenic yet difficult hike in Glacier National Park, but quickly realized we needed to switch to a less strenuous plan. No biggie! As a local Vancouver photographer, I am constantly scouting and searching for new places for these exact situations. So I immediately knew where we should go next! We drove further west to Revelstoke National Park to cruise up the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, a place that is worthy of your Plan A and hardly second best.

And boy, was it worth the last-minute change. The weather was much more pleasant and we were able to take an easy 2km round trip hike for some stunning views, stopping for a little picnic, and taking our time to really enjoy the beauty of the area. As dusk fell, we pulled out some lanterns for after-dark photos before parting ways and officially wrapping up a truly beautiful day.

This area is a dream for an elopement photographer and for a couple that wants a relaxed atmosphere. Revelstoke is quieter than other places, you can stay until sunset which makes such a difference, and logistics like parking are a breeze. This adventure elopement day shows that there is so much more to the region than the go-to towns like Banff, Vancouver, and Whistler. If you’re willing to stray off of the normal tourist track, you won't be sorry. In fact, I encourage it!!

Why Golden is the hidden gem of the Rockies:

The views are incredible! The Canadian Rockies give you those big, picturesque scenes you expect from British Columbia. The Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has a gondola that gives access to the mountaintop without difficult hikes as well.

It’s a quiet retreat away from the crowds. It’s the ideal stop for a road trip from Vancouver to Banff or only a 2 hours drive if you’re staying in Banff. Golden slides under the radar for popular destinations, giving you more privacy and fewer curve balls on your day.

There is a better selection of AirBnbs for a relaxing mountain elopement getaway. There might not be more options than places like Banff or Vancouver, but I’ve found the quality is top tier in comparison and far less pricey. I’ve blogged some of my favourite options in Airbnb Wedding Venues Perfect for Your Elopement!

It’s less gloomy than the west coast of British Columbia! We’re notorious for our rain, but Golden lives up to its name. The weather also moves more quickly, which is a relief if there is a bit of rain or wind! This comes in handy for helicopter elopements particularly. The pilots in Golden said they don’t often cancel because of bad weather, which is not my experience in other places like Whistler where it’s quite common.

If you’re a lover of the outdoors, this is your playground. You could spend the whole summer in and around Golden before even scratching the surface of incredible hikes and activities. In the winter, it’s a haven for skiers and snowboarders. And as you can see in this Golden winter elopement, it’s just as beautiful covered in snow!

You can take advantage of the many national parks in the area. For a winter elopement, this isn’t always an option, but when summer comes around, I’d highly recommend it! Golden, BC is uniquely situated around six different national parks – Yoho, Glacier, Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Mount Revelstoke.

Things to consider if you’re planning an elopement in Golden, BC:

It gets colder earlier than the western part of BC due to its higher elevation. This means seasons might not be what you’d expect them to be. Often, late September can be decently cold, but it depends on the year.
Be aware of road conditions. The road in and out of Golden can be unpredictable, especially in the wintertime, but no matter what time of year it’s good to check. Use drivebc.ca or their twitter for updates on road conditions! If you can, give yourself a day of flexibility and arrive early.
Double-check the hours for the gondola, restaurants, and other activities. In the shoulder season, many places limit hours or close until high season comes back around.
If you’re considering hikes, especially in the Glacier National Park area, they tend to be moderate to difficult. While there are many places within driving distance for easier hikes, the big views in Golden do require a bit of a sweat.
Golden isn’t historically a tourist town, which comes with its downsides. The town has more of an industrial vibe, with fewer resort-type accommodations, and fewer restaurants to choose from. It’s not uncommon for establishments to close earlier than expected either.

So…have I convinced you yet? If not, the photos from Sabrina and Phil’s day will surely do the trick. Take a scroll through their gallery below! Maybe you’ll find a bit of inspiration for your own elopement planning, too.