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Boo the Bear in Golden, BC: Visiting the Grizzly Bear Refuge at Kicking Horse
If you're visiting Golden, BC, one of the more unusual things you can do is head up Kicking Horse Mountain Resort to meet Boo, the resident grizzly bear at the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge.
But here's the catch: seeing Boo isn't guaranteed.
We've visited the refuge twice, once without spotting Boo at all, and the other we got some incredible up-close views, so we learned the hard way that timing matters.
The good news is that a little planning can significantly improve your chances of seeing him.
Here's everything you need to know before you go, from who Boo is and how the refuge operates to ticket prices, the best times to visit, and exactly how to give yourself the best possible chance of seeing him (and what happens if you don't).
One thing to know before you plan around this: the Grizzly Bear Refuge is only open in summer, roughly late May through September, while Boo is active and out of hibernation.
Who Is Boo the Bear? Golden BC's Famous Grizzly
Before you visit, it helps to understand who you're coming to see.
He was orphaned in 2002 after his mother was shot by a poacher and was brought to the refuge alongside his brother, Cari. Sadly, Cari died during his first winter in the refuge, leaving Boo as the sole resident.
As of 2026, Boo is 24 years old, so technically a senior for a grizzly, since wild bears typically live 20 to 25 years, though in captivity bears can live into their 30's.
Boo has lived at Kicking Horse ever since. While that might sound lonely, adult male grizzlies are naturally solitary animals, so his situation is actually quite typical for a wild grizzly.
Over the years, Boo has become something of a local celebrity in Golden. Boo the bear's escape even made national news in 2006, when he slipped out of the refuge during mating season before eventually returning on his own.
As it turns out, even a grizzly bear can only stay away from free meals for so long!
After spending time listening to the rangers, we came away with a much better appreciation for Boo's story and the important work the refuge does.
Where to Visit Boo the Bear
Part of the fun of visiting Boo is getting there.
The refuge is located partway up Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, so every visit starts with a ride on the Catamount Chairlift. The base of the chairlift is about a 15-20 minute drive from town, and there is plenty of parking available at the resort's day lodge.
On a clear day, the 10-minute journey offers fantastic views of the Purcell Mountain Range, making the trip up the mountain worthwhile even before you catch sight of Boo.
As you step off the chairlift, the entrance to the refuge is just a two-minute walk away. It can get a little misty up there, although the views are incredible when the clouds lift.
The refuge sits at an elevation of approximately 2,000 metres, so even on summer days it can be noticeably cooler than in town. Bring a light layer, and don't forget bug spray and your camera - you'll want both once you're up there.
The Refuge Experience
The refuge itself covers 20 acres of forest, meadows and natural terrain, giving Boo plenty of room to roam. There is even a stream running through the enclosure, along with marshy areas that help create a habitat much closer to what a wild grizzly would experience.
And that's what makes this place so special. Rather than peering into a traditional zoo-style enclosure, you're trying to spot a grizzly bear in a large, natural habitat from an elevated viewing area overlooking the refuge.
It feels less like visiting a zoo and more like searching for wildlife in the wild, which makes finally spotting Boo all the more rewarding.
That said, Boo is no fool. He knows where his meals are served, and they tend to be placed near the viewing areas, so he usually makes an appearance close enough for visitors to get a good look (more on the best times to see him below).
For safety, you stay on a gravel path rather than wandering the enclosure itself. There are two main viewing areas along it, one where the guide does most of the talking, and a second stretch further up the left hand side of the enclosure.
You're free to walk along and follow Boo as he moves, you just can't run, so make sure children know the rules before they arrive.
Your Visit Options
There are two ways to visit Boo.
Standard Admission
The standard experience, which is included with admission, centres around the daily interpretive presentations. During these talks, rangers share Boo's story, explain grizzly bear behaviour and answer questions about the refuge.
These presentations typically run three times a day, at around 10am, 12:30pm, and 2:30pm.
Ranger Assist Program
For a more immersive experience, you can also book the Ranger Assist Program for an additional fee. This small-group, behind-the-scenes experience is limited to just five guests and typically runs at 9am and again at 3pm.
The morning tour is the one that gives you access to the refuge before it opens to the general public.
Morning tours start from the Day Lodge and access the refuge by vehicle, so you'll need to book at least one day in advance by calling Guest Services (250-439-5554).
During the program, you'll accompany rangers as they prepare Boo's morning activities, learn about his daily care routine, and get answers to questions you might not have time to ask during the standard presentation.
What If You Don't See Boo?
One of the best features of the program is the resort's Bear Guarantee.
If Boo doesn't make an appearance during your visit, your ticket can be exchanged for one that's valid for the rest of the season.
You're also free to ride up more than once on the same day if you'd like another chance before heading home.
Keep in mind that the guarantee applies to the standard admission only and doesn't cover the Ranger Assist Program.
Ticket Prices (2026)
As of 2026, admission to the Grizzly Bear Refuge for the standard experience starts at:
Adults (18+): $45
Seniors (65+): $38
Youth (13-17): $38
Children (6-12): $22
Family Pass (up to 2 adults and 4 children/youth): $104
All tickets include a return ride on the Catamount Chairlift and access to the refuge's daily interpretive presentations.
The family pass in particular is really good value if you have a large family.
If you'd like a more behind-the-scenes experience, the Ranger Assist Program starts at around $106 per person or $244 for families. This small-group tour gives you early access to the refuge before everyone else arrives and includes additional time with the ranger team.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the ticket office on the day. During peak summer season, we'd recommend booking ahead.
The Best Time to Visit
If there's one thing we learned about the best time to see Boo the bear, it's that timing really matters.
On our first visit, we turned up at the refuge at around 11:30am without doing much research beforehand. Unfortunately, we'd picked one of the worst times to see him. Boo had already finished his morning forage and settled down for a nap, which the rangers told us is a pretty common occurrence.
We spent some time exploring the interpretive centre and enjoying the views, but despite waiting around for a while, we never caught sight of Golden's most famous resident.
Before we left, the rangers suggested returning on the first chairlift of the day. They explained that mornings are usually Boo's most active time, as that's when he goes looking for food around the refuge.
We followed their advice on our second visit and caught the first chairlift of the day. Boo was already out and about when we arrived, at times coming within about ten feet of the viewing area.
To encourage natural foraging behaviour, the rangers hide treats such as grapes in trees and bury food around parts of the habitat near the viewing area. As a result, Boo often spends his mornings searching for food in areas where visitors have a good chance of spotting him.
Of course, there are never any guarantees when it comes to animals, but taking one of the first rides up the mountain gives you by far the best chance.
A few practical things are worth knowing if you're planning to catch the first opportunity to see Boo:
The ticket office opens at 9:30am
The first chairlift departs at 9:45am
The ride to the refuge takes around 10 minutes
If you're hoping to see Boo at his most active, aim to be at the ticket office at least 15 minutes before it opens. On busy summer days, a small queue can form before the first chairlift of the morning.
The Ranger Presentation
Don't skip the ranger presentation, even if you've already seen Boo.
The 20-25 minute talk covers Boo's remarkable story, from being orphaned as a cub to becoming Golden's most famous resident, as well as plenty of information about grizzly bears in general.
We learned how to identify grizzlies, how they enter winter dormancy, how mothers raise and protect their cubs, and some of the biggest challenges wild grizzlies face today.
The rangers also share some fascinating facts about Boo himself, including how he is fed, how the team encourages natural foraging behaviour, and a few stories from his more adventurous years, including his famous escape during mating season.
We found the presentation added so much more context to the experience and gave us a much greater appreciation for both Boo's story and grizzly bears in general.
After the talk, be sure to spend some time in the small interpretive yurt near the viewing area. The exhibits provide even more information about Boo, grizzly bear conservation and the refuge itself, helping put everything you've just learned into context.
We found it particularly useful for understanding just how much effort goes into caring for Boo while still allowing him to behave as naturally as possible.
A Few Extra Tips Before You Go
Budget 1 to 2 hours depending on whether Boo is easy to spot. There isn't a huge amount else to do at the refuge itself, but a couple of things are worth knowing before your visit.
Don't bring food with you. Boo has an extremely keen sense of smell, and snacks in your bag are likely to get his attention (and hold it) more than you'd like!
If you're planning to spend longer at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, there's no need to decide upfront whether you want to ride the gondola all the way to the summit. You can upgrade your refuge admission to a full gondola pass later in the day if conditions are favourable.
There's even a live webcam at the base so you can check the weather at the top before committing. When we visited, the summit was completely socked in by cloud so we decided not to bother.
We've been up on a clear day before though, including for a wedding at the resort, and the views are absolutely spectacular.
And before you leave, keep an eye out for the giant chair near the lift base, which makes for a fun photo opportunity.
Other Things to Do Around Golden
Boo pairs naturally with other things to do in the area:
Downtown Golden and the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge
Golden's compact downtown is well worth a wander before or after your visit to Boo. The highlight is the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge, the longest freestanding timber-frame bridge in Canada, which spans the Kicking Horse River and connects the town to riverside walking trails.
Along the way you'll find local cafés, restaurants and mountain views, as well as some great independent shops, including a fantastic second-hand bookshop that's perfect for a leisurely browse before heading back into the mountains.
Golden Skybridge
Located just outside town, the Golden Skybridge features two suspension bridges spanning a dramatic canyon high above a waterfall. Beyond the bridges themselves, there is a really fun mountain coaster, zipline, ropes courses and walking trails, making it one of Golden's most popular attractions.
If you're considering a visit, we've covered everything you need to know in our complete Golden Skybridge guide.
Emerald Lake, Natural Bridge and Takakkaw Falls
Less than an hour from Golden, these three iconic sights in Yoho National Park are easy to combine into a single outing.
Emerald Lake is known for its striking turquoise water and mountain scenery, while the Natural Bridge (which is located on the same road) showcases the power of the Kicking Horse River as it carves through the rock below.
Close by, Takakkaw Falls plunges more than 250 metres from the cliffs above, and is one of Canada's highest waterfalls. It's a really fun one to visit with kids as there are lots of opportunities to clamber over rocks as you make your way towards the falls.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort's Other Summer Activities
Even if Boo is your main reason for visiting, it's worth leaving extra time to explore more of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
During the summer, the resort transforms into a hub for outdoor adventure, with a network of hiking trails ranging from easy alpine walks to more challenging routes that showcase incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
It's also a major destination for mountain biking, with trails catering to everyone from beginners to experienced downhill riders.
Worth knowing: even if you only ride the regular sightseeing gondola and skip the refuge tour altogether, you can sometimes spot Boo from above, roughly between lift towers 7 and 9, since the gondola line runs right over part of his enclosure.
There is also the Eagle's Eye Restaurant, Canada's highest-elevation restaurant, located at the top of the gondola. It's a popular spot for a sit-down meal with a view, if you want to make more of a day out of your visit.
On a clear day, it's easy to see why so many people make the trip to the summit even if they aren't planning to hike or bike.
Final Thoughts
Missing Boo on our first visit was a little disappointing at the time, but in hindsight it taught us the most important lesson for anyone planning a trip to the refuge: go early.
When we returned and caught the first chairlift of the day, the experience was completely different. Boo was already active and foraging near the viewing area, giving us some fantastic views and making the trip feel well worth the effort.
Combined with the ranger presentation, the chairlift ride and the mountain scenery, visiting Boo the bear in Golden BC ended up being one of our favourite experiences in Golden.
If you're planning your own visit, aim for the first chairlift of the morning, stick around for one of the ranger talks and give yourself time to explore the interpretive displays. Do that, and you'll give yourself the very best chance of seeing Golden's most famous resident.
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