Kicking Horse Gondola & Grizzly Refuge

Float above the clouds as you are whisked to 7,700 feet. Take in panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, the Columbia River Wetlands and the quaint town of Golden. During the journey, spot wildlife and perhaps even a glimpse of Kicking Horse Mountain Resorts resident grizzly bear, Boo.

Once at the summit, venture forth on a hike or simply soak up the endless mountain vistas from on top of the world or visit the Eagle’s Eye Restaurant for Lunch or a snack and keep your eye out for wildlife in the alpine terrain. After all, the end of the gondola ride is simply the start of your next adventure.

As a blue-listed species, grizzly bears are sensitive to human activity and threatened by habitat loss and other factors. By observing Boo in his natural habitat, guests have the opportunity to see firsthand how beautiful and majestic grizzly bears really are. Raising awareness of these secretive and noble creatures helps to improve the plight of this embattled species.

Interpretive tours are held every hour on the hour, Monday through Sunday, from 10 am to 3 pm. There are no tours at 1 pm because Boo is often out of sight, napping through the mid-day heat. Grizzly bears are more active during the cooler morning hours. For that reason, the 10 am tour is highly recommended, providing a greater likelihood of seeing Boo active and up close. When he’s awake, Boo is rarely out of sight for more than a few minutes at a time, and your patience will be rewarded once he reappears.

Tours follow where Boo goes, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and don’t forget your camera, bug spray, and a light parka since mountain weather can change quickly. The interpretive tours do not follow a script, and each one is unique depending upon Boo’s activity.

The Adventure Pass includes sightseeing gondola & grizzly bear refuge. Enjoy a breathtaking trip up the Golden Eagle Express Gondola which brings you to 7,700 feet. AND don't forget to take a trip up the Catamount chairlift to visit the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge for an interpretive tour. Interpretive tours for Boo are held every hour on the hour, Monday through Sunday, from 10 am to 3 pm. There are no tours at 1 pm because Boo is often out of sight, napping through the mid-day heat. Grizzly bears are more active during the cooler morning hours. For that reason, the 10 am tour is highly recommended, providing a greater likelihood of seeing Boo active and up close.