Our destination in Golden was the Cedar House Café & Restaurant (www.cedarhousecafe.com) where we were greeted by the resident black lab, Leroy. Nestled on ten acres on a hilltop just five minutes outside of Golden, Cedar House is a gourmet restaurant with a cozy guest cabin that sleeps up to four people. We were lucky enough to be guests that night so we could enjoy a relaxing meal with some wine and then simply stroll to bed.

At the café, owners Caroline Green and her partner Scott prescribe to the slow food movement philosophy promoting tradition and health by serving up a feast of masterful and mouth-watering creations using local ingredients—the bulk of organic vegetables come straight from a garden right outside the kitchen. Our dessert that night was loaded with fresh raspberries from right out our cabin door. Guests are encouraged to take their time and enjoy good food, good wine and good company. Shaun and I had no problem with that.

The next morning, we lamented having to leave our mountain retreat. But we also had a big adventure planned for that day: flying via helicopter to Purcell Mountain Lodge (www.purcellmountainlodge.com), a remote retreat that offers up a truly unique experience.

First off, the lodge is accessible only via helicopter (unless you want to hike in 10+ hours over several mountains). It also has electricity and running water—translation: hot showers and flush toilets—generated by a hydroelectric system that harnesses power from a nearby creek. Unlike many backcountry lodges around BC, which have bunk-style sleeping, Purcell hosts 10 guest rooms plus a private chalet. Add to that being located in the largest alpine meadow in southern BC (picture rainbows of wildflowers and a Sound of Music setting) surrounded by the Teton-like Selkirk Mountains to the west and the Purcell Mountains to the east, plus numerous individual peaks scattered about, and you’ve got absolute luxury in the wilderness. Check out some scenic photos for yourself!

Right from the doorstep, you have access to infinite hiking opportunities. During our three-day stay, Shaun and I enjoyed a relaxing group hike on Day 1 during which our guide, Emily, acquainted everyone with our surroundings. Day 2 was a guided challenging all-day hike up and over the towering Ptarmigan Ridge. Our last day included an exhilarating climb up and down Copper Stain Mountain before we had to fly back out to civilization. Most memorable for me was the satisfaction of looking down from the helicopter at both Ptarmigan and Copper Stain as we flew out and realizing that I’d reached the top of both with my own two feet.

The best part of exercising all day is refueling at night. And Purcell doesn’t disappoint. In the evening, guests gather for appetizers and drinks and share tales of their adventures and experiences that day. Then everyone sits down to a gourmet family-style feast. Even during our short stay, our group developed a sense of family and it was sad having to say goodbye.

But we weren’t ready to say goodbye to the Canadian Rockies yet. The Cathedral Mountain Lodge (www.cathedralmountainlodge.com) in Yoho National Park awaited us.