What makes Golden so golden? You'll hear the answer again and again: the people. These are the folks whose dreams and doings give Golden its spirit. In this series you'll get the long & short of it, a glimpse into the people who've created the places that you come to visit. 

Without further adieu: Bluebird Cafe

Need a quick, grab & go meal? Bluebird Cafe is your stop-off spot. Grab what you need, meet up with friends, and head out for a day in the mountains.

Walking into Bluebird Cafe is like walking into a sunny day. The walls are blue and sunshine lights up the quaint, bustling space through two huge windows. It’s upbeat and energetic. Baristas are frothing the next hot drink, someone’s getting handed a BLT croissant, and there’s a table of friends chatting in the corner.

Bluebird is a bit off the beaten path, but once you know where it is you won’t miss it. Tucked away near the highway ramp into Golden, it’s the perfect coffee stop before you head out to the National Parks or up to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. If you want fast, delicious, and homemade, it’s your number one stop-and-go spot in Golden.

“We have a bunch of ready-made meals and fast service”, says owner Nicola, “so you can stop in on your way to your happy day of whatever you’re doing outside.” 

Almost everything is made in-house, including the baked goodies at the counter. And you can pick up a handy-dandy bagged lunch for your adventure day any season of the year. You’ll find a sandwich, trail mix, and a sweet treat tucked into a brown paper bag that you can stuff right into your pack. Pick between a Ham & Swiss, Turkey, Cranberry & Cheddar, or a Veggie sandwich, and away you go.

Inspiration for the menu came from Nicola’s many personal travels and the coffee cultures that she experienced throughout Europe and Australia. Along the walls are cute ceramic statues of birds, bird nest decor, and other bluebird-type nicknacks. 

 “I’ve never bought any bluebird things for here, people have given them to me over time”, she speaks to the ambiance, “they’re all gifts from people”.

The cafe has been bustling for 9 years now under the direction of Nicola, a lovely goldenite with a generous smile. It’s named after a bluebird ski day, those days when the skies are high and deep blue, the sun is warm, and the snow is blower. Those are the days people live for in the mountains and, inside the cafe, the atmosphere has a way of reflecting that feeling. 

Blower Pow Day

Credit: Dave Best