Photo Credit: Dave Best via Tourism Golden

First-ever golden retriever event in Golden, BC, attracts hundreds of dogs to mountain town

Since 2019, golden retrievers have been taking over Golden, Colorado, once a year for an annual gathering of the popular dog breed.

It happens each February and the most recent edition in early 2026 attracted a record turnout of around 5,500 golden retrievers and 16,000 humans from all over the United States and beyond.

The event inspired Andrea Tubbs to do the same in Golden, BC, and on Sept. 26, 2026, the mountain town hosted the first-ever Golden Tails Gathering.

The BC version of the destination dog event was a smashing success, welcoming in 267 golden retrievers and around 450 people.

There were attendees from BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario, along with some who made the journey from Washington, Montana and Minnesota.

Canada and the US weren’t the only countries represented either, as the gathering even drew attendees from the United Kingdom.

Tubbs said it was “incredibly special” to see so many people travel to Golden and the day turned out exactly as she had hoped – joyful, welcoming and “a little bit chaotic in the best possible way.”

“The reaction from so many attendees was heartwarming, from tears of joy to hearing ‘this is the best day of my life’ more times than I can remember,” she explained.

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored, participated and helped bring the event to life.”

Golden Tails Gathering was more than just a celebration of the breed, however, as it was also created as an opportunity to give back.

Partial proceeds from the event will support Golden Retriever Rescue Canada, Little Mittens Animal Rescue Association and Alberta Animal Rescue Club Society.

“Golden Tails Gathering was always intended to be more than a dog event,” Tubbs added.

“It was about creating an experience people would travel for, showcasing Golden as a welcoming destination, supporting rescue organizations and bringing together a community that shares a pretty special connection through their dogs.”

If you missed out on the first-ever Golden Tails Gathering, you’ll have another chance to attend in a year’s time.

The event was such a success that it’s already been confirmed for year two and will take place in Golden, BC, on Sept. 25, 2027.

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