Banff Signs built and installed the signage for the Golden Skybridge, Canada’s highest suspension bridge in Golden, B.C. Staff are seen here installing one of the safety signs. Photos courtesy Banff Signs
By Courtney Bachar
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people searched for ways to stay active. Getting outdoors and venturing to parks and attractions was, and is, a popular choice for many.
The Golden Skybridge in Golden, B.C., Canada’s highest suspension bridge, opened in May 2021. Perched 130 m (426 ft) above an expansive canyon and engulfed by the Columbia Valley, the epic views from Golden’s newest must-visit attraction will take any visitor’s breath away.
The Golden Skybridge rewards its visitors with views of Rocky and Purcell Mountain ranges, while a crashing river and 61-m (200-ft) waterfall thunders below.
The bridges, sitting 130 m and 80 m (262 ft) high, respectively, offer up dramatic 360-degree views of expansive alpine vistas, while showcasing a roaring 61-m waterfall and serene mountain river in the deep canyon below.
“At Pursuit, we are focused on connecting guests to iconic places through unforgettable and inspiring experiences,” said David Barry, president of Pursuit, an attractions and hospitality company. “The Columbia Valley is one of those remarkable places that is uniquely positioned to provide a stunning, yet, accessible mountain experience.”
The Golden Skybridge features a 3-km (1.9-mile) nature walk weaving throughout the park and across both suspension bridges. Viewing platforms provide guests with further opportunities to take in the picturesque landscapes. An outdoor courtyard and café at the experience base provide the perfect pre- and post-stop rest along the mountain journey.
For more adventurous explorers, the Golden Skybridge also features a tandem bungee swing and 1.2-km (.75-mile) zipline spanning the canyon.
According to Kelso Brennan, general manager of Banff Signs, the company that designed, fabricated, and installed the signage for the Golden Skybridge, not only is signage the storefront of a business or landmark, it plays a large role in the safety of workers and visitors.
“For the types of tourism signs that we’re making for this company, it really is about matching the level of prestige with that of the property we’re adding the signs to,” said Brennan. “We’re trying to elevate the experience for all of the guests, who typically don’t notice signage as it’s meant to blend in. However, if you can have some beautiful signage at the location, I do believe it adds to the overall effect of the experience of the guests.”
The Golden Skybridge opened in Golden, B.C., in spring 2021.
How it started
Banff Signs partnered with Pursuit in early 2020 for design, fabrication, and installation of the approximately 270 signs, including branding, safety, and wayfinding signage throughout the park.
Brennan said getting on-site at the onset of the project was a challenge as the park was not yet completed at the time.
“We had to actually cross the bridge without any sway cables on it the first time we went in for our site visit. So, before we actually designed anything, we had to get into the space to see what we were working with,” he explained. “When we scouted the property, even before identifying what materials we were going to use or what types of signage was needed, we had to fully understand the client’s needs.
They used a running app with GPS to map the entire trail system by recording it on a smartphone. From there, they were able to map and identify the major locations within the park, such as the concession stand, the bungee swing, tree-top park, playground area, and dwelling space.
Expectations
It was important to use bold colours, as well as natural features within the signage. The signage also had to be durable and last for several years outside in the extreme weather.
“We had to make sure that the same system was going to be changeable in the future so that we could add additions to the wayfinding system as the park continues to develop,” adds Brennan.
A combination of wood and some metal blades were used for majority of the project. The signs are made mostly from western red cedar, a kiln-dried wood that can withstand the outdoor elements for several years.
“All the wood we get come in 2- x 4-ft pieces. We then laminate, plane, and sand them, and from there they go through the coding process. They quite literally start as boards and end up as a finished, unique shape,” he explained.
