Gold River
Gold River, a beautiful and sometimes tumultuous stream so named by Spaniards seeking gold
in the late 1700s. Situated on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, bordering Strathcona
Provincial Park, the community of Gold River offers accommodation, shopping, services and
outdoor activities such as golfing, hiking and fishing. Fresh-water fishermen find the Gold River
area an excellent site for year-round catch-and-release steelhead fishing. The Gold River features
two runs of Steelhead per year. It is a short coastal river with a relatively steep gradient, easily
accessed from several places along its banks.
Nootka Sound is a hot spot for Tyee salmon in July and August. Halibut of 15-50 lbs. are usual,
while some up to 175 lbs. are also taken. Red Snapper, Rock Cod and Ling Cod are also
available, and extend the season from mid-April to mid-October.
Gold River is home to the BC Speleological Association and a spelunker's paradise. The Upana
Caves are located about 10 miles (about 17 km) west of Gold River on Head Bay Forest Road.
There are fifteen known entrances and the individual caves vary in size from single rooms to
branching passages. You can take a self-guided tour or join a guided tour.
The proximity to spectacular Strathcona Provincial Park makes this area a mountain climber's
dream with such favorites as Red Pillar 2,031m (6600 feet), Kings Peak 2,065m (6711 feet), or
the Golden Hinde 2,200m (7150 feet).
Camping facilities nearby are the Peppercorn RV Park and tenting ground and the Lions
Campground. Strathcona Provincial Park has sites at Buttle Lake and Ralph River, and there is a
forestry service campsite located at Muchalat Lake about 11 km (7 miles) from the village.
Tours include trips to Friendly Cove, Hot Springs Cove, Rugged Point Provincial Marine Park
and Nootka Sound. Scenic hiking paths nearby range from a 20 minute forest walk to the
one-hour Antler Lake Nature Trail. Buttle Lake features several hiking trails ranging from 30
minutes to six hours in length.
The Great Walk, a 65 kilometre (40 Mile) walkathon between Tahsis and Gold River, is held
each June to raise money for various charities. The Great Walk starts at 4:00 AM near Gold
River and officially ends sixteen hours later in Tahsis at 8:00 PM.
Victoria and Vancouver Island Accommodations
Return to Main Menu
| Discover Vancouver Island
|
