About Goldstream Provincial Park
Open year round, Goldstream Park is just 30 minutes drive from
Victoria,
BC. Given to the province of British Columbia by the Greater
Victoria Water Board in 1958, this area of southern Vancouver Island
is located on traditional fishing grounds of the local First Nations.
Old mining shafts and tunnels remain froma mid-19th century goldrush,
hence where the name Goldstream originated.
Located a short walk from the day-use parking lot, at the salt
marsh, the Freeman King Visitor Centre offers displays and programs
through all seasons. These displays feature the natural and human
history of Goldstream Park. Also featured in the park are wooded
campsites and a swimming area at the campground near the gatehouse.
Hiking is largely an activity promoted in this park, as there are
some 16 kilometers of hiking trails. For more advanced hikers, Mt.
Finalyson is a good hour hike to the summit, one of the highest
points in Greater
Victoria.
Easy-going nature trails lead their way through the park, where
600 year old Douglas fir and western redcedar trees grow in the
lowland areas and Garry oak and arbutus trees grow on the dry slopes
of Mt. Finalyson. Wildlife viewing is a highlight of Goldstream
park, where you can spot migrational birds, and watch the famed
salmon spawning.
Salmon Spawning
Goldstream River is known as one of the major salmon bearing rivers
on Vancouver Island, and attracts many visitors in autumn to watch
the annual chum salmon spawning run. Three to four years before,
these same salmon were born in the Goldstream River, then swam to
sea to mature. Their return to spawn and die in their ancestral
spawning beds is fascinating and the Visitor Centre offers special
programs to allow visitors to learn and appreciate such an event.
Learn more about Pacific
Salmon.
Camping in Goldstream Park
Open from June to mid-September, 173 wooded and relatively private
campsites are a short walk from the Goldstream River. A swimming
site is also available near the campground, but please note, no
lifeguards are on duty at BC Provincial Parks. Camping sites are
booked on a first-come first-serve basis, but reservations are accepted.
For reservations call toll free 1-800-689-9025 or visit Discover
Camping
Public Access Points
Goldstream Park is accessible from the Island Highway (TransCanada
Hwy #1), which it borders on both sides, the highway cutting through
the park. The camp sites are on the south west side of the highway
and the day-use parking and visitors information center is located
on the north east side.
Accommodation Near Goldstream Park
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