Camping – Vancouver Island Parks

China Beach

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December 19, 2010

Goldstream Park

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.

May 7, 2010

French Beach

About French Beach

French Beach Provincial Park is 59 hectacres of Vancouver Island west coast wilderness, situated on the Strait of Juan de Fuca half way between Sooke and Jordan River.

This park is a great place for a family to spend the day. A full playground will entertain the kids, as will playing frisbee or volleyball on the large lawns. Picnic tables and self contained fire pits located in various places around the park provide an opportunity to have a barbeque or marshmellow roast (unless otherwise posted due to fire hazard).

The beach itself is a wonder. With 1,600 meters of beach front, this park provides a fantastic venue to enjoy the Pacific Ocean. Sandy patches merge into pebbles, and driftwood of all shapes and sizes litters the beach. Here, sandcastle enthusiasts, or kids, can build their creations. Walk towards the right (or north west) and find the hidden treasures of the tide pools. Watch the sea anemones eat – this is most interesting, or watch the waves crash in against the rocks. Also note: due to strong undertow currents it is strong recommended that you DO NOT go swimming in the ocean at this location, however you can with some caution go wading.

French Beach is also a great place for observing Vancouver Island wildlife. Deer and ground squirrels inhabit this area of Vancouver Island. Seabirds, bald eagles and ospreys drift on warm air currents above the beach. Otters, seals and sea lions can also be seen playing offshore, and whales love to visit in the summer.

Walking trails wind their way through the second-growth forests lining the shores of French Beach, and provide an easy paced stroll through a natural west coast setting.

A 69 site campground at French Beach is open year round; however, there are not electrical hookups nor showers at this campground.