Welcome to Goldstream Provincial Park, a true paradise for nature lovers. Nestled just outside Victoria, BC, this gem offers experiences like no other. With its lush forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking tranquillity and adventure.
Immerse yourself in the park's stunning natural beauty as you traverse its network of hiking trails. Marvel at the towering ancient trees and roaring waterfalls. And watch for bald eagles soaring above and black bears ambling through the undergrowth.
Nature lovers of all interests will find something to captivate them here. So whether you're an avid bird-watcher, a budding botanist, or simply someone seeking a peaceful retreat, Goldstream Park has it all.
Quick Park Facts
- Features: Camping; waterfalls; old-growth forest; wildlife viewing opportunities; salmon spawning stream; lots of hiking opportunities
- Park Size: 477 hectares
- Trails: Trail systems of approximately 16 km throughout the park
- Suitability: Some facilities at this park are wheelchair-accessible
- Hazards: The park straddles the Malahat, a very busy highway; creeks and riverbeds can be very slippery; there are frequent sightings of bears and sometimes even cougars.
- Bike Trails: no designated biking trails
- Camping: 167 year-round vehicle-accessible sites and two large group campsites
- Washrooms: Several pit toilets are available throughout the park, and flush toilet buildings are located in the day-use area and main campground. A Sani dump station is also available but closed during the winter season.
- Pets: As this is a Provincial Park, dogs must remain on a leash at all times
Top Things to See at Goldstream Park
The park is renowned for several natural attractions and phenomena:
- Annual Fall Salmon Runs: Goldstream Provincial Park is well-known for its fall salmon runs in the Goldstream River. This natural spectacle draws visitors annually who witness the salmon's remarkable journey upstream to spawn.
- Bald Eagle Watching: During the salmon runs, the park becomes a gathering hotspot for many bald eagles. These majestic birds congregate to feed on the salmon, making it a prime location for birdwatching.
- Natural Beauty: The park features impressive natural elements, including massive trees, majestic waterfalls, and scenic landscapes. One notable attraction is a 150-ft waterfall within the park.
A Bit of History
While no evidence of any First Nations community has been found within the park boundaries (yet!), Goldstream River is considered a traditional fishing ground.
The area was noted for its recreational values as early as 1880. An announcement in The Colonist on July 30, 1880, regarding the opening of a new resort stated:
Pure Goldstream water provided free of charge. This water smooths wrinkles of the old, gives health to the sick, beauty to the young, and wisdom to all.
Before the official creation of Goldstream Provincial Park in 1958 and its significance to the First Nations, the area had a great history. And that history presents itself in today's world via the many trail systems within the park.
Insider Tips
The park straddles the highway, with no direct (nor easy) pedestrian access between the two distinct sides. Crossing the busy Malahat highway is NOT recommended!
While vehicle access is available on both sides, it isn't as straightforward as it should be. There are separate entrances for the day-use area, main campground, and group campsites.
Much of the Malahat has physical barriers between the two sides of the highway. And a few parking areas mentioned below are only accessible from one side.
For example, if you are camping at the main campground, getting back to the area where Niagara Falls is located is not easy. There is no direct vehicle access to that waterfall if you are heading north (toward Nanaimo). However, if you don't mind getting your feet wet, see below for a secret walking route from the Visitor Centre/Day Use Area to Niagara Falls.
The Best Time to Visit Goldstream Provincial Park
Goldstream Provincial Park is a year-round destination, offering unique charms and attractions each season. However, the best time to visit the park will depend on your personal interests and the type of experience you're hoping to have. Summer is the busiest season to visit, as this is when most people use the campground.
I've listed my top two favourite seasons to visit this park below.
Fall
For many visitors, the fall season is the most captivating time to explore Goldstream Park. As the leaves begin to change, the forest is transformed into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and gold, creating a stunning backdrop for hiking and wildlife viewing. This is also the prime season for the park's annual salmon run, a natural spectacle that draws visitors and wildlife to the Goldstream River.
Spring
Spring, on the other hand, is a magical time to visit the park. The forest comes alive with the sounds of birdsong and the budding of new growth. This is an excellent time for birdwatchers, as the park's diverse avian population is on full display, with species like the bald eagle and the spotted owl making their presence known. The waterfalls are also at their peak fullness during this time of year.
The Trails
Several amazing trails are in the area, each with its own attractions. For a full list, I highly recommend checking out Alltrails.
Below are a few of my favourites.
Gold Mine Trail
The Gold Mine Trail is a 3.5 km out-and-back trail that winds through a lush temperate rainforest full of large moss-covered trees. You can also access two waterfalls at the beginning and the end of this trail (Little Niagara and Hidden Springs). See the directions below in the waterfall section.
A Bit of History about the Gold Mine Trail
Peter J. Leech was said to have named the river in 1858 after discovering traces of gold along the banks. However, nothing was done about it until 1863, when James Douglas sent four prospectors to the river to rediscover gold. During this same time, Victoria was full of miners in the wake of the Interior gold rush. So when news got out about the discovery of gold, an instant but short-lived gold rush happened at Goldstream River.
In 1897, another mining prospect was reported in the area, this time for copper. Tunnels were created in 1899 to access copper; however, by the early 1900s, this prospect also faded.
Today, you can still access the openings of one of the gold mines and the copper mine along the Gold Mine Trail. You might be happy to know that the entrance to the gold mine is open! I enjoy caving, but something about this one creeped me out, and I couldn't convince myself to go in. If you've explored this mineshaft, I'd love to know how far it goes. (Let us know in the comment section below).
The Railway
Robert Dunsmuir, a coal Barron with several mines in and around Nanaimo, wanted rail access to Victoria for his mines. So, in 1884, he commissioned former CPR Engineer Joseph Hunter to construct the railway. The first regular train service between Nanaimo and Victoria opened on September 24, 1886.
Just outside the park boundaries, there are a few distinctive railway features, including high trestle bridges, a train tunnel (currently blocked off), and a wide sweeping curve to the rail line.
At 130 meters long and 80 meters high, the most impressive trestle can be found near Little Niagara Falls. It is outside the park boundaries, so the offshoot trail leading to the trestle is considered private property. The trestle is fenced off, so you cannot walk across it. However, seeing it from the bottom is equally impressive. If you venture to the trestle, you do so at your own risk.
Goldstream Provincial Park Waterfalls
Little Niagara and Goldstream Falls are two significant waterfalls in the park.
Niagara Falls
Named after the famous falls in Ontario (and New York), this waterfall in Goldstream Provincial Park is nearly as tall. This not-to-be-missed beauty plunges 47.5 meters down a rock cliff into a clear pond below. The moss-covered cavern surrounding the falls makes it feel like you've been whisked away to another world. And yet, you can access this waterfall within a 5-minute walk from the Malahat Highway.
Getting There
If you are heading south towards Victoria, there is a hidden parking area on this side of the highway with quick access to the falls. However, it does sneak up on you, and there are no signs, so you need to keep watch. After you enter the park boundaries (along the highway), the parking area will be on your right-hand side, where the road starts to level out.
If you find the correct parking area, head down the steps and/or hill towards the waterfall. You can see the waterfall from the bank; however, carefully walk down the steep bank to the shoreline for optimal views.
After viewing Niagara Falls, head back towards the drainpipe (tunnel underneath the highway) and cross the creek. You don't need to enter the tunnel, but it's near where the trail connects to the other side of the stream.
This trail is one of the access points to the Gold Mine Trail and, ultimately, the trestle and the Goldstream Gold Mine. Following this trail for 3.5 km also leads you to Hidden Springs Falls.
If you want a much shorter route to these small yet pretty falls, another highway pullout is further down the Malahat. The Gold Mine is found about halfway down the trail from either waterfall.
Hint: Entering any of the above-bolded text into Google Maps will give you a general reference point that hopefully makes your search easier.
Getting to Goldstream Park by Bus
If you are a tourist in Victoria without a vehicle, you can still get to Goldstream Provincial Park! Take the 95 bus to Langford, then the 58 to Goldstream Meadows. From there, it's a short walk into the campground, where you will find many nice hiking trails along the river and to the waterfalls.
Secret Walking Route
Unfortunately, if you accidentally drive past this parking area, you can't make a U-turn until well after the park boundaries. However, don't despair; there's a secret walking route…as long as you don't mind getting your feet wet.
Pull into the Visitor Centre in the Day Use Area of Goldstream Provincial Park. If you are heading south towards Victoria, it will be on the LEFT-hand side of the highway on Finlayson Arm Road. Park in the main parking lot and walk towards the visitor centre. Follow a trail that leads under the highway through a large drain pipe (hence your feet getting wet!). Once you emerge from that tunnel, you will see the falls ahead.
This Day Use Area is the parking lot you will use if you access Goldstream Park heading north from Victoria.
Goldstream Falls
Goldstream Falls is accessed via the campground along the Upper Goldstream Trail system. Park your vehicle in the visitors-only area near the Campground gatehouse and follow the signs to the falls.
If you stay in the campground, head towards sites #60, #61, and #123 for quicker access. No matter which way you get there, a set of very steep stairs lead you down to the waterfall.
Several other beautiful trails are near the waterfall, including the Arbutus Loop.
Day Use Area
The Day Use Area is part of the park's east side and is accessed off Finlayson Arm Road. This area is where you will find the salmon spawning stream, a visitor centre, and access to Mount Finlayson.
The Freeman King Visitor Centre offers programs, exhibits, a gift shop, coffee and snacks, and interpretive programming.
The salmon run and the many large deciduous trees make it especially attractive in the fall. Riverside trails and observation platforms provide fantastic opportunities to view the salmon run. Bald eagles and sometimes black bears devour the spawned-out salmon's bodies along the shore.
Further up Finlayson Arm Road, one can access Mount Finlayson, one of the highest points in Greater Victoria. Although only 4 km, this hike is difficult due to the extremely steep terrain.
The Campground at Goldstream Provincial Park
The campground has 167 vehicle-accessible sites and two large group sites. While the park does accept first-come-first-serve guests, reservations are highly recommended! As it's located only 16 km from downtown Victoria, this is a very popular park, especially in the summer.
RLC Park Services operates Goldstream, offering trailer rentals right in the park! Everything you need is provided, including a fully equipped RV kitchen, full hook-ups (water, sewer, and electricity), and one bundle of firewood for the first night of your stay. All you need to bring are your sleeping bags, linens and food to enjoy your stay!
This park also has two group campsites with picnic shelters, woodstoves, electricity and water. Forests surround both sites and have a large lawn area. Reservations are accepted during the main camping season.
This campground offers hot showers and cold drinking water taps, and each site is equipped with a fire ring. Firewood is available for sale from the park operator.
Getting to the Campground
While the campground is located on the park's west side, the entrance is quite far from the other areas mentioned above.
You need to use Amy Road via Westshore Parkway to access the campground.
- Take the Westshore Parkway
- Turn right onto Amy Road
- Left on Sooke Lake Road and follow the signs
Conclusion: Why Goldstream Provincial Park is a Must-Visit
Goldstream Provincial Park is a true gem of British Columbia's natural landscape. It's a hidden paradise offering an unparalleled experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Whether you're an avid hiker, a passionate birdwatcher, or simply someone seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this park near Victoria is a must-see.
When was the last time you visited Goldstream Provincial Park? What are your favourite things to do while there? Let us know in the comment section below.
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For a complete list of Provincial Parks found on the island, please read Vancouver Island Provincial Parks.
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