B.C. has its own 'Niagara Falls' that's almost as high as its famous namesake
With a stunning mix of beauty and biodiversity, Goldstream Park in B.C. truly has it all.
Majestic 600-year-old trees, cascading waterfalls, vibrant wildflowers, and a river that meets the sea. There’s so much here to appreciate, and fall is a great time to catch natural phenomena like the annual salmon run!
“There’s something new, different, and exciting every month of the year at Goldstream Park,” notes BC Parks.
B.C.’s own “Niagara Falls”
Goldstream boasts a network of hiking trails that cater to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts, from wheelchair-accessible hikes to more challenging adventures along creeks and up past abandoned gold-digging sites from the days of the B.C. Gold Rush.
For starters, the iconic Goldstream Trestle Bridge Trail offers panoramic views of the lush canyon below, while the more rugged Mount Finlayson Trail rewards hikers with sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscapes. History lovers can embark on the Gold Mine Trail, exploring remnants of the area’s gold rush history while enjoying the serenity of the forest.
As visitors venture through the meandering trails, they’ll come across towering Douglas firs and ancient red cedars, which provide a sanctuary for a variety of birds from hummingbirds to bald eagles to turkey vultures.
Another trail leads waterfall hopefuls to the stunning “Niagara Falls,” which cascades 47.5 metres down a rocky cliff into a crystal-clear canyon pool below. It’s almost as high as its famous namesake!
As well, you can check out the smaller Goldstream Falls situated in the northwest part of the park, next to the campground.
Speaking of, Goldstream Park has over 300 campsites to choose from, including 152 reservable front-country sites and 173 vehicle-accessible sites.
Located just 16 km from downtown Victoria, this park is a fantastic add-on if you’re visiting anywhere in the southern part of the island.
Witness spawning salmon
As mentioned, visitors flock to this park during the fall months to witness spawning salmon. BC Parks states that the best time for viewing is late October through November.
During this period, they do warn that there is congestion on Highway #1 while cars park and exit the day-use area, so be cautious if you are visiting then.
Additionally, you can help prevent disruption of salmon spawning by keeping pets on a leash and out of the water at all times.
Stay on the marked trails, and get ready to take it all in.
Goldstream Park
How to get there: Take a ferry from Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver, to Nanaimo and drive one hour and 14 minutes to Goldstream Park via the Trans Canada Highway/BC-1 S.
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