Free Things to do, Hiking, Backpacking, Outdoor Recreation
Gold River - Tahsis Eco-Tourism, Vancouver Island, British
Columbia, Canada
- Strathcona Park. A journey into Strathcona Provincial Park will change outlooks of lives and rekindle lost spirits exploring this amazing 500,000 acre wilderness park located in the middle of Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. Strathcona Provincial Park is Vancouver Island's biggest park and British Columbia's oldest park and second biggest park. A land of untouched rugged forests, looming mountain peaks with far reaching valleys covered by a complex network of rivers and lakes.
[ more information about Strathcona Park, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada ]
- Nootka Sound. The " Gateway to Nootka Sound" is through the rural mountainous communities of Gold River and Tahsis. Both communities enjoy the wilderness environment and an easy access to the Pacific Ocean leading into Nootka Sound to visit Nootka Island. Nootka Sound is centred around the First Nations Village of Yuquot, also known as Friendly Cove. A historic site, Yuquot was the summer home to Chief Maquinna and the Mowachaht/Muchalaht people and the Village of Tahsis was the winter home.
[ more info about Nootka Sound and the Village of Yuquot ... ]
- Elk Falls: From the day use area there is a short maintained trail through the magnificent old growth Douglas Fir forest to the Elk, Moose and Deer Waterfalls, found along the Campbell River. Elk Falls is the biggest and is a visual treat as a 25 metre waterfall. Detailed trail maps are located at the day-use areas and in the campground. The Provincial Park has a maze of hiking trails located along the Campbell River and Quinsam River including a short trail to the Quinsam Salmon Hatchery.
[ more info about Elk Falls Provincial Park ... ]
- Antler Lake. A crystal clear lake great for a family
picnic or a fresh water rod and reel experience while absorbing
the scenery and the wildlife. Located off of East Road north
of Gold River village near the river itself.
- Captain Cook Monument. 1778 the Europeans discovered,
what we now call Canada. A Brass plaque was erected in 1903
to remember the event. This monument is on the same ground
of the historic old Spanish fort located on Nootka Island
in Yuquot. Access by boat.
- Crest Creek Crag. Worth a drive to see the mountain
climbers try their skills along the steep rock walls manoeuvring
around on over 100 different routes. A real treat and an eye
opener. Located 9 km. east of the Gold River Village on Hwy
#28 by the Crest Mountain trailhead.
- Crest Mountain Trail. 5 km. trail with an elevation
reaching over 1100 metres. Forested paths, wilderness all
around, and a single log bridge takes you to a lookout celebrating
some fantastic views. Located 9 km. from Gold River east on
Hwy #28.
- Big Bend Picnic Site. Picnic area nestled up to
the shores of the Gold River. Enjoy your meal as you watch
the kayakers and canoes stroll by. Next door are the beautiful
fairways and greens of the local golf course. Located on Hwy
#19 south of Gold River village.
- Elk River Trail. A 11 km. 5 hour hike along the Elk
River barring very little elevation change, only 600 metres.
The trail takes you to Landslide Lake and over some rocks
and through the lush rainforest. Access from Hwy #28 near
Drum Lakes.
- Golden Hinde Mountain. The highest point on Vancouver
Island, the Golden Hinde soars to an elevation of 2,200 metres
and looms high above Strathcona Park over looking Burman Lake,
miles and miles of rainforest and home to hundreds of species
of wildlife. Located in Strathcona Park . Follow Hwy #28 east
from Gold River. Access from hiking only. Distant views from
certain areas of the park on clear days.
- Gold Lake Trail. A fairly easy walking trail through
lush, ancient rainforest. Opportunity to view wildlife is
exceptional. The 5 km. trail takes under Mount Tyee and along
Gold Lake.
- Gold River Fish Hatchery. Discover the life of a
Salmon and their migratory habits. Learn the battles they
must face to survive in their natural habitat. Located 14
km. south of Gold River village on Hwy #28 at the Government
Wharf.
- Government Wharf. Big fishing boats and little ones,
kayaks and canoes populate the inlet. All meeting here to
launch their watercrafts. Observe the life of a fishing dock
and the excitement the fishing industry has enjoyed. Located
14 km outside of the Gold River village.
- Nootka Lighthouse. A human powered lighthouse, right
here on Vancouver Island. Yup... you heard me right. It is
so cool. It was built in 1911 to warn the ships and vessels
when approaching Nootka Sound. Worth the boat ride to Nootka
Island and Yuquot.
- Nootka Trail. A 35 km (22mi.) rugged hiking experience
along beaches and through tough wilderness passing by creeks
and First Nation sites. Recommended 3-4 day hike as high and
low tides have a barring on time. Plan for 25-30 hours. Access
from plan or boat to Nootka Island.
- Peppercorn Park. Situated on the shores of the Gold
River is a tastefully relaxing area great for swimming and
enjoying a picnic. There is nothing like swimming among kayaks
and canoes. The wilderness feeling of it all. Located off
of Dogwood drive in Gold River.
- Peppercorn Trail. A well groomed trail on the east
side of Gold River village. The preferred starting trail head
is at Peppercorn Park with your finishing point being the
foot bridge where the Gold River meets the Heber River at
Hilke Rd. watch the kayaks, canoes while enjoying the sounds
of the river currents and the sights within the forest.
- Scout Lake. Trail system takes you to a semi-private
lake within the nearby rainforest just outside of Gold River
village. Wildlife viewing, hiking, walking and breathing fresh
air are a given to this area. Access from the water tower
at the north end of Muchalat drive.
- Star Lake. Fresh water lake that is great for fishing
for Trout or for a good old fashion picnic in the rainforest
after a scenic drive of the area. Located 5 km from the Gold
River village heading south on Ucona Road.
- Tsa'tsil, Lagoon. "where the tide comes up and
goes into the lagoon". This marks the end of the easily
accessible beaches. Located on Nootka Island in Yuquot.
- Upana Caves. Fifteen known prehistoric caves, including
Corner Cave, Insect Cave, Main Cave, Resurgence Cave, Slither
Cave and Tunnel Cave. Located on Head bay Forest Road west
of Gold River Village.
- Yatz-mahs"walk around". Trek along some
beaches, marsh, and forest. Staying right on the trail takes
you through some old growth forests. Staying left is a little
more difficult with the possibly of flooding... right on...
as you hike to the lake. Staying right will lead you up and
down before arriving at Aa-aak-quaksius Lake. Located on Nootka
Island in Yuquot.
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