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.