Welcome! You will discover a wealth of recreational pursuits and a clean, modern and safe riverside community here. We are a village with a future and we want you to be part of it! Escape the crowds and visit Gold River any time of year.
Tucked in between the Gold and Heber Rivers on Vancouver Island, the gateway to historic Nootka Sound on Canada's pacific coast, this is where the road ends and true Canadian wilderness begins. Easy ocean access to the world's best salmon and halibut fishing. Wilderness and wildlife abound; this is the land of discovery!
Fresh glacier fed rivers and lakes, a flyfisher's paradise. Visit the site of a 4300 year old First Nations village. Walk the beach where Captain Cook first met Chief Maquinna, heralding the birth of British Columbia. Kayak and surf, climb a mountain, explore a cave, hike the Nootka Trail, do it all right here from Gold River.
Gold River, 90 km west of Campbell River, was named by the Spaniards in the 1700s. Built in 1965 to service a community dependent on the local Pulp Mill and Forest industries, Gold River was the first town in Canada to have underground wiring. When the Pulp Mill closed in 1998, the community's focus turned to rebuilding and attracting more tourists to this recreational paradise. The area now offers accommodations, shopping, dining, and outdoor activities galore.
The Gold River area is well known for its fishing - including excellent freshwater fishing, with Steelhead season beginning in December. Nootka Sound is a popular saltwater fishing destination as well. Fishermen come for Tyee Salmon, and Halibut up to 175 lbs, as well as Red Snapper, Rock Cod and Ling Cod.
The Upana Caves, 17 km (10 miles) from Gold River, require approximately an hour for a self-guided tour of these limestone caves. Mountain climbers visit nearby Strathcona Provincial Park to climb Kings Peak, Elkhorn Mountain and Crest Craggs.
Tours include trips to Friendly Cove, Hot Springs Cove, Rugged Point Provincial Marine Park and Nootka Sound. Scenic hiking paths nearby range from 20 minutes to an hour. Buttle Lake features several hiking trails up to 6 hours.
The Great Walk, a 65-km (40 mi) walkathon between Tahsis and Gold River, is held each year in June. Vvisit their website at www.greatwalk.com.
Recreation Facilities in Gold River include an Aquatic Centre, Ice Rink, Curling Rink, 4 Ball Fields, 9 Hole Golf Course, Tennis Courtand Wading Pool.
