Goldstream Provincial Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Goldstream Provincial Park |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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Niagara Falls in Goldstream Provincial Park
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 Goldstream Provincial Park
Location in British Columbia
Goldstream Provincial Park
Location in Capital Regional District
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| Location | Langford, British Columbia, Canada |
| Area | 477 ha (1,180 acres) |
| Designation | Provincial Park |
| Established | 26 June 1958 |
| Visitors | 692,338 (in 2017-18) |
| Governing body | BC Parks |
Goldstream Provincial Park is a beautiful provincial park in British Columbia, Canada. It's famous for its amazing annual salmon runs in the Goldstream River. During this time, many bald eagles gather here to feast on the salmon.
The park covers about 477 hectares (or 1,179 acres). It is located in the city of Langford. While visiting, remember that only Indigenous people are allowed to fish in the park.
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Discover Goldstream Park's Amazing Trees
Goldstream Park is home to giant trees along the Goldstream River. You can see huge Douglas-fir and western red cedar trees. Some of these trees are up to 600 years old!
They stand tall over other large trees like western hemlock, black cottonwood, bigleaf maple, and red alder. These trees provide shade for smaller western yew trees.
Steep hills in the park are covered with arbutus, western flowering dogwood, and lodgepole pine trees. These hills offer great views of the river area. In spring and summer, the park bursts with many colorful wildflowers.
Explore Goldstream Park's Hiking Trails
Goldstream Park has several fun hiking trails for you to explore. One of these trails even leads to Mount Finlayson. It's a great way to experience nature and get some exercise.
Goldstream Nature House: Learn About Nature
The Goldstream Nature House is a special place inside the park. It's a nature centre run by RLC Enterprize. Here, you can find cool displays about local natural history. They also offer seasonal programs about the environment for school groups and the public. It's a perfect spot to learn more about the plants and animals in the park.
The Goldstream Trestle: A Historic Railway Bridge
On the west side of the highway, bordering the park, you'll find a railway trestle. It's known as the Goldstream Trestle, or sometimes the Niagara Trestle. You can see it marked on the park map, past the end of the 'Gold Mine Trail'.
From the trail, you can enjoy views of Mount Finlayson to the east. The trestle itself is part of the E&N Railway, which is an old, unused rail line. Even though it's on the map, the trestle is not part of the park's official trails.
Important Safety Note: The Goldstream Trestle, the train tracks, and the train tunnel are private property. They are not meant for park visitors to climb on or access. Going onto them is considered trespassing. Please stay safe and enjoy the park from the designated trails.
Even though it's called a "trestle" on the map, it's actually a type of bridge called a cantilever bridge. It's a popular spot for people to enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh air.
Gold Rush History: A Glimpse into the Past
Back in 1863, there were rumors of gold in the Goldstream area. This led to a short but exciting "gold rush." You can still see signs of this history today. Along the park's hiking trails, you might find the entrances to old, abandoned gold mines. It's like stepping back in time!
How Goldstream Park Was Created
Goldstream Park exists today thanks to the smart thinking of Victoria's Mayor and City Council back in 1925. The park includes the salt marsh and the lower parts of the Goldstream River. It also protects some of the biggest Western Red Cedars in British Columbia.
The land that is now the park was once owned by different groups. In the early 1900s, a company that supplied water to Victoria bought the land. They wanted to control the water rights for the city.
In 1925, there was a plan to log some of the trees. But the City of Victoria stepped in and made sure the Goldstream Park area was saved from logging.
Later, in 1926, a company wanted to lease the park land for 49 years. They planned to build a commercial park with things like "motor camp" areas, tea rooms, mini-golf, and even a "Swiss Village." Luckily, this idea was not approved! Instead, a small shop and a tearoom operated in the park in the 1930s and 40s.
In 1946, a Rod and Gun Club built a clubhouse in the park. Today, this building is used as the Nature House.
Finally, the City asked the Provincial Government to take over the park. Goldstream became a Provincial Park in 1958, which was the year British Columbia celebrated its 100th birthday.
Images for kids
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Niagara Falls in Goldstream Provincial Park
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The historic railway trestle at Goldstream
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Entrance to an old mine
