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Until 1998, the community of Gold River depended on the forest industry and pulp mill. Today the town boasts an aquatic centre, ice rink, curling rink, four ball fields, a 9-hole golf course, a tennis court and a wading pool.
Surrounding the town of Gold River are endless forests, lakes, oceans and mountains providing adventure and sporting activities. People come to Gold River for the river and ocean fishing, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, ocean cruises and caving. The community is a short drive from Strathcona Park for hiking and backpacking. Nootka Island is also popular for sight-seeing and backpacking.
Fishing
Nootka Sound is called the "Tyee Mecca" of Vancouver Island. Charter a boat
for a day or half-day including everything you need — fishing gear, tackle, bait, ice, meals, and cleaning and proper packing of your catch. The prime time to catch large Chinook (also called tyee or king salmon) is July to August. Halibut up to 175 pounds, red snapper, rock cod and ling cod are also available, and extend the season from mid-April to mid-October. Read more...
Upana Caves
An easy 0.3 km trail with pathways and steps allow you to visit the Upana caves, including Corner Cave, Insect Cave, Main Cave, Resurgence Cave, Slither Cave and Tunnel Cave, all linked by a hiking trail 17 km from Gold River in Kyuquot Provincial Forest. The approximately 100 caves are described as "wild" and "undeveloped". At one point you will come across an underground river. The underground sequences of "Huckleberry Finn and His Friends" were filmed in Upana Caves. Bring a flashlight and a hard hat. Wear sturdy boots with rubber soles and watch for low ceilings and slippery conditions. Read more...
Hiking and climbing
Gold River is close to several alpine peaks worth visiting. Crest Creek Crags offers excellent rock climbing in a lower elevation environment. Strathcona Park offers Island classics such as Kings Peak, Elkhorn Mountain, Col. Foster, and Rambler Mountain up the nearby Elk River Valley. Outside the park, Mount Victoria, Matchlee Mountain, Conuma Peak, and many other climbing destinations abound in this mountainous region. Read more...
Kayaking
Sea Kayaking in Nootka Sound
Parts of the Nootka Sound are protected from ocean swells and sea kayaking is better in the mornings, before onshore breezes develop. Most of the coastline is rugged, but there are many gently sloping sandy beaches in the area. Campsites available are Cougar Creek Forest Service Campsite, Tuta Marina, and Yuquot Cabins & Campground. Read more...
Boat Tours
Take an unforgettable boat tour from Gold River on the M.V. Uchuck III. This 136 foot passenger and freight vessel provides service through historic Nootka Sound, Esperanza and Kyuquot Sound. The day and overnight cruises pass some of Vancouver Island’s most spectacular scenery. Read more...
The mill in
Gold River
Fishing for
steelhead
Gold River
lighthouse
A beach along
the Nootka Trail
Mount Victoria
Kayaking
