NATURE

A part of this section features a selection of this region's most enjoyable hiking trails, parks and other island secrets. From novice to pro, easy to challenging, there's something for everyone! Catch a glimpse of what to expect. Learn about the area's wildlife and vegetation. We'll be constantly adding new trails to each region, so check back often.

Just 17 kilometers from downtown Victoria, Goldstream Provincial Park lies amid the splendour of an old-growth temperate rain forest. There you can see a world class salmon-spawning stream with thousands of Chum Salmon returning between October and December. It doesn't stop there. During this amazing time of year you can visit the park and it's always-changing Visitor Centre. The centre is named after Freeman King, an early naturalist who probably reached more children than any other naturalist on Vancouver Island. The centre is at the mouth of the river, overlooking the Goldstream estuary, nestled among giant black cottonwoods and red alder trees.