Leaves falling on Victoria

I know most other communities may claim they have bragging rights to fall foliage, but if you are looking for a quick getaway packed full of autumn colors Goldstream Provincial Park is a must see. Just 10 miles north of Victoria, Goldstream Park is a majestic old growth rainforest and it is teaming with wildlife and history. It is located on traditional First Nations fishing grounds and just off one of the many trails you may glimpse remains of abandoned mining shafts and tunnels left from the mid-19th century gold rush.

By Brandon Godfrey. Click Image to Enlarge

Goldstream Park flora and fauna is diverse.  You walk amongst Douglas fir, Western red cedar, Big leaf maple, Arbutus , Red alders, Cottonwood trees. The forest floor is covered by ferns and salal bush. Listen for the rush of the river and the calls of eagles over head. Along your walk you are surrounded by Douglas fir that is over 600 hundred years old. The Western cedar trees reach a height of over 200 feet tall and the giant Big leaf maples show their spectacular autumn tones. It is a photographer’s paradise.  In fact, photographer Brandon Godfrey, has captured the majesty of this park in the photo above.

From late October through December of each year the Goldstream River is home to the natures amazing salmon spawn. Chum, coho and chinook salmon enter the river via Finlayson Arm from the Pacific Ocean. Their trip really began three years previously…they were born in the fresh waters of Goldstream River, traveled to the salty waters of the Pacific Ocean where they mature before making the trek back to the Goldstream River to spawn.

CowichanValleyPhotos.com

During the spawning migration up river, the male of the species searches for a suitable female. Once male and female fish have paired up for mating, the female takes the role of builder, preparing the spawning bed, the male protects the area by swimming around the activity of the female and aggressively biting at anything that intrudes, including smaller male fish. Often, spawning takes place in rather shallow water, making the fish easy prey for predators such as birds, bears, raccoons, and other animals. This is where you can see wildlife trying to get a paw or beak full of salmon. Wildlife sightings are bountiful during this time.

Call Toll Free: 1-800-888-2535 or click here to book your overnight stay & car rental. Be sure to pack the camera and good walking shoes!