Goldstream Gold Mine Trail

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Overview

The hike in Goldstream Provincial Park from the campsite area, along the Gold Mine Trail, to the train trestle passes scenic, lush forest before climbing steeply to the spectacular railway structure. The hike is fairly long and follows the same route back to the campsite, however the hike through the forest is beautiful and rarely very crowded.

The trestle bridge is part of the Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway and is currently managed by the Island Corridor Foundation. As of 2015, rail service along the route has been suspended indefinitely due to sections of track needing repair. The intention is to start passenger and freight rail service through the area again, however funding is still being discussed between various levels of government. The tracks and trestle bridge are private property and trespassing is technically not allowed, however many people do commonly cross the bridge or walk out to the middle to see the view. It is also possible to hike to the trestle bridge from the Goldstream day-use area.

Walk to the area near the gatehouse in the campsite and continue to the right, passing several campsites and walking to the area near the outhouses. Just beyond, a trail drops down into the woods. Follow it as it quickly leaves the campsite area and within a 5 minutes or so, reaches a junction. Go left and follow the Arbutus Loop, staying right at the next several junctions. Go right at again at the Arbutus Loop, then right onto the Arbutus Trail. Finally, go right onto the Arbutus Ridge Trail, and leave the series of loops / junctions behind as you now quickly make your way north.

When the trail descends steeply, go right at the junction onto the Gold Mine Trail and continue to follow it through the forest. The lush forest is full of moss, lichen, and greenery, a relaxing sight as you climb steadily along the trail. The trail eventually reaches the old gold mine on the left.

Continue past the gold mine, following the trail as it continues to climb and offer more scenic forest views. Eventually, you reach a sign at a trail junction with a canyon below, although the trail to your left is not marked. Go left onto the unmarked trail and as you hike up the mill, look between the trees for occasional glimpses of the trestle bridge. Climb the last steep section up hill to the railway tracks.

While the train tracks and trestle bridge are technically private property, many people do decide to walk out onto the bridge. If you do so, be very careful to watch your step as the canyon is a long ways down and one false step could mean disaster.

After enjoying the trestle bridge area, hike back down the trail you came and go right onto the Gold Mine Trail as you begin your long trek back down towards the campsite. Walk through the forest and pass the gold mine, reaching the junction with the Arbutus Ridge Trail, go right and walk ip the steep hill before it levels out and reaches a junction with the Arbutus Trail. Go left at the Arbutus Loop, then left again. Go right at the last junction and follow the trail back to the campsite.

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Driving Directions

The hike along the Goldstream Gold Mine Trail begins from the campground area in Langford. To get to the Goldstream Provincial Park campground from downtown Victoria, drive to Douglas Street and head northbound out of the city, following the road as it turns into Highway #1. After driving about 15km along Highway #1, turn left at the lights to West Shore Parkway. At the roundabout, turn right and drive along Amy Road. At a 3-way intersection, veer left and onto Sooke Lake Road. At the first opportunity to turn right, turn right onto Golden Gate Road and follow the road, downhill into the campground area. There is day-use parking just past the gate and additional parking outside of the gate.

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Public Transportation

Public transit buses can be taken from downtown Victoria to the start of the start of the Gold Mine trail, which begins at the Goldstream campsite. From Douglas Street in downtown Victoria, take bus #50: Langford as it follows Douglas out of the city. Take this bus to the end of its route, exiting on Station Avenue after nearly 1-hour.

From Station Avenue and Jacklin Road, look for Bus #58: Goldstream Meadows. Take the bus to Humpback Road at Rock Hill. You will need to walk several meters back to Sooke Lake Road, go left, then right onto Golden Gate Road, which will take you into the Goldstream Provincial Park and its campsite.

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Camping Information

The Goldstream Provincial Park campground is open year-round and is accessible via the West Shore Parkway turnoff from Highway #1, just south of the park boundary. The area has about 167 vehicle accessible campsites and is situated in a beautiful, forested setting. The campground has many amenities, including washrooms, showers, a playground, a bike playground, sank-station, garbage, and much more.

Reservations can be made through BC Parks website for a campsite during the summer months and there are also campsites available on a first come, first served basis.

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Additional Information

Dog-Friendly

Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times in Coldstream Provincial Park and are not allowed on beach areas or in streams due to the risk of damaging sensitive salmon spawning environments. Please ensure to pick up and remove all dog excrement from the park.

Toilets

The only toilets are outhouses located at the Goldstream campsite, including toilets right at the beginning of the trail. There are no other toilet facilities along the route to the trestle.

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