Lying 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the heart of Victoria [1], the 390-hectare (960-acre) Goldstream Provincial Park straddles Highway 1 northwest of downtown. The park’s main natural feature is the Goldstream River, which flows north into the Finlayson Arm of Saanich Inlet. Forests of ancient Douglas fir and western red cedar flank the river; orchids flourish in forested glades; and forests of lodgepole pine, western hemlock, and maple thrive at higher elevations.
From the picnic area parking lot two kilometers (1.2 miles) north of the campground turnoff, a trail leads 500 meters (0.3 miles) to an interpretation center (250/478-9414, daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m.) where the life cycle of salmon that spawn in the river (Nov.–Dec.) is described. Continue beyond the center for five minutes on foot to reach the head of Finlayson Arm (a great bird-watching spot).
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/vancouver-victoria/vancouver-island/victoria