Niagara and Goldstream Waterfalls
These two stunning waterfalls just outside Victoria in Goldstream Provincial Park make for the perfect family-friendly adventure. They are short, easy to do, with a waterfall reward at the end. We recommend starting with Niagara Falls and then working your way back to Goldstream Falls.
Niagara Waterfalls
Niagara Falls, just outside Victoria, shares its name with the famous Ontario waterfalls but stands at 156 feet. Although much smaller than the Ontario falls, they are located in a beautiful and easily accessible spot.
Directions
To get there from downtown Victoria, first follow Douglas Street northbound. Next, park at the Goldstream Provincial Park day-use parking lot, just off Island Highway on the right-hand side. The trail begins at the far end of the lot, past the Visitor Centre. After parking, head north away from the picnic area, following the wide gravel trail. When you reach a junction, turn left, and you will come to a bridge with a tunnel on your left that goes underneath the highway. Take the tunnel and then follow the trail to the waterfall.
During summer, the tunnel is dry, making the falls easy to access. However, if you visit during spring or fall, the tunnel may be filled with water. In that case, you will need to park on the other side of the highway. To do this, drive an additional 5 km north until you reach a U-turn route marked by signs. Turn left into a small lot to turn around and drive back south. The walk to the falls from there is only about 5 minutes.
Goldstream Waterfalls
Goldstream Falls is a fantastic family-friendly hike. The trail takes you through a peaceful rainforest filled with Cedars, Douglas firs, and ferns. You can hear the sound of the creek below. To begin, park at the Goldstream Provincial Park Campground near the gatehouse. From there, the trail starts just to the left of the gatehouse, leading into the forest. The trail is 5.5km (3.4mi) long and takes about 1-1.5 hours. Along the way, you’ll walk through beautiful scenery and come to a long set of stairs descending into the canyon to the waterfall. The falls pour into a natural pool, which is a popular swimming spot. So, bring your bathing suit and water shoes for a refreshing dip!
Directions
To get to the Goldstream Campground, first head south on Highway #1. Then, turn right at West Shore Parkway and right again at the roundabout onto Amy Road. At the 3-way intersection, veer left onto Sooke Lake Road. Finally, turn right at the signs for Goldstream Provincial Park and drive down the hill to the campsite. There’s day-use parking just beyond the gate, with additional parking outside. Follow the signs to the campground.
Time: Plan for 3-4 hours for the two hikes.
