Gold River, village in British Columbia, Canada
Gold River is a small village on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, surrounded by mountains, lakes, and forests. The community sits at the edge of Strathcona Provincial Park and features a mix of wilderness, calm water, and dense tree cover that shapes views across the surrounding landscape.
The village was founded in the 1960s, originally built to support the logging and paper industry. After the mills closed in the late 1990s, the economy shifted toward tourism and outdoor recreation.
Gold River takes its name from the golden reflections of the water and natural surroundings that define the landscape. The village is shaped by residents who value quiet living and closeness to nature, which shows in how they use and care for their community.
The village is less than three hours from Nanaimo by ferry and highway, making it accessible by car. Visitors should be prepared for variable weather, as rain is frequent and winters bring snow to the area.
When founded, the village was Canada's first town with all wiring underground and powered completely by electricity, making it pioneering for its time. This experiment with modern infrastructure made it a notable example of twentieth-century town planning.
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