Nature Houses
Our Nature Houses are the hubs of environmental education here in Vancouver Island’s Provincial Parks. BC Parks Foundation is working closesly with RLC Park Services and BC Parks to directly operate Nature Houses in 2 locations on Vancouver Island: Goldstream Provincial Park in the South Island and Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park in the Mid Island. Our Nature Houses provide visitors with great nature resources, a warm and inviting atmosphere and helpful volunteers and Park Ambassadors!
What visitors have to say about our Nature Houses:
| “Great displays for kids; friendly, well-informed staff. I love the smell of wood smoke and it’s all so welcoming!” – Lucy and Neil, Ontario | “We always love the nature house and the friendly staff. The hot chocolate was a great way to keep warm!” – Matt and Jen, Victoria |
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“Here you can feel the nature, it’s great!” – Mario, Spain
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“One of the best Nature Houses I’ve ever been in, I love it!” – Emily, England
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| The Goldstream Nature House
Temporarily Closed for Winter Admission by donation: recommended $5 per person Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
UPDATE January 2024 The BC Parks Foundation continues to work toward a bright future for the Goldstream Nature House. While the Nature House is closed for the winter you can find self-guided resources on Discoverparks.ca and registration info for upcoming programs and activities. History Situated at the base of Mount Finlayson and the mouth of the Goldstream River, the Goldstream Nature House boasts amazing views and a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Opened to the public as a Nature House in 1976, this building was originally constructed for the Victoria Rod and Gun Club in the 1950’s. The Goldstream Nature House (also known as the Freeman King Nature House named after a famous park naturalist) is backed by over 40 years of history in interpretation and environmental education! Educational Resources With the recent addition of exciting and interactive nature displays including a giant microscope and a running water river exhibit, the Goldstream Nature House is better than ever! Our amazingly popular live wildlife cams are always a hit with visitors. Children and adults alike can appreciate and learn from the displays and a Naturalist is always nearby to answer all of your nature-related questions. The Nature House bookstore also boasts the largest collection of field guides and nature books on Vancouver Island, so you’re sure to find what you’re looking for! Events When coming out to Goldstream Provincial Park, don’t forget to stop by the Nature House, there’s always something new and exciting happening. Not only do we operate many school programs out of the Nature House but we also offer many public nature opportunities all year long. For a list of upcoming events taking place at the Goldstream Nature House, click here.
The Heart of the Park Whether you’re out in the rain during the salmon run to view the salmon, or you’re hiking up Mt. Finlayson on a hot summer day, the Goldstream Nature House is your home base. Come inside to cool down with a refreshing drink and some ice cream in the summer, or warm up in the winter with hot, fresh coffee and a cozy seat by the fireplace. Don’t forget your wallet! We have a great selection of gifts and books for nature-lovers of all ages. Plus any money you spend at the Nature House goes directly back toward environmental education. Check out this downloadable trail map to show you how to get here! |
Closed for the winter - check back for reopening dates by March 2024
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Dont forget to check out the Rathrevor Beach Nature House as well!
