Ministry of Environment

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Attention Visitors - Important Notice!

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Park Info:

White Ridge Provincial Park forms the backdrop for the quaint village of Gold River, on the west coast of northern Vancouver Island. The name of the park is derived from the white limestone and karst topography for which the area is internationally known.

The park’s karst surfaces - a distinctive topography in which the landscape is largely shaped by the dissolving action of water on carbonate bedrock, usually limestone, dolomite or marble - are significant and easy to see. White Ridge also features an extensive cave system and protects important deer and Roosevelt elk habitat. Although there may be potential for caving opportunities in the future, this area is sensitive and use is not recommended until a management plan is complete.

Park Size: 1,343 hectares

Special Notes:

Karst topography is easily damaged. Please use caution in this sensitive area. Do not damage or remove any rock formations or features from the caves.

Management Planning:

Management Planning Information

Approved Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan.

Location:

Location Map

White Ridge Park extends from the boundary of Strathcona Provincial Park northwest to the Gold River Highway corridor. The park is located 4 km west of Gold River and is accessed off Gold River Highway 28 via the BR 80 logging road.

Map/Brochure:

Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Location Map

Nature & Culture:

Conservation - White Ridge Park includes a prominent mid-elevation forested ridge which forms the eastern viewscape of the community of Gold River. The park also protects important deer and elk habitat and a system of caves. The name of the park is derived from the white limestone and karst topography, for which the area is internationally known.

Visitor Safety:

Visitor Safety Information (park safety, hazards, wildlife safety information, health risks)

Reservations:For parks that accept reservations, all vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of
group sites) must be reserved through Discover Camping. There are no designated campsites at this park.

Explore Parks: Fees, park listings, what you should know before you go and other useful links.

	There are no vehicle accessible camping facilities at this park.
	There are no designated campsites at this park, however random wilderness camping is allowed. No facilities are provided. Please practice Leave No Trace camping ethics. White Ridge Provincial Park is open year round, however access roads may become snowbound in the winter.
	There are no group campsites at this park.
	There are no day-use or picnic facilities at this park.
	There are no wheelchair accessible facilities at this park.
	Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
	No toilets.
	No showers.
	No sani-station/dump facilities.
	While fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. If you must use a campfire, please practice Leave No Trace camping ethics.
	There are no electrical hook-ups in this park.
	There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at this park.
	There are no developed trails at this park. User-created routes do exist into and through the park. They are often unmarked and steep, exposed and very rough. Use caution when hiking on these routes.
	This park does not have a playground.
	There are no opportunities for swimming in this park.
	There are no opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park.
	This park does not have a boat launch.
	There are no opportunities for fishing in this park.
	Cycling is not permitted.
	No horseback riding.
	Pets/domestic animals must be under control all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Dogs are not permitted in caves. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
	The cave system, significant surface karst features and old-growth forest provide ample opportunities for interesting viewing at this park.
	No winter recreation opportunities.
	No SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities.
	No windsurfing opportunities.
	No waterskiing opportunities.
	Portions of this park are open to hunting for specific species. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. Please refer to the current Hunting and Trapping Regulations and Synopsis publication for closures and regulations.
	No climbing or rock climbing opportunities.
	White Ridge Provincial Park is known for its extensive cave system. Most caves are suitable for experienced cavers only. Although there may be potential for caving opportunities in the future, this area is sensitive and use is not recommended until a management plan is complete.
	No cabins, yurts or lodges for public use.