Over Easter this year, close to 100 paddlers from the Island, the mainland, the USA, and further afield came to the community of Gold River.
Gold River is located close to the west coast of Vancouver Island and is a grand destination for whitewater paddlers. The town has several rivers and sections accessible to paddlers. The Gold River proper has a total of 5 different sections. Then you have the tributaries of the Upana, the Ucona, Pamela, Quatchka, and the Heber River. A gold mine of paddling up here.
Heather and Garrett Quinn and the Vancouver Island Whitewater Paddling Society organized and planned this great festival. Check out her edit of the Festival below.
From beginner clinics, races on a few different sections, baseball, and evening celebrations. It is very family and youth-friendly. Can’t forget about the easter egg hunt on Sunday morning.
From Camp set up to Beginner clinics on Saturday morning, the Beginner clinics are designed to provide foundational skills, fostering confidence and excitement among newcomers eager to learn.
Rafters and kayakers enjoy races and fun on the Lower Canyon of the Gold.
Baseball in the afternoon, with some time at the fire and prizes from many sponsors (see video), including hand-painted medals by Heather Quinn.
Sunday morning brought the much-anticipated Easter egg hunt, where children eagerly scoured the campsite hidden treasures, their laughter echoing through the crisp morning air, followed by an exhilarating large group paddle through the stunning Upper Canyon of the Gold, allowing participants to connect with nature while navigating the rapids and taking in the breathtaking views of the canyon’s towering rock formations.
Jody floating out the last bit of the Upper Gold Canyon in her Small Pyranha ReactR
Huge thanks to the community and all who came out for the fun times on and off the river. Its a great time to catch up with friends from all over and get out on the river.
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