White Ridge Park | BC Parks

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Park overview

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.

Date Established: July 12, 1995

Park Size: 1,356 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.

Advisories

Safety info

White-Nose Syndrome

White-nose Syndrome is a fungal disease that has been linked to the mass die-off of hibernating bats in Eastern North America – it poses a significant threat to bats of the west and British Columbia. There is evidence that humans have accelerated the spread through entering caves with contaminated clothing, gear or equipment. To help prevent WNS from taking hold in B.C., the Province is making investments in bat conservation projects.

To ensure the protection of bats and their habitat in this park, BC Parks strongly advises that personal caving gear that has been used anywhere east of the Rockies not be used in B.C. Also, before entering caves in B.C, cavers and visitors should consult the provincial WNS website, which includes a link to a Decontamination Protocol for Mines and Caves.

Learn more about white-nose syndrome

Camping

Wilderness camping

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.

Winter camping

White Ridge Provincial Park is open year-round, however access roads may become snowbound in the winter.

Facilities

Campfires

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.

Activities

Hiking

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.

Wildlife viewing

The cave system, significant surface karst features and old-growth forest provide ample opportunities for interesting viewing at this park.

Pets on leash

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.

Caving

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.

White-nose Syndrome
White-nose Syndrome is a fungal disease that has been linked to mass die-off of hibernating bats in North America – it poses a significant threat to colonies in British Columbia. Please read the White Nose Syndrome fact sheet [PDF 552.76KB] to understand the disease, how to limit it’s spread, and find out what cavers and park visitors can do to help.

Hunting

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.

Maps and location

View a more detailed 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.

Park and activity maps

There is no digitized map/brochure available for this park.

Learn more about this park

Park details

Date established: July 12, 1995
Size: 1386 hectares

Nature and 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.

Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.