Goldpanning: Southwestern BC and Vancouver Island

David Allinson is the president of the Rocky Point Bird Observatory in Victoria, B.C.

Panning for gold is a recreational activity for both young and old. It
is also an opportunity to visit natural areas, and this handy guide
highlights 57 goldpanning sites along creeks and rivers in southwestern
British Columbia and Vancouver Island.

A welcome introduction gives advice and information about equipment,
claim-staking, and regulations. The text consists of short site
descriptions, the majority of which leave out specific locations.
Particularly enjoyable are the sidebars, which detail the rich history
of gold prospecting, and the 19th-century photos, which add insight.

Anyone interested in learning more about recreational goldpanning,
British Columbia’s “gold rush” years, or the history of this
region will find this introductory resource especially useful.
Recommended.