The Gold River was named by the Spaniards in the 1700's but the town itself was born in 1965. Built for a community dependent on employment at the pulp mill and in the forest industries, when the pulp mill closed in 1998 the town had to diversify and turned to tourism to keep the town alive.

Gold River BC is known for its world class fishing. Freshwater fly fishing is popular and the steelhead season begins in December. Gold River is also a gateway to the Nootka sound which is a popular saltwater fishing ground off Vancouver Island.

Gold River is an outdoor paradise and one can take advantage of hiking on trails like the Nootka Trail or mountain bike on trails built by the local mountain biking club. For rock climbers there is nearby Strathcona Provincial Park with climbs at Kings Peak, Elkhorn Mountain and at the Crest Craggs. If its caving you are interested in the Upana Caves are located 17km from Gold River and are limestone caves accessible to even novice cavers.

The MV Uchuck 3, a working freight and passenger boat, is availiable for day or overnight cruises and will take you for a cruise around Nootka Sound or to the towns of Tahsis or Zeballos. You can also access the First Nations settlement of Friendly Cove where you can enjoy hotsprings, kayaking and the local ambiance.

The Great Walk is one of North America's largest charity walks and consists of 65 km between Gold River BC and Tahsis in June every year. This demanding trek takes place amidst spectacular scenery and peaceful surroundings.

In the town proper there are several restaurants and pubs to enjoy, as well as an aquatic center, ice rink, curling rink, 4 ball fields, a 9 hole golf course, tennis court and wading pool.