Spectacular views over the Saanich Inlet and across the Gulf Islands Named after the Malahat First Nation, this rugged region of heavy forest and steep cliffs is traversed by one of the most beautiful roadways in the world. First cut as a cattle trail in 1861, it was upgraded to wagon-road standards in 1884, and became a paved road in 1911 - the Malahat Drive climbs to a summit of 356 metres (1,156 ft). In spite of the highway, the Malahat is of great ceremonial significance to the Malahat First Nation, whose ancestors used the caves for spiritual enchancement - this mountain is one of the most sacred sites on southern Vancouver Island. Travelling north from Victoria, Malahat Drive climbs through imposing mature forests and over rugged mountainside before dropping down into the Cowichan Valley. Population: 98 Location: The Malahat is located south of Duncan and 30 minutes north of Victoria. Convenient stopping points along the way present spectacular views of Saanich Peninsula, the Gulf Islands and distant Mount Baker in Washington State. Totem Pole at the Malahat Summit Goldstream Provincial Park, on the southern edge of the Malahat, is a camper's delight - especially busy during November's salmon spawning run. This is a showcase for provincial parks, and many visitors fortunate to stay a day or two here end us wishing they could take up permanent residence. Picnic grounds besides the Goldstream River provides a welcome. A lot of lunches get consumed here during the fall salmon migration, when hundreds of nature-loving onlookers come to the park. You'll find interconnecting nature walks and trails between the day-use parking lot, the picnic grounds, the Freeman King Visitor Centre, and the south shore of Finlayson Arm. The natural beauty of the environment makes this a special place to explore at a leisurely pace. You can easily spend an hour strolling through the impressive old-growth rain forest that thrives here.