Cliff Gilker Park

This is a wonderful park for an hour or so of wandering amongst large trees and over picturesque foot bridges. There’s lots to recommend but a delight for me are the bridges. They have utilized in some locations fallen trees and local curved logs to make the railings. The bridges end of feeling like an organic part of the trail. The well maintained trails are great for dog walking, trail running and just strolling and all of this conveniently placed in Roberts Creek between Gibsons and Sechelt.

So much beauty packed into one little park.
This easily accessible park with ample parking (drive to the top and there is a bunch of spots by the ball fields) and clean washrooms has a whole lot to offer.
Despite the busy ball park, the trails just seconds away were quiet and empty. A peaceful walk around the trails that cross the rushing water several times allows for many views that are definitely photo worthy. The large waterfall at the top end looks like the ultimate slip and slide, if it wasn’t a guarantee my ass would end up rather bruised.
As a bonus, we saw an adult pileated woodpecker feeding her nearly-​ready-​to-​fledge chicks way up a snag!
This is a must visit park if you are on your way through the area. You can be in and out in well under an hour. But you may just want to stay and watch the waterfalls.

Like Roberts Creek isn’t un-​urban enough, you can truly escape away from it all with a little jaunt through Cliff Gilker Park. Well marked trails, easy paths, a babbling creek, waterfalls, bridges and huge, red cedars make this a little sanctuary. And the canopied woods means even if it’s raining, you’re protected.
There’s a few «viewpoints» with benches and in the hour that I was «lost» in the woods, I didn’t see a soul. Although I should warn, the bear sighting signs didn’t sit well with me. I should have brought my dog spray and my whistle. Then I could show them who’s boss!
There’s lots of parking, an outhouse (just jump over to the golf course) and a big map that tells you where you are. If you’re staying in Roberts Creek, I’d suggest just walking. It’s only another 10 minutes and the trails aren’t that long.