Provincial Parks & Hiking

The Parks We Treasure:The New National Park- Gulf Islands

In 2003, the Gulf Islands National Park reserve was established by the Canadian government in the southern portion of the islands, following an eight-year land-acquisition partnership between the federal governments and land conservancy groups.

It is the first new national park in Canada since the turn of this century and is an important victory for environmentalists and conservationists. By designating this area a national park, it will ensure that a large portion of the islands will remain a refuge from the growing mega-cities that are not far away.

The park reserve is a legacy that protects the land and marine ecosystems unique to the southern Gulf Islands and the Strait of Georgia, and the islands’ diverse culture and history, including the First Nations’ traditional activities and sacred places.

The parks current land base totals 34.9 square kilometres (13,5 square miles), while the marine area is 26.3 square kilometres (10.2 square miles).

Included are parcels ofland and water spread over some 16 islands and 30 islets and reefs. Water adjacent to park lands are also protected by Parks Canada, extending 200 metres from shore.

Hiking is definitely one of the most popular pastimes for both locals and visitors alike. However, one of the downsides of this island’s early settlement is the fact that almost 92 percent of the island is now privately owned. The rest is divided between parkland and crown land.  An excellent source of hiking information comes from Charles Kahn in his 2004 Revised edition of Hiking the Gulf Islands. Charles lives on Salt Spring and is an active member of the salt Spring Trail and Nature Club. His book features nineteen hikes, nineteen beach walks and eighteen road walks.

Ruckle Provincial Park

Given five ***** stars by Khan, Ruckle Provincial Park is  one of my favourite places on the island and should not be missed.  Located in the southeast corner of the island, it has over 15 km. of trails, including 7 km. of shoreline.

BC parks has installed many “you are here” signboards at most of the trail accesses and intersections. You can hike the trails in many directions but the route along the shoreline is very scenic. Although there is water available, near the camping area, I advise guests to take bottled water with them and any snacks you may wish. The park does have picnic facilities and out houses. If possible, allow yourself the time to give this tranquil beautiful setting the attention it deserves.

Henry Ruckle’s nineteenth century home and operating farm provides a very picturesque entry to Ruckle Park.  This provincial park which provides 8 kilometers of hiking trails was originally part of this homestead.  It is absolutely beautiful and is well worth the visit. The family still operates a farm on the edge of some of the trails. (Please respect their privacy).

Another South end trail that is highly recommended is the Indian Reserve. It is about 1 km. each way which should take about 40 minutes, round trip but you will want to stay longer to relax and absorb the beauty of the vistas. You walk through mixed forest and some of the prettiest shoreline on Salt Spring. Access to this trail is at the end of Menhinick Drive.

Mount Maxwell Provincial Park

Another Provincial Park isMount Maxwell which provides a fabulous lookout point with spectacular views spanning from Fulford Harbour, northwest to Vancouver Island.

You can either hike up the mountain or you can drive up to the parking lot and access the lookout point from there.

Bayne’s Peak is probably the most famous viewpoint in the southern Gulf Islands. On a really clear day you can see the ridge of mountains north to Nanaimo. You can either hike up the mountain or you can drive up to the parking lot and access the look out point from there. Either way, the expansive views are worth the trip. It provides a fabulous southeast facing views spanning the Fulford Valley to Fulford Harbour, or you can look west to Maple Bay on Vancouver Island.This is a must see if you are visiting the island on a clear day (or at least high clouds).