South Island · Saanich/South Gulf Islands
Mount Maxwell Park
About this Park
Originally established for its distinctive landmark viewing point in 1938, Mount Maxwell Park contains one of the highest points on Salt Spring Island in the Southern Gulf Islands. This point, called Baynes Peak, offers superb views of Vancouver Island, the surrounding Gulf Islands and the mainland of British Columbia.
Also found in this day-use only park are stands of old-growth Douglas fir, garry oak meadows, salmon bearing creeks, and the largest undeveloped estuary in the Gulf Islands. Mount Maxwell Park is a popular destination for visitors who come here to picnic, hike, and enjoy the spectacular views.
From the top of Mount Maxwell, see the topside of soaring raptors, or to peer through the mist and marvel at the panoramic views. Mount Maxwell Park, contiguous with Mount Maxwell Ecological Reserve and Burgoyne Bay Park, combine to create over 1100 hectares of protected area.
Safety information
- The gravel road to the summit of Mount Maxwell is steep, narrow and rough. Four-wheel drive vehicles with higher than average clearance are strongly recommended for those wanting to use the road.
- Stay on designated trails. Some sections of the trail travel are very close to the cliff edge. Use extreme caution in these areas.
- Rock climbing, slack-lining, paragliding, and hang gliding are not permitted within the park.
- Bring your own drinking water, as potable water is not available in the park.
Location notes
Mount Maxwell Park is located on Salt Spring Island, in the southern Gulf Islands. BC Ferries offers service to Salt Spring Island from Victoria (Swartz Bay) and Crofton on Vancouver Island, and Vancouver (Tsawwassen). From the Salt Spring ferry terminal, head south on the Fulford Ganges Road to Cranberry Road. Turn left at the junction with Mount Maxwell Road and continue slowly on the rough road to the park. This gravel road is steep and narrow and bumpy. Caution should be taken when traveling this road.
Activities
- 21:Hiking Mount Maxwell Park offers a number of walking and hiking opportunities with spectacular views. Approximately 6km of maintained trails all start at the parking lot and range from easy strolls to more demanding hikes. Trails to the north and east travel through wooded areas of old-growth and second-growth Douglas fir. The trail to the west follows along the ridge of Mount Maxwell and links up with the park entrance road approximately 2km from the parking lot. Excellent views can be had from various points along the trails, particularly at Baynes Peak, Salt Spring Island’s highest point. From here visitors can get a panoramic look at Vancouver Island, the surrounding Gulf Islands and the mainland of British Columbia.Please stay on designated trails. Some sections of the trail travel very close to the cliff edge. Use extreme caution in these areas.
- 21:Wildlife viewing A viewing area at the top of Mount Maxwell offers spectacular vistas of Burgoyne Bay and Samsun Narrows, and is an excellent location to watch the sun set. Visitors to the park may also see a variety of wildlife, including black-tailed deer, black bears, feral sheep and goats, as well as turkey vultures, peregrine falcons, and several bat species.
- 21:Pets on leash Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash and under control all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for encounters with wildlife.
- 21:Cycling Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Mount Maxwell Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
Facilities
- 21:Picnic areas This park has a day-use and picnic area at the summit of Mount Maxwell. Facilities include a parking lot, pit toilet, picnic tables and a viewing area with spectacular vistas of Burgoyne Bay and Samsun Narrows. The gravel road to Mount Maxwell Park is steep, narrow and bumpy. Drive slowly and use caution when traveling this route.
- 21:Pit or flush toilets A pit toilet is located at the day-use area.
- 21:Accessibility information Accessibility information is available for this park.
Location
48.80368, -123.51464 · Saanich/South Gulf Islands