One of the best views in Canada awaits at Mount Maxwell Provincial Park, which sits atop the highest points on Salt Spring Island. As such, visitors here get to enjoy panoramic views over the Gulf Islands, earning it a spot on this ranking of the most scenic places in the country.
Salt Spring Island’s highest point
According to BC Parks, the provincial park was originally established for its landmark viewing point in 1938, called Baynes Peak. Here, visitors from far and wide can enjoy panoramic views of Vancouver Island, the surrounding Gulf Islands, and mainland B.C.
The day-use-only park houses crucial stands of old-growth Douglas firs, Garry oak meadows, and salmon-bearing creeks, as well as the largest undeveloped estuary in the Gulf Islands.
“The park lies adjacent to Mount Maxwell Ecological Reserve, which was also expanded in 2004 to protect Canada’s largest Garry oak meadow,” says BC Parks.
Park-goers can hike through 6 km of maintained trails, picnic at the summit of Mount Maxwell, and take in the spectacular vistas of Burgoyne Bay and Samsun Narrows at the top of the mountain.
Trails all start at the parking lot and range from easy strolls to more challenging hikes.
Note that pets and domestic animals must be on a leash and under control at all times, as per BC Parks guidelines.
An ancient archaeological site
A historically significant place to the Cowichan First Nation, Mount Maxwell is known as Hwmat’etsum, or “bent over place.” The area traces the relationship of man and the land.
Below the bay (Hwaaqwum), there are extensive middens marking Indigenous settlements dating back 3,000 years. These are considered archeological sites of spiritual significance.
Ready to see it for yourself? Visitors from Vancouver can hop on a quick ferry to Salt Spring Island, driving just under half an hour to the provincial park.
Happy adventuring!
How to get there: Take a ferry from Vancouver to Salt Spring Island and drive 27 minutes to Mount Maxwell Park via Fulford-Ganges Rd.
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