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Advisories

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Accessibility information

Accessibility information is available for this park.

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.

Pit or flush toilets
A pit toilet is located at the day-use area.
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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.

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.

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.

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.