Park overview
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.
Advisories
Safety info
- 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.
Facilities
Accessibility information is available for this park.
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.
Activities
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Park and activity maps
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: October 21, 1938
- Size: 231 hectares
Park contact
This park is proudly operated by:
K2 Park Services Ltd.
k2parks@shaw.ca
1-877-559-2115
k2parks.ca
Nature and culture
History
Originally established for its distinctive landmark viewing point in 1938, the 199 hectare mountain-top park was expanded to its current size of 231 hectares in 2004. The park lies adjacent to Mount Maxwell Ecological Reserve, which was also expanded in 2004 to protect Canada’s largest Garry oak meadow. These two protected areas, combined with Burgoyne Bay Park now stretch from mountain top to shoreline and across Burgoyne Bay to the slopes of Mount Bruce.
Cultural Heritage
Mount Maxwell is an important place in the Cowichan First Nation traditions. Known as Hwmat’etsum, or “bent over place,” it features in origin stories about the relationship of man and the land. Archaeological sites of spiritual significance lie below the adjacent Mount Maxwell Ecological Reserve, while extensive middens marking 3,000 year old settlements circle the bay, known as Hwaaqwum, or “place of the merganser.” Pioneers, such as the Maxwell brothers, cleared the lowlands and remnants of their settlements remain in the park today.
Conservation
Mount Maxwell is one of the largest contiguous protected areas in the Gulf Islands and includes a mosaic of habitats, from estuary to Garry oak ecosystems. Old-growth Douglas fir forest and cliffs serve as important nesting areas for species at risk, including turkey vultures, peregrine falcons and several species of bat. The estuary has three species of salmon and Burgoyne Bay is home to eel-grass beds and seabird populations. Several threatened plant species are protected in the park, including scalepod, Gray’s desert parsley, California hedge parsley and elfin moss.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.