Mount Maxwell Provincial Park, Provincial park on Salt Spring Island, Canada
Mount Maxwell Provincial Park is a protected area on the western side of Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, covering about 231 hectares (570 acres). The site features a summit at approximately 580 meters (1,900 feet) that visitors can reach either by gravel road or hiking trails starting from the northeast or from Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park.
The area received its current name in 1911, though surveyors had previously called it Mount Baynes. The formal establishment as a provincial park came in 1938 to protect this portion of land for public use.
The mountain was known to First Nations peoples long before colonial times and remains important to their communities today. Walking through this landscape, you can sense the deep historical ties different groups have to this place.
The site is accessible year-round, and visiting on clear days is best to enjoy the views. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy footwear, as trails can be slippery especially after rain.
On clear days, the summit offers sweeping views across the Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island, and mainland British Columbia in a way few other public places can match. This panoramic vantage point makes the short journey to the top especially worthwhile.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.