Mount Maxwell Park is on Salt Spring Island in the southern Gulf Islands. BC Parks says the park was originally established in 1938 for its landmark viewpoint, Baynes Peak, one of the highest points on Salt Spring Island.
The day-use park has old-growth Douglas fir, Garry oak meadows, salmon-bearing creeks, and the largest undeveloped estuary in the Gulf Islands.
Mount Maxwell is a viewpoint and hiking destination. Baynes Peak offers panoramic views of Vancouver Island, the surrounding Gulf Islands, and mainland British Columbia. BC Parks notes that Mount Maxwell Park, Mount Maxwell Ecological Reserve, and Burgoyne Bay Park combine to protect more than 1,100 hectares.
About six kilometres of maintained trails start from the parking lot, ranging from easy strolls to more demanding hikes. Trails pass through old-growth and second-growth Douglas fir, while the west trail follows the ridge and connects with the park entrance road. Wildlife may include black-tailed deer, black bears, feral sheep and goats, turkey vultures, peregrine falcons, and bats.
Hike maintained trails, visit Baynes Peak, picnic in the day-use setting, watch raptors and sunsets from the viewing area, photograph Burgoyne Bay and Sansum Narrows, and learn about Garry oak and estuary conservation.
The summit road is steep, narrow, rough, and bumpy; four-wheel drive with higher clearance is strongly recommended. Bring drinking water because potable water is not available. Stay on designated trails near cliff edges, keep pets leashed, keep bicycles on roads, and note that climbing, slack-lining, paragliding, and hang gliding are not permitted.
