Mount Maxwell from Burgoyne Bay

Mount Maxwell Provincial Park on Salt Spring Island has a large network of hiking trails and several viewpoints from Burgoyne Bay to the top of Baynes Peak. The trail passes through Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park before entering Mount Maxwell Provincial Park.

There are several routes to the top, including driving up a very rough road that requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle with clearance. This hiking route begins from Burgoyne Bay and there is a shorter hiking route that begins from Armand Way. The trails within Mount Maxwell Provincial Park are all numbered and clearly marked at each junction. The route description will follow along several different numbered trails.

From the trailhead just off of Burgoyne Bay Road, follow Trail #3 and go right, continuing along Trail #3 as it heads uphill. The first section of trail is mostly within the trees as you climb steadily. Near a junction, walk to the right out towards a viewpoint where there is a partial view of Burgoyne Bay below.

Return to the trail and go left at the junction, continuing up Trail #3 as you are now in Mount Maxwell Provincial Park. The route climbs steadily and follows a creek on the right as you make your way uphill. Go straight at the junction with Trail #7 and continue on Trail #3 until you reach a 4-way junction. Go left and hike up Trail #4.

Trail #4 will continue up a steep section before veering to the left and continuing uphill at a more gradual pace. Pass the junction and continue on Trail #4 as you make your way across some smooth rock sections and up to a spectacular viewpoint. Walk up the trail further and looking for a trail that goes down to the left. Follow the short trail to the left as you walk down the hill and out onto a rocky outcrop with an incredible view of the region. This view looks southward across the farms of Salt Spring Island and down towards the Swartz Bay area on Vancouver Island.

Return to the trail and continue up the steep hill as you reach another junction. Go left and you arrive at the Baynes Peak area where you can walk over to the fences and enjoy the views. Climb up onto the big rock and you will have a separate view looking across Burgoyne Bay.

After enjoying the views, return to the trail where you arrived but look for the marked junction and go left onto Trail #1. Follow Trail #1 as it gradually descends through the forest before reach a junction. Go right onto Trail #5 and follow the trail as it makes its way up over a small hill and joins with Trail #4. Go left at Trail #4, then begin your hike back downhill.

As you hike down Trail #4, watch for the 4-way junction on the steep section of trail. Go right at the junction onto Trail #3 as this one will take you back down to Burgoyne Bay. Follow Trail #3 back downhill, through the forest, the go right at the junction and continue following Trail #3 all the way back down to the trailhead where you began near Burgoyne Bay Road.