Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park
Easy hikes and a pretty pebble beach are the draws at this provincial park, at the end of a dirt road toward the southern end of the island.
10 Best Sights in Vancouver Island, British Columbia
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Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park
Logging roads west of Port Renfrew lead to this vast, rugged wilderness park, home to some of the world's largest spruce trees, some more than 800 years old, and ancient cedars over 1,000 years old. Be prepared with supplies, because this is an extremely remote region with no services whatsoever. Watch for logging trucks en route and bears once you're inside the park.
East Sooke Regional Park
Hiking trails, tide pools, beaches, and views of the Olympic Mountains draw visitors to this more than 3,500-acre wilderness recreation park 2½ km (1½ miles) east of Sooke on the south side of Sooke Harbour. The park's 10-km (6-mile) coast trail is rated one of the top day hikes in Canada, and the entire area is a birders' paradise, especially during the annual hawk migration from mid-September to late October.
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French Beach Provincial Park
This provincial park, on the scenic Strait of Juan de Fuca 21 km (13 miles) west of Sooke, comprises a sand-and-pebble beach, a campground, and seaside trails. The shoreline is an excellent spot for whale-watching, as migrating grays and resident killer whales often feed in the area. Amenities: toilets; showers; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking; windsurfing.
Juan de Fuca Provincial Park
Extending from Jordan River to near Port Renfrew, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park takes in several beaches, including China Beach, with soft, sandy beaches dotted with driftwood; Sombrio Beach, a popular surfing spot; and Botanical Beach, with its amazing tidal pools. The
Montague Harbour Provincial Marine Park
This provincial park on the island's southwest shore has a long shell beach famed for its sunset views.
Mount Maxwell Provincial Park
Near the center of Salt Spring Island, Baynes Peak in Mount Maxwell Provincial Park has spectacular views of south Salt Spring, Vancouver Island, and other Gulf Islands. The last portion of the drive is steep, winding, and unpaved.
Mt. Parke
A 45-minute hike up this 263-meter (863-foot) peak leads to the island's highest point and a stunning view of the mainland and other Gulf Islands.
Ruckle Provincial Park
This provincial park is the site of an 1872 homestead and extensive fields that are still being farmed. Several small sandy beaches and 8 km (5 miles) of trails winding through forests and along the coast make this one of the islands' most appealing parks. A lovely and very popular campground has walk-in tent sites on a grassy slope overlooking the sea as well as a few drive-in sites in the woods.
Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
Locals and visitors come to cool off at Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, home to a series of natural swimming holes carved out of the bedrock of the Sooke River. The area is a popular destination for swimming and picnicking.
