Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
cess road ends at the rocky headland of Beaver Point, from where trails lead north along
the coastline, providing great views across to North Pender Island. The land that's now
protected as a park was donated to the province by the Ruckle family, whose 1876 farm-
house still stands.
Along the road north to Ganges, small
Mount Maxwell Provincial Park
protects the
slopes of its namesake mountain. A rough unsealed road off Musgrave Road leads to the
588-meter (1,930-foot) summit, from where views extend south across the island to Van-
couver Island and east to the other Gulf Islands. South of Mount Maxwell is 704-meter
(2,300-foot)
Mount Bruce,
the island's highest peak.
Kayaking
Evenifyou'veneverkayaked,planonjoiningatourwith
Island Escapades
(163Fulford-
Ganges Rd., 250/537-2553). Get a feel for paddling on the two-hour tour ($60), enjoy the
calm evening water on the Sunset Paddle ($70), or spend a full day ($150) exploring the
coastline, with a break for a picnic lunch on a remote beach.
Accommodations
Maple Ridge Cottages
(301 Tripp Rd., 250/537-5977,
www.mapleridgecottages.com
,
$165-199 s or d) is on the banks of St. Mary Lake, a largish body of fresh water that holds
a hungry population of bass and trout that can be caught right from the shoreline. For me,
the allure of the wooden cottages is the location, but their rustic charm brings back famil-
ies year after year. Relax on the deck while your catch of the day cooks on the barbecue
for the full effect. Free use of canoes and kayaks is a popular bonus.
Salt Springs Spa Resort
(1460 North Beach Rd., 250/537-4111 or 800/665-0039,
www.saltspringspa.com
,
$249-299 s or d) commands lots of attention for its spa services,
but the accommodations are also noteworthy. Each spacious unit features lots of polished
wood topping out in a vaulted ceiling, a modern kitchen, a fireplace, and a two-person spa
tub filled with mineral water. Guests have use of rowboats, mountain bikes, a game room,
and a barbecue area.
Camping
The campground in
Ruckle Provincial Park
conceals 78 sites ($18 per night) in a
forest of Douglas fir overlooking Swanson Channel. The camping area is a short walk
from the parking lot, making this place unsuitable for RVs. On the north side of the
island on St. Mary Lake,
Lakeside Gardens
(1450 North End Rd., 250/537-5773,
