Enjoy Nature’s Beauty at Ruckle Provincial Park on Salt Spring Island
Seven kilometers of rocky headlands, secluded coves, emerald bays, lush forests, and tide pools, make up the picturesque Ruckle Provincial Park on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia.
Considered one of the most beautiful parks in the southern Gulf Islands, Ruckle Provincial Park is situated along Swanson Channel, a byway for stately pleasure boats and ferries. With lush forests, tranquil fields, and pristine shore habitats, the park places you in the middle of one of the most ideal wildlife-viewing environments on Salt Spring Island.
Reasons to Include Ruckle Provincial Park in Your Visit
If you love exploring naturally beautiful environments, Ruckle Park provides endless opportunities, from forest trails to rocky shoreline waters filled with starfish, sculpins, oysters, mussels, and limpets. The natural wonders are abundant.
The waters just off Ruckle Park are prized by scuba divers who drift by the same rugged shoreline beneath the water that exists above it. Scuba divers soar through grottos filled with giant barnacles, sea stars, octopuses, anemones, and fish of several species. There is also mink and otter skirting around the shoreline. Further out, you can view sea lions and orcas cruising by. On and near the shore is also a bird watchers paradise where you can catch sight of eagles, quail, grouse, grebes, and cormorants.
If you’re looking for the ultimate northwest hike or bike experience, Ruckle Provincial Park has it. Some of the best trails are Shoreline Trail, Bear Point, King’s Cove, Active Farm Loop, Cusheon Cove and Yeo Point, Grandma’s Bay and Beaver Point Loop, and Beaver Point to King Cove. From forest to shore, every trail is breathtaking.
Then there’s the history. The park is named after a homesteader by the name of Henry Ruckle, who first occupied the land in 1872. Ella Anna Christensen became his wife in 1877, and their descendants continued farming the land until 1972, when they donated the land to BC Parks, creating Ruckle Provincial Park, and there are still heritage farm buildings to explore. The Ruckle Heritage Farm is ideal for your special event, like family reunions, farm-to-table dinners, and weddings. See all the details here: https://rucklefarmsaltspringisland.com/event-booking/
There is no shortage of sites accommodating visitors who want to stay over. There are eight RV sites; four of them require reservations, and the others are first come, first serve. There are also 20 walk-in tent sites available, ten reservable and the rest first come, first serve. Park amenities include pit toilets, cold water taps, and group fire rings. Five minutes from the parking lot, along the forest edge, are more campsites. The sites extend into a grassy meadow and offer an expansive view of Swanson Channel.
There is no end to the park’s recreational opportunities, from hiking, beachcombing, and birdwatching, to finding a great place for a picnic. Whether you are a die-hard nature nerd or simply an outdoor enthusiast, Ruckle Provincial Park is a must-visit destination.
Salt Spring Island, Mariner’s Loft and Ruckle Provincial Park
If you’re looking for a naturally beautiful and relaxing travel destination in glorious British Columbia, Mariner’s Loft and Ruckle Provincial Park on Salt Spring Island are the perfect choices. Mariner’s Cove is a cozy and luxurious home away from home and is ideally situated to explore one of BC’s most beautiful parks.
Mariner’s Cove is perched in a perfect spot for breathtaking views of Ganges Harbour. It is a wonderfully relaxing place to return to after a day of experiencing Ruckle Park. Whether you are a couple, a family, or an intrepid traveler, Mariner’s Loft is ideal for everyone. There is plenty to see on this island experience; from the local attractions and outdoor activities to the local culture, a Salt Spring Island vacation is unbeatable. Contact us and book your stay.
