Salt Spring Island Ruckle Provincial Park

Ruckle Provincial Park is one of the rocky shoreline parks of the southern Gulf Islands. It is an experience for the soul well worth the trip. An opportunity to explore the 480 plus hectare park observing the marine world of the Pacific Ocean. Ruckle Provincial Park spans out over 7 kilometres along the coastline of Salt Spring Island overlooking Swanson Channel. The rocky clefts, the abundance of tidal pools and the echoes of waves crashing the shores is enough to bring a smile to anyone's face.

Ruckle Park is a mixture of natural settings. The trees are set back from the rocky obtrusive shores exposing the many tidal pools to the curious marine wildlife seekers at low tides. The shoreline is an open eco-theatre setting with areas of grass ideal for pitching your tent and watching the colours of the sun interacting with the horizons.

Ruckle Provincial Park is a mecca for wildlife. On a good day during the right seasons whales can be spotted from the shoreline as they search for food. Wake up in the morning to the barking of the Sea Lions bathing on the hot rocks far off in the distance. The fishing boats, kayaks, sailboats and yachts cruise on by as they too set out to explore the many coves, bays and inlets of the islands.

Birdwatchers come from all over to catch a glimpse of cormorants, grebes, guillemots, eagles, grouse or quail. There is not much of a bigger thrill than to see a Bald Eagle up close as it soars freely above you in the open skies.

Ruckle Provincial Park is ideal for families as the tidal pools offer so much to explore keeping children busy all day and asking questions all night as they learn more about the importance of the marine life cycle. The Ruckle Park tidal pools include crab, mussel, limpet, oyster, sculpin and colorful purple and orange starfish.

Ruckle Park has a mixed cross-section of trails ranging from easy to hard that lead you around the 15 kilometre park. The trail along the waterfront is by far the most scenic and popular as it leads you from the heritage farm area right through to Yeo Point . Detailed park trail maps are located at information shelters and convenient points along the trails. There is no bush whacking or veering off the trails in this park as it destroys the delicate plant life and soil structure.

Ruckle Provincial Park is set up well for day visitors with a parking fee applicable at the main parking lot. Over 70 wilderness campsites available for overnighters located, either, on the rim of the west coast forests or out in the open on a grassy field. There are pit toilets, a cold water tap and fire pits available at all wilderness campsites. No showers or sani station.

How to get to Ruckle Provincial Park

Found on the island of Salt Spring in the southern Gulf Islands. A BC Ferry service is available to access Salt Spring Island. Ruckle Provincial Park is situated 10 km from the Fulford Harbour BC Ferry Terminal following Beaver Point Road. BC Ferries offers service to Saltspring Island from Victoria BC (Swartz Bay) and Crofton on Vancouver Island, and Vancouver (Tsawwassen). Have fun !