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Mount Maxwell [CLOSED]

International > N America > Canada > British Columbia > Strait of Georgia > Salt Spring Island
Warning Access Issue: ROCK CLIMBING IS NOT PERMITTED WITHIN THE PARK DetailsDrop down

Description

The documented route climbing on Salt Spring Island is all contained on Mount Maxwell. Most of the routes are short and bolt protected, although there are some traditional climbs as well as some longer climbs including a few multipitch routes. The rock is conglomerate, and while it is solid it does feel somewhat unnerving at first.

Getting There

Locate the dirt road that leads to Mount Maxwell Provincial Park. At the end of this road, near the summit of Mount Maxwell, is a parking lot and trailhead which provides access to the climbs. Note that a vehicle with reasonable clearance is required to reach the trailhead. We were able to make the drive slowly in a Toyota Prius without serious incident, but I also noticed transmission fluid floating in a puddle from someone else who wasn't so lucky. You have been warned.

A trail system begins from the southeast corner of the parking lot. Take trail #4 downhill for a few minutes until you reach a large log across the trail. A smaller trail branches right from here and leads to Baby Wall, Snow Wall, Cankers Wall, and the Amphitheatre. The remaining crags are accessed by continuing slightly further along trail #4.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

The Bluffs South
[Hide Photo] The Bluffs South
The view south from near the summit of Mount Maxwell on Salt Spring Island
[Hide Photo] The view south from near the summit of Mount Maxwell on Salt Spring Island
The view from near the summit of Mount Maxwell on Salt Spring Island
[Hide Photo] The view from near the summit of Mount Maxwell on Salt Spring Island
View of the cliffs in Mount Maxwell Provincial Park from the island's high point
[Hide Photo] View of the cliffs in Mount Maxwell Provincial Park from the island's high point
The guidebook for the area.
[Hide Photo] The guidebook for the area.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Katherine A
Seattle
[Hide Comment] According to BC parks website rock climbing is banned in the park since 2021: bcparks.ca/mount-maxwell-park/ Jun 30, 2025