Russell Island, Gulf Islands National Park

Kevin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:09:08 +0000

Russell Island was first settled by Hawaiians around 1886. Located at the entrance to Salt Spring Island’s Fulford Harbour, Russell Island is a very photogenic spot with a rocky shoreline and a number of shell beaches. Douglas fir, arbutus and Garry oak forests cover the island, very typical of the Southern Gulf Islands landscape. Pine trees are growing in a number of areas on the coastline. During the spring spectacular displays of wildflowers may be viewed in the meadows. An old house on the island dates back over 100 years.

Russell Island is accessed by water only and no overnight camping is allowed.

Aerial photograph of Russell Island, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada, Southern Gulf Islands

Russell Island, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia

Wildflowers on Russell Island, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada, Southern Gulf Islands

Mount Maxwell Provincial Park, Salt Spring Island

Kevin — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 22:34:16 +0000

Mount Maxwell Provincial Park contains one of the highest points on Salt Spring Island The views are superb with Vancouver Island looming to the west, the surrounding Gulf Islands and the mainland of British Columbia and Washington State in the background. The lower portion of the park has stands of old-growth Douglas fir, Garry oak meadows and salmon bearing creeks.

The view from Mount Maxwell looking south down the Fulford Valley, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia

The view of Burgoyne Bay from Mount Maxwell, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia

Skunk Cabbage, Mount Maxwell Provincial Park, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia

The Gulf Islands Guide » Flowers

Russell Island, Gulf Islands National Park

Mount Maxwell Provincial Park, Salt Spring Island