Trip 306 - May 6, 2024 (Monday)

Coastline Trail Hike

Ruckle Provincial Park

Salt Spring Island, BC

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Trailhead Location: Ruckle Provincial Park on Salt Spring Island, BC (near Southern Vancouver Island), approximately 10 km from Fulford Harbour ferry terminal via Fulford-Ganges Road and Beaver Point Road.

Liked: Several fine coastline/ocean views, fairly easy trail, shade in the forest, no bugs.

Of Note: Uneven ground, rocks and roots, several unbarricaded drop-offs, a few moderately steep sections – hiking poles and boots are recommended.

Vancouver Island, Victoria & Gulf Islands Backroad Mapbook (9th edition) Trailhead Coordinates: Page 11 (Duncan) G3.

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Coastline Trail is a fairly easy hike of about 5.3 km one way along the coast of Salt Spring Island. You get to see pretty coves, passing BC ferries, and ocean vistas while walking through a forest from one viewpoint to another. Ruckle Provincial Park has a few other trails, which go into the depth of the park away from the coast, so there are more hiking opportunities. As well, there is a campground for campers among us.

The drive from Fulford Harbour ferry terminal (service to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island) to Ruckle Provincial Park - Coastline Trail is just under 10 km-long one way, and is very easy. There is plenty of parking by the trailhead. Note that there are two other ferry terminals on Salt Spring Island, with service from other locations, so you will take a bit longer to get to the trailhead, if you arrive to this island via a different ferry terminal.

The trail starts about 70 meters from the parking lot and goes along Swanson Channel to Cusheon Cove. Keep making right turns at all the splits to stay close to the coast. There are trail maps with your current location at some junctions too.

* All hiking distances are based on a GPS odometer and are approximate.

29. At 1.39 km, Coastline Trail goes through an open gate.

Coastline Trail in Ruckle Provincial Park on Salt Spring Island British Columbia Canada

30. 40 meters later.

Hike on Salt Spring Island - Coastline Trail

31. At 1.56 km, a sign advises that the stretch of Coastline Trail in Ruckle Provincial Park between Bear Point and Kings Cove is rugged. Admittedly, the trail ahead is a bit rougher than prior to the sign, but nothing too complicated.

Ruckle Provincial Park Hiking Coastline Trail

32. At 1.65 km from the trailhead.

Hiking in Canada - Coastline Trail on Salt Spring Island BC

33-35. At 1.70 km, there is a split with Active Farm Trail heading deep into Ruckle Provincial Park. Keep right to remain on Coastline Trail.

Coastline Trail at Active Farm Trail in Ruckle Provincial Park

Ruckle Park Trail Map

36. A good view 100 meters later.

View from Coastline Trail on Salt Spring Island, BC

37. And a very fine observation point at 1.98 km of Coastline Trail. It was neat to seat on a mossy log and watch the ocean with a ferry passing by.

View from Coastline Trail on Salt Spring Island BC

38. Another good view at the 2.39 km mark.

Salt Spring Island BC Canada

39. More forest hiking at 3.06 km of Coastline Trail in Rucker Provincial Park on Salt Spring Island, BC.

Hike on Salt Spring Island - Coastline Trail

40. A small bridge at the 3.35 km mark.

Coastline Trail Hike on Salt Spring Island BC Canada

41. At 3.41 km, we have reached a junction with Hilltop Trail near King's Cove.

Map of Ruckle Park on Salt Spring Island

42. A view at 3.83 km of Coastline Trail.

Salt Spring Island BC Canada

43. Now at the 3.97 km mark.

View from Ruckle Provincial Park on Salt Spring Island BC

44. Coastline Trail in Rucker Provincial Park at the 4.25 km mark.

Hike in British Columbia on Salt Spring Island - Coastline Trail

45. A neat view at 4.37 km of the trail.

View from Ruckle Provincial Park on Salt Spring Island, BC

46. A bit more hiking in the forest...

Coastline Trail on Salt Spring Island

47. ...and we have reached Yeo Point, where the trail used to end at the 4.48 km mark. Coordinates: N 48⁰47.814' W 123⁰23.515'. Elevation: approximately sea level.