A campfire ban is currently in effect for this park. For more information about campfire bans and about provincial parks with park closures and campfire bans in effect, visit the BC Parks campfire ban webpage.
As of May 18, 2009:
Due to ongoing interactions with farm livestock, BC Parks will be designating some portions of the park trail system as closed to dogs. This change will occur in the coming weeks and remain in effect until further notice. Park visitors will still be able to enjoy dog on leash areas in the lower day use and campground areas. Signage will be in place directing you to those areas. Thank you for your cooperation.
NOTE: The water system is shut down for the winter season between November 1 and March 15. .
Special Note: Carpet burweed (Soliva sessilis) is an invasive, introduced plant that has been discovered in Ruckle Provincial Park. Efforts to eradicate the plant are ongoing and include the creation of a fenced quarantine area to exclude seed dispersers (people) from one of the large meadows, and the use of work crews to locate and effectively deal with the plants. To find out more about the origin of burweed, its spread throughout the world, its effects on playing fields and golf courses and its history at Ruckle Provincial Park go to burweed poster[PDF 184KB].
Salt Spring Island Protected Areas Management Planning Project:
The Ministry of Environment (BC Parks) is undertaking a management planning process for the six Salt Spring Island Protected Areas including Burgoyne Bay, Mount Erskine, Mount Maxwell and Ruckle Provincial Parks and Mount Maxwell and Mount Tuam Ecological Reserve. Click here for more information on the Salt Spring Island Protected Areas Management Planning project.
Park Info
Ruckle Provincial Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the southern Gulf Islands. Pitch your tent in the grassy meadow overlooking Swanson Channel then lie back and relax, watching pleasure boats and ferries sail by in a stately and colourful parade.
With its 7 kilometers of shoreline, rocky headlands and tiny coves and bays, Ruckle Park provides hours or even days of enjoyable exploration. A mixture of forest, field and shore habitats makes it one of the most productive wildlife viewing areas on Saltspring Island. Watch for sea lions and killer whales out in the sea, and mink and river otter cavorting along the shoreline. Tidal pools are filled with a brightly-coloured world of crab, mussel, limpet, oyster, sculpin, starfish and more.
Scuba divers frequent the waters off Ruckle Park, drifting among the castle-like caves or floating above the bountiful ocean floor, where they will find a profusion of Plumose anemones, sponges, nudibranches, octopi, seastars and giant barnacles. On shore, birdwatchers can often catch sight of cormorants, grebes, guillemots, eagles, grouse or quail.
In addition to its natural beauty, Ruckle Park is an area rich in cultural history. Irish emigrant Henry Ruckle first homesteaded here in 1872, marrying Ella Anna Christensen in 1877. Their descendants have farmed the Saltspring property for more than a century. Although they donated most of their property to the province for a park in 1974, the Ruckle family still raises sheep on private land at the entrance to the campground.
Park Size: 486 hectares
Special Notes:
Ruckle Park borders private farming property. Visitors are asked to respect this property and to not interfere with the farming operation.
Campground Hours of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice
Opening and Closing Campground Dates:
(campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water,
security, etc.)
Year round
(Gate is open during the off-season)
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:
March 15 – October 31
Off-season: a winter fee is charged from Nov 1 to March 14; no services)
Campground Reservable Dates:
Not applicable
(See group camping reservations above)
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:
Vehicle accessible = 8
Walk-in sites = 78
Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable:
(all remaining sites are first-come, first-served)
Not applicable
Note:The above information is for
the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park if
conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention Visitor
Notice" above for park alerts.
Located on Saltspring Island in the southern Gulf Islands, Ruckle Provincial Park is situated 10 km from the Fulford Harbour ferry terminal along Beaver Point Road. BC Ferries offers service to Saltspring Island from Victoria (Swartz Bay) and Crofton on Vancouver Island, and Vancouver (Tsawwassen). The closest communites are Ganges, Fulford Harbour, Saltspring Island, Sidney and Victoria.
Nature & Culture
Cultural Heritage - First Nations used this area for shellfish gathering, camas harvesting and settlement. The Ruckle Farm is the oldest continually operating farm in British Columbia. The Ruckle family began farming here in the 1870s, and continues to farm here today.
Conservation - Ruckle Park is one of the largest provincial parks in the Gulf Islands and protests a mosaic of wetlands, flowering Garry oak meadows, older forest and shoreline habitats. Strong tidal currents create the environment for rich kelp forests offshore. Kelp forests are important feeding areas for fish and attract many birds and mammals. Endangered and threatened species on land include Macoun’s meadowfoam, Nutall’s quillwort, sedges and the western screech owl. Habitat for the rare brittle prickly-pear cactus and northern alligator lizard is protected.
K2 Park Services Ltd.
E-mail address: k2parks@shaw.ca
Phone/Fax: (250) 539-2115
Activities Available At This Park
Canoeing
There are ocean kayaking opportunities at this park. Canoeing is not recommended.
Cycling
This park is a popular camping location for cyclists, as it serves as a good location for cyclists wishing to explore the rest of picturesque Saltspring Islands. Bicycles are allowed on the main roads only and are asked to walk their bikes into the main campground area. Bicycles are not allowed on the walking trails in the park. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing
There are salt water fishing opportunities at this park. Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
An extensive trail system exists at Ruckle Park, with more than 15 km of trail. A shoreline trail runs from the heritage farm area right through to Yeo Point, along with other inland trail routes that range from easy walks to more difficult hikes. Detailed park trail maps are located at information shelters and convenient points along the trails. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
Interpretive Programs
There are regularly scheduled interpretive programs offered during the
summer season. The 2009 summer park interpretation program shedule is not available at this time.
Pets on Leash
Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash and under control all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. It is extremely important that dogs be kept away from the working farm and livestock within the park. Dogs MUST be on leash at all times.
Scuba Diving
SCUBA divers frequent the waters off Ruckle Park, drifting among the castle-like caves or floating above the bountiful ocean floor, where they will find a profusion of plumose, anemones, sponges, nudibranches, octopi, seastars and giant barnacles.
Swimming
There is no designated swimming area at this park. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Wildlife Viewing
Ruckle Park features beautiful ocean views from the day-use area and along the trails, as well as scenic pastoral views of the neighbouring farm. The Heritage Farm feature a number of old farm buildings, including a barn, an old residence and other buildings, still used as working buildingstoday). The big orchard barn has open access (schedule is posted at the site). Other buildings are available for viewing from the outside only – visitors are not permitted inside.
Windsurfing
There are opportunities for windsurfing at this park.
Facilities Available At This Park
Campfires
While fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. There are a number of group fire rings throughout the campground. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented.
Firewood can be purchased from the Park Facility Operator. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
Drinking Water
There are 6 pressurized drinking water stations throughout the campground and day-use areas. NOTE: The water system is shut down for the winter season between November 1 and March 15.
There are 3 group campsites at this park, set in an open field. Facilities include pit toilets, a group fire ring, fresh water and picnic tables. Click here for reservation information.
Group Camping Fee: $15.00 per party / night
Youth Group Camping Fee: $50.00 per group / night
Picnic Areas
This park has a day-use/picnic area; continue straight on the main park road past the campground turnoff to the day-use parking lot.
Day-use Area Vehicle Parking Fee:
$1.00 per vehicle / hour to a maximum of $3.00 per vehicle per/day. For information about yearly parking passes, or further information about parking fees,
click here.
A large grassy area and rugged shoreline at the day-use area provide great viewing opportunities of passing boats and ferries. Facilities at the day-use area include pit toilets, picnic tables and an information shelter.
Group Picnicking Fee: $50.00 per group
Pit or Flush Toilets
This park has pit toilets at the campground, day-use area and heritage farm.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
This park has 8 vehicle accessible campsites, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campsite reservations are not accepted. Facilities include pit toilets, a cold water pump and group fire rings.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $15.00 per party / night
BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder Season only):
$7.50 per senior's couple/night
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
This park has 78 walk-in campsites, located along the edge of the forest and extending across an open grassy area overlooking Swanson Channel. These sites are located approximately 5 minutes from the parking lot and are popular with cyclists as well. Facilities include pit toilets, a cold water pump and group fire rings.
Walk/Cycle-in Frontcountry Camping Fee: $15.00 per party / night
Wheelchair Access
Some facilities in the park are wheelchair accessible.
Winter Camping
This park has 8 vehicle accessible campsites, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campsite reservations are not accepted. Facilities include pit toilets, a cold water pump and group fire rings.
Winter Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $10.00 per party / night
