This is a favorite of our dog, Dexter. Its close(ish) to our house and features forest, rocks and a fabulous section along Baker Beach, but Dexer likes it because one of his favorite things is getting sticks out of the sea. Not that he likes swimming. Once some suitable driftwood is thrown out into the water, he will wade in as far as he dares, stand on rocks, bark at the offending wood, whine etc. With a bit of a warm up (and a run up) eventually he will go out of his depth, and figure out that just like last time, he can actually swim!
Anyway, dog or no dog this walk is a great way to take in the tranquil and relaxing Salt Spring shoreline with a bit of a walk thrown in for exercise. (note that if we are there with Dexter, it may not be so tranquil and relaxing – see above!).
We access the walk either at:
- The end of Baker Road – park up right at the end, taking care not to block the driveways down there, and walk back up the road – the trail is just a short way along on your left. It climbs steeply up the rocky ridge, over the top and then turns left though the forest and comes out at….
- The end of Quarry Drive. The trail down to the beach is a few lots along on the south(ish) side of the road and has a PARC sign. Follow this trail down to the beach – the way back to the Baker Road beach access is left along the beach. There are lots of steps and paths to peoples private property – the stairs back up to Baker Road have a big concrete block at the bottom (with a little local street art on it!) and a well built set of wooden steps straight up to the road
View Baker Beach Loop in a larger map
Please remember to pack out what you pack in (in fact if you are feeling so inclined take a bag and pack out any litter you find on the beach) and clean up after your dog.