The Ruckle Heritage Farm was established in 1872 by one of Salt Spring Island’s earliest settlers, Henry Ruckle. This farm is the oldest operating family farm in the Gulf Islands and a key part of British Columbia’s agricultural heritage. The Province of British Columbia purchased the land in 1973 from the Ruckle family and designated it a Class A park in 1974 as a tribute to the Ruckle family. Following the expiration of a life tenancy agreement in 2019, BC Parks now manages the 82 hectares of active farmland, which is operated by Mike and Marjorie Lane.
Once thriving with over six hundred apple and pear trees and a variety of livestock, the farm adapted through many challenges, including competition from the Okanagan Valley’s irrigation developments. In 1974, the Ruckle family left the 202-acre farmstead to the provincial park service, ensuring it would remain a working farm. Today, it features a market garden alongside many livestock, including sheep, cows, turkeys, and Highland cattle.
On the farm today, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, camping, and a scenic shoreline within the park itself. Mike Lane, who took over farming in the 1990s, and Marjorie, who joined him in 1999, continue the Ruckle legacy and keep the farm in operation to this day. Both their dedication and hard work earned them the BC Heritage Distinguished Service Award in 2022.
With the help of four Border Collies and the Scaglione family, who joined in 2021, Ruckle Heritage Farm remains a testament to the resilience of its past and a vibrant part of the community today. Visitors are encouraged to explore this historic site and its agricultural offerings! If you are interested in visiting this farm, check out the Ruckle Heritage Farm website!
If you enjoyed this story, we invite you to explore our other blog posts that highlight many historical farms just like these!