Historic Mayne Island is a quiet, pastoral, and unspoiled refuge at the outer edge of the southern Gulf Islands.
Thousands of ferry passengers soak up views of Mayne Island's lighthouse and forested shoreline as boats steam through the turbulent waters of Active Pass, the southern maritime gateway between Vancouver and Vancouver Island.
Only a tiny percentage of these travellers ever set foot on Mayne Island. As a result this island of around 1,100 full-time residents is uncrowded and serene even on summer weekends. Off-season is still quieter here as the locals cocoon and vacationing urbanites enjoy a break from their hectic routines.
Kayaking, boating, swimming, and other water activities are top draws for active types during the spring, summer, and fall. Cycling enthusiasts with strong legs embark on day-long circumnavigations of the island, riding down and up well-paved roads lined with century-old farms and forested tracts of land.
Those who'd rather take it easy have their pick of waterfront access points and attractive parks. Sunbathers head for the east shore beaches at Campbell Bay and Bennett Bay. Picnic grounds, a putting green, playground, and plenty of afternoon sunshine make Dinner Bay Park the choice for family picnics. A gently challenging hike up Mount Parke in the island's centre leads to a fine viewpoint.
Island Life
The visitor count stays manageable in part because accommodation options are limited on the second smallest of the region's major islands. The selection of resorts, B&Bs, vacation homes, and a single campground require advance booking during the July/August high season.
Boaters from Canada and the US tie up in Miners Bay and Horton Bay. Most passengers arrive via BC Ferries' Village Bay terminal. There is also daily scheduled floatplane service from Vancouver and summer-only flights from Seattle.
A handful of dining spots, shops, and art galleries along with a low-key cultural calendar provide excellent diversions and distractions. (Check the bulletin boards in Miners Bay and at the Fernhill Centre for the latest events.) Yet island life is largely about finding one's own favourite brand of R&R – be it with feet up on a deckchair or enjoying natural environments ideal for gentle-to-moderate exercise on land or at sea.
Day-trip
Mayne Island can be comfortably toured and its leading attractions visited in a single day. Many visitors pack reading material, journals, cameras, binoculars and, above all, a keen desire to recharge their batteries. Pick up art supplies at Miners Bay Books. Or take a drop-in yoga, tai chi, or fitness class at the funky new community centre.
Living History
First Nations' peoples fished Active Pass from seasonal villages on Mayne Island for at least 3,000 years. When gold-rush miners flocked to the west coast in the mid-19th century, Mayne became an overnight stopover at the half-way point in the trip between Vancouver Island and the BC mainland.
Miners Bay was the first point of European settlement and today remains the no-stoplight island's business and cultural centre. The circa 1900 Agricultural Hall (site of the Saturday morning market in the summer) and jail (now the island's museum) are here alongside a coffeeshop, health food store and grocery outlet.
Japanese Garden & Rural Character
A sizeable Japanese community specializing in greenhouse cash crops were a central part of Mayne's identity until all were relocated to internment camps during the Second World War. The lovely and tranquil Japanese Garden at Dinner Bay Park is a striking memorial. Opened in 2002, it was created and is run by volunteers with a do-it-yourself pride typical of the community.
Elsewhere on this pleasingly rural island are large farm properties. Meadowmist Farm lets visitors mingle with its sheep and goats, and several organic producers sell fruit and vegetables from farmgate stands. A remarkable animal rescue facility, renowned glass factory and a pioneering cobhouse maker also welcome drop-ins.
The island has no Visitor Centre, making the free annual Map and Visitor Guide essential reading. Find it aboard the ferries and in local retail spots.
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