Many Mayne Island visitors de-stress by nesting down in comfortable accommodations.
The pleasure of doing nothing for a weekend or week is enlivened by a range of comfort activities. Mayne Island vacations begin the moment BC Ferries sets sail for Village Bay.
Once on the island, beachcomb at any of 14 shoreline access points (indicated by a starfish on the Mayne Island Map & Visitor Guide, available for free at BC Ferries info racks and at some retail stores on the island). Dine in a handful of good restaurants. Browse art galleries and home studios. Spread out a picnic blanket at the Georgina Point lighthouse or Dinner Bay Park.
Purchase organic produce at area farms. Wander around Miners Bay while investigating the island's rich history and culture. Take a round-trip water taxi to the Salt Spring Island market on summer Saturdays. Or sign the kids up for environmental and creativity programs offered on Mayne by the Gulf Islands Centre for Ecological Learning.
Water Activities
Campbell Bay's Boulder Beach, sandy Bennett Bay and the driftwood-lined Piggott Bay are prime swimming destinations.
Pleasure boaters can utilize wharfs at Miners Bay (the island's commercial hub and best place for provisions) and Horton Bay. Kayakers typically avoid the busy navigation lanes of Active Pass and instead opt for Mayne's sheltered eastern shoreline. The experienced strike out for the Belle Chain Islets or overnight camping spots on Saturna Island.
Sightseeing and fishing expeditions are offered by Active Pass Charters. Affiliated with a Miners Bay B&B, the company's 7.3m/24ft motor boat heads for prime fishing grounds just offshore in Active Pass and at the north end of Galiano Island in Porlier Pass. Orca whale sightings are always a possibility with the members of J-pod circulating in local waters.
Land Activities
Cycling is a leading attraction thanks to Mayne's looping road system and relatively minimal auto traffic. Like all the Gulf Islands, however, the circuit has its share of hard climbs and bikers should be prepared for huff-and-puff grinds. Geocachers will find five sites on Mayne.
There are no long or challenging hiking trails on the island, which is just fine by those who enjoy gentle strolls through forests or by the sea. Mount Parke Regional Park in the island's centre has an easy forest loop near its parking lot and a hardier trail up to the Halliday Lookout. Another popular route: A flat 3km/1.8mi forest trail along the Campbell Point peninsula to Bennett Bay.
Miners Bay Walkabouts
Exploring the handful of shops and heritage buildings in Miners Bay can fill several happy hours, especially when a coffeeshop or restaurant break is factored into the schedule. Browse the charming, cottage-like Miner Bay Books for bestsellers and regional literature.
The island's quaint museum in the 1896 Plumper Pass Lock-Up is across from the equally historic Agricultural Hall. Combine a visit with the island's lively Farmer's Market on summer Saturday mornings. St. Mary Magdalene Church (1898) has lovely grounds and seating areas that command prime Active Pass views.
Stops of Interest
By appointment and for a small donation, animal enthusiasts can visit the Rest.Q Sanctuary, a remarkable refuge for abandoned pets. Or introduce the family to the sheep and goats at Meadowmist, a bona fide working farm that welcomes visitors. Black-tailed and white-spotted fallow deer outnumber the human population, so drivers are advised to stay vigilant.
The art of low-cost, alternative housing is practiced at Cobworks, a Mayne Island educational centre that offers instruction in building "earthhouses" from light clay and straw bales. Sign up for a workshop or overnight in a cob house.
Cultural & Community Events
The community gathers seasonally for family oriented events. An Easter egg hunt (April), the St. Mary Magdalene Church Fair (July), dog show (BC Day weekend), fall fair (mid-August), salmon barbeque (Labour Day weekend) and a series of Christmas craft fairs and events are highlights.
The Mayne Island Music Society presents a half-dozen concerts annually at the Agricultural Hall. Wild Fennel Food & Wine hosts live music on dancing-room-only Sunday nights throughout the summer. Bands also rock the stage at the Springwater Lodge occasionally.
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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