Parks
Park in BC (JF Bergeron photo)
Mayne Island's handful of parks are ideal for those seeking gentle-to-moderate leg stretches that nicely compliment the island's laidback, easygoing mood.
Pick up the annual parks and trail map produced by the Mayne Island Parks & Recreation Commission.
The island's unofficial motto is "tread lightly." A handbook of the same name published by the Mayne Island Conservancy Society asks park users to stick to the trails, keep dogs leashed, and resist the urge to pick such fragile flowers as chocolate lilies and ladyslipper orchids. Birdwatchers can expect to see Bald Eagles, Turkey Vultures, Oystercatchers, and Great Blue Herons, among 150-plus species in all.
Dinner Bay Park and the Japanese Memorial Garden
Dinner Bay Park at Mayne's southwestern corner is a small, family-oriented waterfront acreage on the site of a farm and orchard first developed by Japanese settlers. A putting green, kids' playground, and good picnic facilities make it a favourite spot for young and old alike.
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A team of volunteers led by the late Don Herbert created the park's must-see Japanese Garden from a patch of overgrown wilderness. Opened in 2002, the fenced grounds are filled with ferns, mosses, bamboos, cherry trees, and rhododendrons. The walking path winds past a waterfall, central pond, marble benches, a stone pagoda and small pavilion. Built as a memorial to the island's displaced Japanese community, it's a beautiful, supremely tranquil refuge rain or shine.
Mount Parke Park
Mount Parke Park features a handful of loop trails surrounding the island's highest peak (255 meters/837ft). Hike along the easy, 30-minute nature trail in Mary Jeffery Park near the parking lot on Montrose Road (off Fernhill Road just east of the school).
Or allocate another 90 minutes to the experience by ramping up energy levels and tackling Halliday Ridge, the Old Gulch Trail, and the Viewpoint Trail. The lovely vistas from the Halliday Lookout offers commanding prospects of Saturna Island, Plumper Sound and North Pender Island.
Gulf Island National Park Reserve
A pristine piece of Mayne's Strait of Georgia coastline has been craved off and protected under federal jurisdiction. Walk through a mix of old-growth and second-growth forest at Campbell Point from its access on Isabella Lane off Wilkes Road. Or park at the end at the Bennett Bay Road and enjoy a soft, sandy beach renowned among sunbathers as one of the west coast's finest.
Parks Canada is also the guardian of Georgina Point and its 1885 lighthouse at the entrance to Active Pass. At low tide, investigate the fascinating tidal pools filled with urchins, sponges, crabs and starfish. Interpretive talks, programs and guided walks are offered here in summer.
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