Mayne Island Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to Mayne Island with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore cultural attractions, natural wonders, hiking and biking trails, local cuisine, accommodation options, and transportation logistics.


Introduction to Mayne Island

Mayne Island is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Southern Gulf Islands, off the coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. This charming island may be small, but it has a lot to offer visitors with its verdant forests, rocky beaches, scenic lookouts, heritage buildings, and diverse flora and fauna.

If you’re seeking a peaceful escape from the chaos of daily life, Mayne Island is the perfect destination for you. Let’s explore some of the must-visit places and activities on the island.

List of Places to Visit in Mayne Island

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Mayne Island Museum

Located in a century-old schoolhouse, the Mayne Island Museum showcases the island’s rich history and culture through exhibits, artifacts, and stories. Learn about the indigenous Senćoŧen-speaking people, early settlers, maritime heritage, logging industry, and lighthouse keepers.

St. Mary Magdalene Church

Built-in 1896, St. Mary Magdalene Church is a rare example of Gothic Revival architecture and has been designated as a National Historic Site of Canada. The interior features stunning stained glass windows and wooden carvings, and the graveyard has interesting tombstones.

Natural Attractions of Mayne Island: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Bennett Bay Beach

Bennett Bay is a lovely sandy beach that invites you to swim, sunbathe, picnic, and watch the eagles and seals. The bay also has a boat launch, a playground, and a concession stand.

Mount Parke

If you’re up for a challenging hike with spectacular rewards, head to Mount Parke, the highest point on the island (210 m). The trail passes through a dense forest, rocky outcrops, and meadows of wildflowers and offers panoramic views of the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mayne Island

Mayne Island has a great network of trails for hikers and bikers of all levels. Some of the popular hiking and biking routes are:

  • Japanese Garden Trail
  • Campbell Point Trail
  • Bellhouse Park Trail
  • Plumper Pass Trail
  • Henderson Hill Trail

Best Things to Do in Mayne Island: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and biking, there are many other fun-filled activities and tours to try on Mayne Island, such as:

  • Kayaking: Paddle around the island’s rugged coastline and spot whales, dolphins, and seals.
  • Fishing: Cast your line and catch salmon, halibut, and cod.
  • Wildlife Watching: Take a guided tour and observe bears, deer, otters, and birds.
  • Wine Tasting: Savor the local wines and ciders at the island wineries and breweries.
  • Artisan Studios: Visit the artist studios and galleries and admire the unique creations.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mayne Island

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Mayne Island, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Explore the Mayne Island Museum and St. Mary Magdalene Church in the morning. Relax at Bennett Bay Beach in the afternoon.
2 Hike up to the summit of Mount Parke and enjoy the breathtaking views.
3 Rent a bike and pedal along the scenic trails. Visit the artisan studios in the afternoon.
4 Take a kayaking tour and spot the marine life. Have a seafood feast for dinner.
5 Join a fishing tour and reel in the big catch. Visit the wineries and breweries in the evening.
6 See the local wildlife on a safari tour. Relax with a spa treatment in the evening.
7 Take a ferry to a nearby island for a day trip, such as Pender Island or Salt Spring Island.

Food and Drink Scene of Mayne Island

Must-Try Dishes

Mayne Island offers a great variety of fresh and delicious cuisine, highlighting the local seafood, meats, fruits, and vegetables. Some of the must-try dishes are:

  • Fish and Chips: Freshly caught fish served with crispy fries and homemade tartar sauce.
  • Crab Cakes: Juicy and succulent cakes made with fresh crab meat and herb seasoning.
  • Wild Mushroom Risotto: A creamy and aromatic dish made with wild mushrooms, Arborio rice, and parmesan cheese.
  • Blackberry Pie: A classic dessert with sweet and juicy blackberries and a buttery crust.

Local Beverages

Mayne Island also boasts a vibrant beverage scene, with many wineries, cideries, and breweries producing top-notch libations. Some of the best drinks to try are:

  • Rustic Roots Winery: A family-owned winery that produces unique and flavorful wines using organic and biodynamic farming methods.
  • Whalestone Cidery: A charming cidery that makes small-batch ciders from local apples and pears, with no added sugars or preservatives.
  • Mayne Island Brewing Company: A microbrewery that specializes in handcrafted beers that reflect the island’s history and nature.

Where to Stay in Mayne Island: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Mayne Island has many accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Some of the best places to stay are:

  • Mayne Island Resort: A luxury resort with waterfront cottages, stunning views, and top-notch amenities.
  • Driftwood Village: A cozy and affordable motel with charming rooms and friendly staff.
  • Karma Vista Vineyards and Guest House: A lovely B&B on a vineyard with spacious rooms, Jacuzzi tubs, and delicious breakfasts.
  • Camping: The island has several campsites for RVs and tents, such as Bennett Bay Campground and Miners Bay Provincial Park.

What to Buy in Mayne Island: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Mayne Island is famous for its locally made products and souvenirs, such as:

  • Pottery and Art Crafts: Visit the artist studios and shops and admire the beautiful pottery, paintings, and sculptures.
  • Lavender Products: The island has a lavender farm that produces various lavender products, such as essential oil, soap, and sachets.
  • Books and Music: Check out the island’s bookstore and music store and discover the local authors and musicians.
  • Honey and Jams: The island has several markets and stores that sell honey, jams, and pickles made from the island’s fruits and berries.

Local Culture and Customs of Mayne Island

Mayne Island has a vibrant and unique culture that blends the indigenous, European, and modern influences. Some of the customs and traditions that you may encounter are:

  • Senćoŧen Language: The island has a significant indigenous history, and the Senćoŧen language is still spoken by some of the locals.
  • Lighthouse Keepers’ History: Mayne Island has two lighthouses that have been serving as navigational aids for over 100 years and have a rich history of lighthouse keepers and their families.
  • Community Events: The island hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the May Day Parade, the Fall Fair, and the Farmers’ Market.

Best Time to Visit Mayne Island

Mayne Island can be visited any time of the year, as each season has its own charm and activities. However, the best time to visit Mayne Island is from May to September, when the weather is mild and sunny, and the outdoor adventures and festivals are in full swing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mayne Island

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment and wildlife. Do not litter, disturb, or feed the animals.
  • Explore the island’s cultural and historical attractions and learn about the local heritage and customs.
  • Try the local cuisine, wines, ciders, and beers and support the island’s businesses and artisans.

Don’t:

  • Grossly overestimate your abilities when hiking or biking.
  • Take anything from the natural environment and leave with what you brought in.
  • Disturb the natural environment of the wildlife.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mayne Island

Mayne Island is a safe and welcoming community, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, there are some safety precautions that you should take while visiting, such as:

  • Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the outdoor activities.
  • Stay hydrated and avoid overexertion in extreme weather conditions.
  • Be aware of the tidal changes if you’re exploring the beaches and rocks.
  • Watch for wildlife while driving and obey the speed limits on the roads.

Health in Mayne Island

Mayne Island has a medical clinic and pharmacy, but it’s advisable to bring your own medication and first-aid kit. Make sure you have travel insurance to cover any medical emergencies and accidents. Also, consider any food allergies you may have and communicate those with the servers.

Getting to Mayne Island: Transportation Options and Logistics

Mayne Island is accessible by ferry, floatplane, and private boat.

  • Ferries: BC Ferries operates several daily sailings from Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay to Mayne Island. Book in advance for peak season.
  • Floatplanes: Harbour Air and Seair Seaplanes provide scheduled flights from Victoria and Vancouver to Mayne Island.
  • Private Boats: Mayne Island has several marinas and docks that offer services like moorage, fueling, and boat rentals.

Airports Near Mayne Island

  • Victoria International Airport (YYJ): Located 32 km southeast of Mayne Island, the airport has several airlines providing domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Mayne Island

  • Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal: Connects to Mayne Island via BC Ferries.

Other Options

  • Car rental: Available from the major cities on Vancouver Island. Some rental companies offer delivery and pick-up service from the ferry terminals or airports.
  • Bicycle rental: Several rental shops in the island offer bicycle rentals, which is perfect for going around just like the locals do.

How to Get Around in Mayne Island

Mayne Island is a small island, and the best way to explore it is on foot, bike, or car. The island has several car rental, bike rental, and taxi service providers, which you can check online or at the signage-board at ferry terminals. There are no buses or escalators, so it’s good to bring comfortable walking shoes or sandals.

Where to Go Next from Mayne Island: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Mayne Island is part of the Southern Gulf Islands region, and there are several nearby destinations and excursions that you can add to your itinerary, such as:

  • Salt Spring Island: The largest and most vibrant island in the Gulf Islands, known for its wineries, art galleries, and farmer’s markets.
  • Pender Island: Two islands connected by a bridge, with beaches, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing.
  • Victoria: The charming capital city of British Columbia, with a historic downtown, museums, and gardens.

Conclusion

Mayne Island is an idyllic island destination that offers a vibrant culture, diverse wildlife, stunning scenery, and fun-filled activities and tours. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone on Mayne Island. Plan your perfect trip today and discover the best of the Southern Gulf Islands!

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