Mayne Island Activities

The Gulf Islands lie in the rain-shadow of the mountains of Vancouver Island and the Olympic Peninsula. The result is a Mediterranean type of climate with dry summers and mild winters.

Mayne Island is at the center of the five large Gulf Islands. As a result, it is the hub of the Gulf Island ferry system creating excellent transportation options in all directions and the “perfect” Southern Gulf Island for a year round holiday destination.

Our temperate climate, beautiful parks, beach accesses and hiking trails, activities and events make any season a great time to visit.

Don’t miss our scenic Lighthouse Park, at Georgina Point with spectacular views across the Strait of Georgia. First established in 1885, the Lighthouse marks the entrance to Active Pass. Now a Park, it is a great place for a short stroll or a picnic. Watch harbour seals, seabirds or boats travelling by. The park is also one of the best spots to view pods of Orca on their regular routes through Active Pass.

Make sure you visit Bennett Bay Beach and the scenic trail to Campbell Point, now part of the recently established Gulf Island National Park Reserve. Bennett Bay is one of the best sandy beaches on the Island and is the primary launch point for kayakers and small boaters. Hike to the end of Campbell Point for a spectacular view of Mt Baker in the distance.

Mayne Island offers 14-beach accesses; check out our Island map for details. Piggott Bay, Bennett Bay and Campbell Bay are great for swimming. Oyster Bay, Reef Bay, Naylor Road and Seaview Road offer access to sandstone beaches and tidal pool exploration. Our beaches and beach accesses are seldom busy and offer a place to rest and relax.

For a hike to a spectacular viewpoint visit Mount Parke Park. Accessible off Montrose Road, Mount Parke offers hikers several options including an easy stroll through thick forest and extended loop trail or the 45 min. hike to the viewpoint.

Early Japanese settlers maintained a successful greenhouse tomato business on Mayne Island until WWII when all Japanese were forced to leave the west coast. Our magnificent Japanese Gardens at Dinner Bay Park on former Japanese-owned land, honours these early residents and their contributions. This unique garden has been developed entirely by local residents and is spectacular year round. During the winter holiday season the gardens light up with thousands of lights. There is no charge to enter. Donations are accepted. Dinner Bay Park, home to our Labour Day weekend Lions’ Salmon Barbecue has a playground, ball diamond and putting green.

Historic Miners Bay is the central hub of the Island.
In Miner’s Bay you will find a gas station, post office, ATM, grocery stores, restaurants and accommodation. Visit the Springwater Lodge established in 1885,

St Mary Magdalene Church (1887, Regular Services are held on Sundays), the Plumper Pass Lock-up (1896) now a Museum or the Agricultural Hall (1900). On Saturday mornings May through October enjoy local produce, baking, crafts and other goodies at our Farmers’ Market on the Ag Hall grounds..

One of the attractions of Mayne Island is its diversity of wildlife. Mayne Island’ s unique environment is host to a wide diversity of plant and animal life. In local waters, Seals, Sea Lions (winter), Salmon and Orca Whales splash and swim. Tidal pools formed in sandstone shorelines (Oyster Bay) are home to many curious intertidal creatures. Douglas fir, grand firs, western red cedar, alder, maple and arbutus trees cover most of the Island. Over 250 different wildflowers grow on Mayne. Wild blackberries produce an abundant summer crop. Our climate invites a variety of birds to live or visit. The stately Bald Eagle, Blue Heron and Cormorant are just a small sample of dozens of species that make Mayne Island a birder’ s paradise. Deer are abundant but there are no bears, cougars or coyotes.

Mayne Island is also home to many artists and artisans. Artist galleries and shops are scattered around the Island. You can easily spend a day shopping for unique hand-made work by local artists. Glass, pottery, jewellery, cards, paintings, prints, weaving and tapestry are just some of the creations available.

Mayne Island has many recreational activities to offer visitors including kayaking, sailing, fishing, cycling, and tennis.