Mayne Island
There is a lot to do on Mayne Island – for a day or a week!
Mayne Island is one of the most picturesque of the Gulf Islands and is a short relaxing ferry ride from either Vancouver or Victoria. The Island enjoys one of Canada’s most temperate climates with long sunny summers and less than half the rainfall of the Vancouver area. Winters are mild with infrequent frosts.
Mayne Island is the ferry transfer point for Galiano, Pender, Saltspring, and Saturna Island, making the Blue Vista Resort the ideal spot for Island hopping by bicycle, kayak or car. The Gulf Island National Park at Bennett Bay is just a short walk from the Blue Vista Resort.
Mayne Island is 8 kilometres long and 6 kilometres wide with beautiful scenery and several bays and beaches for swimming, clam digging, fishing, hiking and boating. Enjoy a leisurely hike to the summit of Mount Parke or visit the historical Active Pass Lighthouse at Georgina Point. There are two grocery stores, several licensed restaurants and pubs, a liquor outlet, service station, two public docks, a bakery, deli and numerous small art galleries. Some local artisans offer workshops.
Trees and wildflowers cover most of the island. The island is a birdwatcher’s dream. For those who enjoy the ocean wildlife, seals, sea lions and otters are regular visitors and the occasional pod of Orcas (Killer Whales) can be seen in the summer.
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Some of the many activities you can enjoy on Mayne Island
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Explore Some of the Many Activities Available on Mayne Island
Kayaking and Stand-up Paddle Boarding
Mayne Island has world class kayaking waters. Just 500 meters from our property, launch at Bennett Bay Beach for an adventure of a lifetime in your own equipment or with Kayaking Gulf Islands, who have experienced guides, instruction and quality equipment rentals. See kayakinggulfislands.com.
Cycling
The Gulf Islands provide a perfect destination for cyclists seeking adventure. Enjoy our winding roads, hushed forests and refreshing stops as you cycle along our quiet island roads.
Every year, thousands of cyclists trek to the Gulf Islands in search of secluded country roads and scenic off-road trails taking you to hilltops for fabulous views or to the beach for an afternoon swim. Mayne Island is perhaps the most pleasant one to cycle. You can tour the whole island in the course of an easygoing day, with stops around its perimeter at Miners Bay, the Georgina Point Lighthouse, Campbell Bay, Horton Bay, and the BC Ferries dock at Village Bay. Ask us about electric bike options!
Farmers Market
The Mayne Island Farmers Market operates every Saturday from the May long weekend through the Thanksgiving weekend at the Grounds of the Agricultural Hall, 430 Fernhill Road.
Hours: Summer Saturdays, 10 am to 1 pm
The Mayne Island Farmers’ Market is the place to get great local produce, fantastic food and very fine works of art and craft. The Market is the central meeting place for residents and visitors to enjoy a leisurely Saturday, engaging in great conversation and from time to time enjoying a variety of live musicians.
Mayne Island Museum
The Mayne Island Agricultural Society (1962) preserves and operates the historic Agricultural Hall and Museum (Plumper Pass Gaol) in Miner’s Bay. The Society operates the Thrift Shop and stages the amazing Fall Fair every August.
Located at 430 Fernhill Rd. the museum is home to a large collection of John Aitken historical photographs. You can learn more about the collection here, or visit the on-line database here.
Mayne Island Brewing Company
Mayne Island Brewing Company at 490 Fernhill Road crafts small batches of European inspired Ales.
Picnic tasting area is now open 1-5 Thursday, Friday, Saturdays, and Sunday, as well as by appointment by calling 250-526-0711.
Georgina Point
Georgina Point is one of the newest additions to the Gulf Islands National Park. It sits at the entrance to Active Pass and is a fantastic location to bring your lunch or picnic dinner. Enjoy the bird watching and the continual flow of marine traffic navigating Active Pass at this popular day-use area. Long managed by the Mayne Island Parks and Recreation Commission, it provides spectacular views across the Strait of Georgia and is one of Mayne Island’s most treasured heritage places.
Beaches
Mayne Islands most popular beaches are at Bennett Bay and Campbell Bay and between them lies the entrance to the park and a wonderful hike to the headland between the two bays. From Bennett Bay launch your kayak or paddleboard to discover the magnificent and diverse life in this protected marine area. Paddle around Georgeson Island, Anniversary Island and the Belle Chain Islands (please note that these islands are for viewing from the water only, access is by special permission by Parks Canada only). Other beaches include Miner’s Bay, Dinner Bay and Morning Beach.
Wildlife
Spot an eagle, orca, seal or magical sunset on one of our many hikes through the forest or shorelines. Mayne Islands’ Parks and Recreation’s annual pamphlet features many of the walks available right from your cabins at Blue Vista. Throughout the summer season, guides from Park Canada offer specialized chats about the shorelines and forests.
Mayne Island Conservancy also hosts various events throughout the year. See www.conservancyonmayne.com.
Hiking Trails
Safe, scenic, easy and short are good adjectives to describe trails you’ll find on Mayne Island. From easy headland strolls in places like Campbell Bay to stunning mountain ridge views from the top of Mount Parke, to scenic lighthouse rambles with a great view of aptly named Active Pass. Interpretative headland and forest walks are also inviting for many less ambitious visitors, and several trails are also wheelchair friendly.
Trails tend to be quiet, wild life frequent, and views outstanding. Another plus to hiking on the Southern Gulf Islands is that there are no dangerous creatures sharing the outdoors with you. Cougars are rare, bears are absent, and there are no poisonous snakes or insects. The worst thing you are likely to encounter is stinging nettles.
For information on the various hiles and walks, go to https://www.mayneisland.com/places/trailguide.htm
Mayne Island Annual Events
Mayne Island is a peaceful and relaxing island but it is also alive with music, art and celebration. Events like Seedy Saturday, Fall Fair, Disc Golf Tournament and the Campbell Bay Music Fest.
Some of our larger events are highlighted here.
For current Mayne Island events check out our Mayne Events Calendar.
There are two ways you can reserve your holiday with us.
a) Call us at 1-250-539-2463 or toll free at 1-877-535-2424
or
b) Email us directly at
bluevista@bluevistaresort.com
We will respond to your e-mail or phone request as soon as possible.
Find Blue Vista Resort
563 Arbutus Drive
Mayne Island BC V0N2J1
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