Mayne
Island is reached via Active Pass. It is approximately half way
between Vancouver and Victoria and the most northerly of the Gulf
Islands. To get to the Gulf Islands you must board B.C.
Ferries. From Swartz Bay travel to Village Bay on Mayne Island.
The trip length varies depending on the time and route chosen.
The Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal is approximately 25 minutes north
of the downtown Victoria core.
Mayne has parks, beaches and natural areas.
Mayne is well worth a visit! Plan on spending more than one day!
Find out why you should visit Mayne Island.
The Georgina Point Lighthouse has beautiful grounds and views
of Active Pass and Galiano Island. Mayne has an abundance of wildflowers
and birds. Island activities include cycling, hiking, fishing,
camping, canoeing and kayaking. There are numerous Artists and
Galleries to visit.
In
addition to great accommodations and campsites, there are places to
buy provisions,lots of activities, restaurants,nightlife, studios and galleries & shopping and numerous businesses on
Mayne Island. For Mayne Island taxi information, click here.
You
can find many of these services in Miner's Bay, including a gas
station, liquor store, post office, ATM machine and grocery store.
There is a great FARMER'S MARKET here on Saturday mornings July
through September. Check out the tiny Museum (built as a jailhouse
in 1886), and the historical Mary Magdalene Church.
You
can travel to Mayne Island by air from services in Victoria and Vancouver. A local seaplane company also does island runs. If you are on some of the Gulf
Islands, you can reach Salt Spring Island by water
taxi.
Campgrounds & R.V. Parks
Fern
Hollow Campground - (250) 539-5253
All
about Mayne Island
Mayne
Island was created by the earth's shifting tectonic plates millions
of years ago. Native people fished near the island around 3000
B.C. Spanish explorers visited the area in the late eighteenth
century. George Vancouver camped on Georgina Point in 1794.
The island was later named after Richard Charles Mayne, a lieutenant
on the HMS Plumber visiting in the late 1800's. The earliest
registered land claims were in the Miners Bay area in 1858.
Early farmers gave Mayne island its open rural ambiance.
There are places to buy provisions, activities, restaurants, nightlife, studios
and galleries & shopping and numerous businesses on Mayne Island. There is also a good selection of accommodations.
Wildlife
is abundant. Eagles soar over the island. Otters, seals and
Orcas swim in the ocean. In the spring, migrating bird life
visit the island. The island is a birdwatchers paradise. Hummingbirds,
swallows, goldfinches, cedar waxwings, are some of the many
birds that visit or live on the island. There are also over
two hundred and fifty wild flowers that grow on Mayne Island.
Black-tailed deer are the only large mammal living on Mayne.
The largest animal is the raccoon. Otters, mink, squirrels also
live on the island.
Walkers,
hikers and cyclist enjoy the quiet country roads and trails.
Sculptured sandstone cliffs can be observed during low tides
at Campbell Bay. The lighthouse at Georgina Point is spectacular
and the park is open to visitors. It is a great spot to
watch Ferries and other craft moving through Active Past.
Drop
in at the Island's studios and galleries. Spend an afternoon
at Bennett Bay beach or hike 45 minutes to the top of Mount
Parke. Boaters can dock at the government wharf at Miners
Bay or at the dock at Horton Bay.
Scuba
diving in the clear, clean coastal water is among the best in
the world. Strong currents and temperate waters provide variety
and abundance of marine life that is quite exceptional. Fishing
in coastal waters is very good. Several species of salmon provide
year round fishing!
As
the climate is mild year round, you can kayak, canoe, sail and
boat in the protected areas for the majority of the year. The
island has numerous small adjacent islands and coves to offer
protection and interesting sites.
Camping
is available. There is one private campsites on Mayne Island,
Fern Hollow at 1-250-5253.
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