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.

Mayne Island Location

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Mayne Island Temperature

Temperature: The Gulf Islands have the highest year round temperatures in Canada. The Islands have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Due to topography, the temperature varies throughout the island. Generally points of land nearest to the ocean are the mildest due to the moderating effect of the water.

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, GINPR 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, GINPR 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.

Two useful sites with additional information are the GINPR site and Parks Canada