'''Mayne Island''' [http://www.mayneisland.com/] is in the Southern Gulf Islands. The island is approximately 21 square kilometers and has a permanent population of about 900 people. There is evidence of human habitation up to 5000 years ago, however, Captain George Vancouver is the first non-native to alight on the island, having camped there in 1794 (his crew left a coin and a knife found over a century later by early settlers). The first permanent homesteads were built in the 1860s. The island is named after Royal Navy lieutenant Richard Charles Mayne.
The majority of services are located in the '''Miners Bay''' area. Here you will find a gas station, liquor store, post office, ATM, and two grocery stores. Other major parts of the island are '''Village Bay''', location of the ferry terminal, and '''Bennett Bay''', home of Mayne Island's portion of the '''Gulf Islands National Park Reserve'''.
The Mayne Island Community Chamber of Commerce provides a tourist map[http://www.mayneislandchamber.ca/map.htm] that identifies key attractions, activities and shopping.
Get in
BC Ferries [http://www.bcferries.com] operates service to Mayne Island from Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island, and Tsawwassen on the British Columbia mainland. There are currently eight sailings per day, but you should always check the website for the latest information. Floatplane service is also available to and from Mayne Island. Several companies provide regular scheduled service in and out of Miners Bay.
For a more down to earth experience, discover the island by renting a bike or kayak from '''Mayne Island Kayaking''', 563 Arbutus Drive, ''+1 250'' 539-2463 [http://www.kayakmayneisland.com/]. Travellers who plan to solely explore the Island by bicycle should note that it is a long walk from the ferry terminal to Mayne Island Kayaking.
Get around
By bicycle
If you plan to cycle, you should bring your own bicycle as the nearest place to rent one is a long distance from the ferry terminal. Cyclists should travel single file as the narrow and hilly roads on Mayne Island can create blind curves.
On foot
Mayne Island is small enough that it is possible to travel a fair distance on the Island on foot. If travelling this way, you should be reasonably fit and prepared for long walks. It takes about 45 minutes to walk from the ferry terminal to the village of Miners Bay.
'''BC Car-Free'''[http://www.car-free.ca/bc-car-free/cycle-touring/the-gulf-islands-mayne-island.html] provides additional information useful for travellers who plan to visit Mayne Island without a vehicle.
See
'''Lighthouse Park''' at Georgina point (Follow Georgina Point Road from Miners Bay). The lighthouse was built in 1885 and marks the eastern entrance to Active Pass. A great place to watch passing boats, and marine life such as ''Harbour Seals'' and ''Orca Whales''.
'''Japanese Gardens''' at Dinner Bay Park. This garden is maintained year round by local volunteers. It is a tribute to the Japanese-Canadians sent to internment camps during World War II. No charge to enter, but donations are gratefully accepted.
'''Miners Bay''' contains many buildings of historic interest including ''Springwater Lodge'' (1885), ''St Mary Magdalene Church'' (1897), ''Plumper Pass Lock-up'' (1896, now a museum), and the ''Agricultural Hall'' (1900).
Do
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. ennett Bay Rd.. Stroll through a small section of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (the other sections of the National Park Reserve are located on other Gulf Islands). Journey to Campbell Point for views of Mt. Baker (on clear days) and Saturna Island. Follow the scenic coastline trail between Campbell Point and Bennett Bay Beach. Bennett Bay Beach has the reputation of being one of the best sandy beaches on the Island, and it is the primary launch point for kayakers and small boaters.
Mount Parke Regional Park. ontrose Rd.. Hike Mount Parke to access one of the best viewpoints on Mayne Island. There are several hiking options, including an easy stroll through thick forest and an extended loop trail. It takes about 45 minutes to hike to the viewpoint. The '''Mayne Island Conservancy Society''' provides the official guide and map[http://www.mayneisland.com/conservancy/mount_parke_infosheet_2005%5B1%5D.pdf] for Mount Parke Regional Park.
Mayne Island Music Society events. ttp://web.me.com/toby.snelgrove.mac/MIMS/Welcome.html. The Society holds, on average, six events per year. The Society focuses on bringing quality live music to the Island, providing performance opportunities for local musicians, and supporting music education on the Island.
Mayne Island Fall Fair. The Mayne Island Fall Fair is the oldest fall fair on the Gulf Islands. Includes a parade, farmers' market, and other events/activities. Held annually on the third Saturday in August.
Buy
Mayne Island is the home to many artists and artisans who produce glass, pottery, jewellery, cards, paintings, prints, weaving and tapestry. Meet many of the Island's artists and farmers at the '''Mayne Island Farmers' Market''', which is open Saturday mornings on the Agricultural Hall Grounds (on Fernhill Rd. in Miners Bay) from July through September.
'''Coastal Creations''', 417 Fernhill Road, ''+1 250'' 539-5889. Gallery and giftshop for locally produced and finely crafted wood, garden art, metal, and glass wares, original watercolours and prints, photography, hand made books, journals, calendars, and cards, sheepskin slippers, weaving, leather and fabric accessories, "all natural" beauty products and 100% beeswax candles. Call for seasonal hours.
'''EN?VISION Gallery''', ''+1 250'' 539-5606. Fine art gallery and shop. Seasonal hours or by appointment.
'''Mayne Island Glass Foundry''', 563 Aya Reach Road, ''+1 250'' 539-2002, [http://www.mayneislandglass.com]. Glass blowing studio and gallery. Open 10-5 daily, June to September.
'''McKenzie Fine Art Gallery''', ''+1 250'' 539-2532, [http://www.mckenziefineartgallery.com/]. Featuring the work of local West Coast Realist, Jim McKenzie.
'''Miners Bay Books''', ''+1 250'' 539-3112. New and used books, gifts, cards, toys and games. Specializing in West Coast, BC, local authors, children's and literary fiction.
'''Tree Frog Gallery & Natural Clothing''', ''+1 250'' 539-3551. A collection of eco-friendly hemp and organic cotton clothing.
Eat
Wild blackberries are abundant on Mayne Island in late summer through early September, and make a tasty snack (particularly if you're travelling around the Island on foot or bicycle).
'''Sunny Mayne Bakery Cafe ''', ''+1 250'' 539-2323, [http://www.sunnymaynebakery.com/], open daily from 7am.
'''Springwater Lodge''', ''+1 250'' 539-5521, [http://www.springwaterlodge.com/menu.htm].
Drink
Springwater Lodge. 1 250 539-5521. ttp://www.springwaterlodge.com/. Enjoy a drink on the patio where you have a pleasant view of the bay.
Sleep
'''Mayne Island Eco-Camping''', 359 Maple Drive, ''+1 250'' 539-2667, fax ''+1 250'' 539-3187, [http://www.mayneisle.com/camp], open year-round. Reservations required. Pet friendly. $10-$12 per person, per night for oceanfront and forest campsites. Also rents cottages. If you're travelling on foot, it takes about 45 minutes to reach this campground from the ferry terminal. The walk into Miners Bay from the campground takes about 30 minutes.
'''Springwater Lodge''', ''+1 250'' 539-5521, [http://www.springwaterlodge.com/], $40-$70 per night.
'''Active Pass B&B''', 416 Sunset Place, ''+1 250'' 539-5034, [http://www.activepassbb.com/], $95-125 per night.
'''Bayview B&B''', 764 Steward Drive, ''+1 250'' 539-2924, fax ''+1 250'' 539-2918, [http://www.maynebbb.com/], $80-$90 per night.
'''Oyster Bay Oceanfront B&B''', 511 Bayview Drive, ''+1 250'' 539-0612, [http://www.oysterbay.ca/], $150-$350 per night.
'''Oceanwood Country Inn''', 630 Dinner Bay Road, ''+1 250'' 539-5074, fax ''+1 250'' 539-3002, [http://www.oceanwood.com/], $139-$349 per night.