From Wikitravel

Mayne Island [1] 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, 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.

[edit] Get in

BC Ferries [2] 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 Miner’s Bay.

[edit] Get around

Mayne island contains a modest road network that allows you to visit almost all the island's attractions by car. M.I.D.A.S. Taxi Service runs a modern fleet of one Dodge Caravan, providing taxi service to the island, phone +1 250 539-3132 or (cell) +1 250 539-5756 to book it.

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 [3].

[edit][add listing] 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 (1887), Plumper Pass Lock-up (1896, now a museum), and the Agricultural Hall (1900).

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit][add listing] Buy

Mayne Island is the home to many artists and artisans who produce glass, pottery, jewellery, cards, paintings, prints, weaving and tapestry.

• 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, [4]. Glass blowing studio and gallery. Open 10-5 daily, June to September.
• McKenzie Fine Art Gallery, +1 250 539-2532, [5]. 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.

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Sunny Mayne Bakery Café , +1 250 539-2323, [6], open daily from 7am.
• Springwater Lodge, +1 250 539-5521, [7].

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Mayne Island Eco-Camping, 359 Maple Drive, +1 250 539-2667, fax +1 250 539-3187, [8], open year-round. Reservations required. Pet friendly. $10-$12 per person, per night. Also rents cottages.
• Springwater Lodge, +1 250 539-5521, [9], $40-$70 per night.
• Active Pass B&B, 416 Sunset Place, +1 250 539-5034, [10], $125 per night.
• Bayview B&B, 764 Steward Drive, +1 250 539-2924, fax +1 250 539-2918, [11], $80-$90 per night.
• Oyster Bay Oceanfront B&B, 511 Bayview Drive, +1 250 539-0612, [12], $150-$350 per night.
• Oceanwood Country Inn, 630 Dinner Bay Road, +1 250 539-5074, fax +1 250 539-3002, [13], $139-$349 per night.

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