Savouring The Slow Life On Mayne Island In Beautiful British Columbia

Last Updated on October 13, 2020

Mayne Island is a 21-square-kilometre (8.1 sq mi) island in the southern Gulf Islands chain of British Columbia. It is midway between the Lower Mainland of BC and Vancouver Island, and has a small population of around 1,000. We had yet to discover the Gulf Islands, so I figured now would be a good time to start, as we are staying closer to home now that I’m 30 weeks along with our fourth and final adventure buddy. We figured Mayne was a good starting point as it is said to be one of the lesser-visited islands.

It is interesting to imagine how quiet little Mayne Island could have ever been referred to as “Little Hell”. It is the gold rush to blame for that label that has been around for 150 years. Miners gave the name to Miners Bay when Mayne was the commercial and social center of the Gulf Islands.

We loved the vibe of Mayne Island. Residents are definitely on island time there. Life is relaxed, there was no rushing about. Everyone is calm, cool and super friendly. It is also a bikers paradise with the interesting circular routes and quiet roads; there were a ton of bikers around enjoying the peaceful ride.

It was a perfect couple of days for a sister getaway over a weekend. We found there was enough to entertain ourselves from early Friday until Sunday afternoon. We then found ourselves wanting to hop over to another island for some more exploring.

Take a look at a small slice of beauty that British Columbia has to offer: 

Ferry Ride

You can either take the Ferry or a float plane to Mayne Island. The Ferry sails from Tsawassen, south of Vancouver, BC. The Ferry is always a good choice and an enjoyable ride with pretty views all around. I say it time and time again, but on a clear day, the views really are breathtaking. We caught an early 6am Ferry over to the Island and there was basically nobody on it. On the way back we were glad we had a reservation because that Ferry was packed. Reservations are strongly advised. With a reservation you must also be there at least 40 minutes before your sailing.

BC Ferry ride

BC Ferry ride

BC Ferry ride
Village Bay Ferry Terminal at Mayne Island
BC Ferry ride
Oh Canada!

Seaview

Since we arrived so early, we decided to just drive around the island and see what we could find. The beach access off of Seaview is the first spot we found and it was a beautiful start to the day. We later stumbled across it again when the clouds had burned off and we had gorgeous blue sky and sunshine. In the early morning, we could see Mount Baker in the distance.

You’ll find the beaches covered in a lot of seaweed when the tide is out. It can make it very slippery, so be careful. All the sea life you find really makes up for the gross seaweed all around. Typical PNW. We loved the endless Starfish we found at the Seaview beach access when the tide was out. Magical!

Seaview beach  at Mayne Island

Seaview beach  at Mayne Island

Purple starfish on Mayne Island

Starfish on Mayne Island

Seaview beach at Mayne Island

Seaview beach at Mayne Island

Starfish at Mayne Island

Starfish at Mayne Island

Seaview beach at Mayne Island

Drone views at Mayne Island

Aerial views at Mayne Island

Aerial views at Mayne Island

Drone views at Mayne Island

Mount Parke Park Hiking

Mount Parke, in the south-central heart of the island, is its highest peak at 255 metres (837 feet). One thing we loved about Mayne Island is that there were so many hiking trails to choose from for such as mall island.  We did two hikes in Mt. Parke, the first taking us over an easy boardwalk and flat path until we hit a parking lot. This hike would be great with kids. The other was an unmarked trail that we found off to the left when you pass the outhouse– there is no marker to make the trail entrance obvious, but it is clearly a trail. The only trail marker we found was near the viewpoint. This trail lead us to one of our favorite views — the Halliday Viewpoint. It was breathtaking! There are some steep sections of the trail and some sections that have a large drop-off, so stay away from the edge!

Mount Parke Park Hiking
This hike felt like a total fairytale. Such a gorgeous forest!

Mount Parke Park Hiking

Mount Parke Park Hiking

Mount Parke Park Hiking

Mount Parke Park Hiking

Mount Parke Park Hiking

Mount Parke Park Hiking

Mount Parke Park Hiking

Mount Parke Park Hiking

Mount Parke Park Hiking
Views like this are worth a little hard work
Mount Parke Park Hiking
A great spot to enjoy the view

Mount Parke Park Hiking

Mount Parke Park Hiking

Mount Parke Park Hiking

Mount Parke Park Hiking

Mount Parke Park Hiking

We loved how …

We loved how the town felt so strongly about its history. St. Mary Magdalene church still stands from 1897, there is a cute tiny history building and other heritage buildings. You could really feel the old-town vibe and it was wonderful. It was also refreshing to see so many beautiful wood carvings around, as well as so many deer that roam free (though it may be a little frustrating for residents).

Killer whale wood carving

Deer on Mayne Island

Deer on Mayne Island

Deer on Mayne Island

St Mary Magdalene Church

Mayne Island Museum

Mayne Island trading post

Farm life on Mayne Island
Breathtaking farm life — so picturesque!

St. John Point

St. John Point is a pristine natural area with shoreline bluffs, a small beach, and a trail network through mature forest stands. This was a short trail through a gorgeous field to reach a rocky beach that had breathtaking views. Really easy to access, which is always a bonus!

Hiking to St. John Point

Hiking to St. John Point

Hiking to St. John Point
Do you see the smiley face, or was it just me?
St. John Point
More smiles?
Views from St. John Point
How gorgeous is that view!

Views from St. John Point

Views from St. John Point

Drone Views from St. John Point

Drone Views from St. John Point

Aerial Views from St. John Point

Views from St. John Point

Drone Views from St. John Point

Aerial Views from St. John Point

Views from St. John Point

Views from St. John Point

Georgina Point Heritage Park and Lighthouse

This waterfront park overlooking Active Pass is part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. It’s also home to the Georgina Point Lighthouse; built-in 1885 that still signals ships into the busy waterway. It is a great spot for a picnic or to find some sea life at low-tide. Our favorite sights were a Sea Otter and a leather starfish.

Georgina Point Heritage Park and Lighthouse

Georgina Point Heritage Park and Lighthouse

Jellyfish at Georgina Point Heritage Park and Lighthouse

Georgina Point Heritage Park and Lighthouse

Georgina Point Heritage Park and Lighthouse

Aerial view of Georgina Point Heritage Park and Lighthouse
Aerial view from above early in the morning before the clouds burned off to reveal some summer sunshine and blue skies.
Sea Otter at Georgina Point Heritage Park and Lighthouse
This Sea Otter sure was curious
Leather starfish at Georgina Point Heritage Park and Lighthouse
Leather Starfish — we had never seen one like this before!
Starfish at Georgina Point Heritage Park and Lighthouse
These are the most common starfish to find, but they still captivate me every time.

The Cob Cottage

We came across this Cob Cottage on Air B&B. It was actually the reason why we decided to start our Gulf Island adventures with Mayne Island. The cottage was even more enchanting than the pictures show below. It was like a fairytale. The attention to detail was incredible. There were so many cute pieces of decor and everything was thoughtfully built. It was also on their farm, so it was extremely peaceful. You could sit outside and watch the sheep, pigs and cows wander around right behind the fence. It was completely quiet at night as you could hear nature all around you. The outdoor shower felt wonderful on a warm day.

While there was no light pollution, there still was not the star show in the sky I was hoping for, but as you can see in the photos below, it was still not too shabby at all. It also stayed nice and cool inside the cottage; much cooler than it felt outside. Perfect to stay in on a summer night.

The flower garden we passed on the way to the Cob Cottage was magical. So many bright and bold flowers. It felt like a fairytale garden.

The hosts, Shanti and Don, were so friendly and wonderful; they even left us some fresh bread, delicious Apricot Jam (that they make right on their farm!), milk and cream.

Find out how you can stay at The Cob Cottage by booking with Air B&B.

Take a look below and I’m sure that you will feel the magic:

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island
The outdoor shower felt wonderful on a warm day!

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island
The roof of the earth house
The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island
We loved these treats the hosts left us — fresh jam from their farm and some fresh bread. What a treat!

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island
Even the kitchen counter top was lovely!
The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island
It was great to have the farm animals around. So cute to see and listen to.

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

The views from The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

The Cob Cottage on Mayne IslandThe Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

The night sky

The night sky

The night sky

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island
Life goes way too fast and time is the most precious gift we have. It was so great to relax and have some undisturbed time with my twin sister!
The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island
Such a magical flower garden!

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

Bee on Lavender

Bee on lavender

Pretty flower at The Cob Cottage on Mayne IslandPretty flower at The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

Pretty flowers at The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

Beehive at The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island
Beehive

Pretty flowers

Pretty flower

Decor at The Cob Cottage  on Mayne Island
Very cool attention to detail and decor ideas
Farmland views at The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island
It was wonderful waking up to views like this

The Cob Cottage on Mayne Island

Miner’s Bay

Miners Bay is located on the south-east side of Active Pass, which separates Galiano and Mayne Islands. It was named for the gold miners who frequented this bay from 1858 on through the gold rush years. Miners Bay was a convenient stopover point for fortune seekers on their way to the Fraser River and Barkerville.

Miner's Bay

Campbell Bay Point Trail

It was an easy half-mile walk to the tip of Campbell Point, part of the multi-island Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, and breathtakingly beautiful. The views from the point reach as far as Saturna Island and Mount Baker on a clear day. Closer to Mayne Island the views include Campbell Bay and Edith Point on your left and Bennett Bay on your right. Straight ahead the views include Georgeson Island and the Georgia Strait.

Campbell Bay Point Trail

Campbell Bay Point Trail

Campbell Bay Point Trail

Oyster Bay

Oyster Bay’s small beach has interesting driftwood and rock formations. It’s a small area, but great for swimming too.

Oyster Bay Mayne Island

Naylor Bay

Naylor Road offers access to sandstone beaches and tidal pool exploration. I loved the gorgeous view before the stairs down to the beach.

Naylor Bay Mayne Island

Naylor Bay Mayne Island

Dinner Bay Park

There is beach access at Dinner Bay Park. The park also features many different activities for kids and families such an old fashioned kids playground, disc golf, and picnic tables.  Dinner Bay Park also has access to the stunning Japanese Gardens. The beach access point takes you down to this view.

Dinner Bay Park, Mayne Island

Dinner Bay Park, Mayne Island

Dinner Bay Park, Mayne Island

Dinner Bay Park, Mayne Island

Dinner Bay Park, Mayne Island

Japanese Garden

We found a peaceful spot we were definitely not expecting: the island’s Japanese Garden, dedicated to a past that we had no idea about since we live beyond the island’s shores. The garden was absolutely gorgeous, featuring a reflective pond, bridges, and torii gates. Volunteers built it as a memorial to the Japanese immigrants who farmed the island starting around the early 1900s and it opened in 2002. Japanese Canadians were one-third of the island population by World War II, when, just as in the United States, they were sent to internment camps, where most of them sadly did not return.  It was a beautiful tribute a very well manicured and impressive garden. It was impressive how such a small island can manage to create and maintain such beautiful Japanese gardens.

Japanese Garden, Mayne Island

Japanese Garden, Mayne Island

Japanese Garden, Mayne Island

Japanese Garden, Mayne Island

Japanese Garden, Mayne Island

Kayaking – Bennett Bay

One of the highlights of our trip was Kayaking. We went on a tour with a fantastic guide through the Mayne Island Resort with Kayaking Gulf Islands. We launched right off their private dock and explored around the island for three hours. We saw so many eagles, starfish and curious seals. The skies were bright blue after the first half-hour and the scenery was absolutely mind-blowing. It was so hard to not want to pause for a moment to take picture after picture to capture that moment.

Bennett Bay Kayaking, Mayne Island

Bennett Bay Kayaking, Mayne Island

Bennett Bay Kayaking, Mayne Island

Bennett Bay Kayaking, Mayne Island

Bennett Bay Kayaking, Mayne Island

Bennett Bay Kayaking, Mayne Island

Starfish, Mayne Island

Eagles, Bennett Bay, Mayne Island

Starfish, Bennett Bay Kayaking, Mayne Island

Starfish, Bennett Bay Kayaking, Mayne Island

Starfish, Bennett Bay Kayaking, Mayne Island

Bennett Bay Kayaking, Mayne Island
Photo: Kayaking Gulf Islands
Bennett Bay Kayaking, Mayne Island
Photo: Kayaking Gulf Islands

Bennett Bay, Mayne Island

Bennett Bay drone view, Mayne Island

Bennett Bay drone view, Mayne Island

Bennett Bay drone view, Mayne Island

Bennett Bay aerial view, Mayne Island

Bennett Bay aerial view, Mayne Island

Bennett Bay aerial view, Mayne Island

Bennett Bay aerial view, Mayne Island

Bennett Bay aerial view, Mayne Island

 

Have you visited any of British Columbia’s Gulf Islands? Which ones?