Tucked between Vancouver and Victoria in the Southern Gulf Islands, Mayne Island is the kind of place where time seems to slow and every corner reveals a new postcard view. With sandy beaches, moss-covered forests, and a welcoming island community, it’s a perfect weekend getaway for anyone craving nature, peace, and relaxation—all wrapped in that easy West Coast charm.
If your visit will only be a day or two, here are some suggestions to get the most from your stay.
1. Get in touch with nature
Mayne Island is fairly small, but you’ll be surprised at the variety of outdoor activities available. Personally, I’d suggest you begin with a stroll along the water. Two of my favourite spots for shoreline exploring are Cotton Park, and Georgina Point (right next to the Lighthouse). Look in the tide pools for sea urchins, small crabs, and orange and purple starfish.
If you prefer to squish your toes in the sand, Mayne Island has several beautiful beaches. Campbell Bay and Bennett Bay are likely the two most popular. If you prefer more privacy, you will love Piggot Bay, or my favourite, Conconi Reef Community Park is one of those hidden gems perfect for a picnic lunch.
Interested in a hike? Choose from twisting turnings forest trails along the ocean (my favourite is at St Johns Point), to mountain trails in Mount Parke Regional Park, ascending through mossy old-growth forest to reveal panoramic views over Salish Sea waters and neighbouring islands.
Finally, a must see for anyone visiting Mayne for the first time is the Japanese Memorial Garden: a tranquil space of winding forest paths, koi ponds and benches, honouring the island’s early Japanese-Canadian settlers. It’s free and open year-round, perfect for a soulful wander. It’s a special place throughout the year, made spectacular during December with dazzling lights displays.
2. Get out on the water
With its gentle bays and clear coastal waters, Mayne is ideal for kayaking or paddle-boarding. From spots like Bennett Bay you can drift along shorelines, spot seals or herons on the rocks, and immerse yourself in the island’s marine side. Water lovers can also relax on quiet beaches like Campbell Bay — perfect for a picnic, beach-combing or simply listening to waves.
3. Dive into the local flavour
For a bite, sit down at a waterfront bistro or enjoy a bakery café in Miners Bay — casual local eats that capture the laid-back spirit of the island. Black Cardamom & Montrose Local are the restaurant style dining options on the island. Each has a selection of reasonably priced menu options. Give Pizza Chance and Malanka Foods Ukrainian Food truck are both located next to Miner’s Bay Trading Post, for quick meals to take with you as you explore the island.
Saturate yourself in island life by visiting the Saturday Farmer’s Market (May to October) near the Agricultural Hall: fresh produce, handmade jams, artisan crafts and warm chat with locals.
Don’t miss browsing the galleries and studios scattered about the island: glass-blowing, pottery, weaving and more reflect a creative community at work.
4. Where to stay & how to get there
Mayne Island can only be reached via BC Ferries. Guests will board the Gulf Island ferry to Mayne Island at Tsawwassen Terminal on the mainland or at Schwartz Bay Terminal on Vancouver Island. From late Spring and throughout the summer, ferries are usually fully booked by the day of departure, even for walk on passengers and those with bicycles. We recommend that you make a reservation for all necessary ferries well in advance of your trip to Mayne for arrivals and departures. BC Ferry schedules and reservations can be found on their website or by downloading the BC Ferries app onto your mobile device. That same site can be used to make and pay for ferry reservations.
In short: Mayne Island offers a neighbourly, nature-rich escape from city life. Walk a forest trail at dawn, sip a latte overlooking the bay, paddle into golden-hour light and savour the soft rhythm of island time.