Mayne is smaller and less settled than are
Pender, Galiano and Saltspring. The two islands are
perfect for quiet weekends or vacations, where walking,
enjoying nature and just relaxing are prescribed.
Relaxing on Mayne Island
The ferry lands at Village Bay, where there is
a community of modern homes. Of the people who live on
the island (less than a thousand), some farm and others
commute to work in Victoria or Vancouver. Mayne has long
been an apple-growing center and is famous for its King
apples. There are orchards, and sheep and poultry farming
bolster the island economy. Miner's Bay was a
turn-of-the-century tourist resort town with several
Victorian hotels and more pubs than was safe for the tiny
community. There are still good examples of Victorian
architecture in Miners Bay.
Campbell Bay has a fine swimming beach.
Mount Parke, the highest spot on the island, has
scenic hiking trails. Sightseeing cruises are available
at Miners Bay to observe sea lions and other wildlife.
There are docking facilities at Horton Bay & Miners
Bay. A community of artists and crafts people on the
island exhibit their work in several outlets.
Dinner Bay Park is a day-use park with picnic
tables and a beach. Mount Parke offers some of the best
hiking on the island, with great views of Active Pass and
other islands from the peak. The shoreline of Navy
Channel, which runs between Mayne and Pender islands
provides an interesting walk. To get there, take Marine
Drive to Navy Channel Road. From the intersection, walk
for about 15 minutes down Navy Channel Road, beside the
channel.
As on the other islands, cycling is a preferred mode
of trans-portation -- and exercise -- on Mayne. The
public roads don't have a great deal of traffic and make
excellent cycling paths with fresh scenery around every
corner. Mariner's Way, around Crane Point, is one.
Edith Point Road is another. There is no public
campground on Mayne Island.
For history buffs: Springwater Lodge
(250-539-5521) is an 1890s hotel, said to be the oldest
continual operation in B.C. There are rooms and four
cottages plus a dining room overlooking Active Pass.
Blue Vista Resort on Bennett Bay (250-539-2463)
has cabins with fireplaces, kitchens & decks ($).
Fernhill Lodge (250-539-2544) is a B & B inn on
Fernhill Rd. with history-themed rooms ).
Root Seller Inn (250-539-2621) is a bed and
breakfast lodge on Village Bay Rd..
Oceanwood Country Inn (250-539-5074) is a lodge
open March to December. This is a deluxe B and B with
dining room, rooms with ocean views, some with
fireplaces.
