We had been meaning to explore more of the Southern Gulf Islands and had heard great things about Mayne Island in particular. Last summer, we looked ahead and saw that Canada Day would fall on a Wednesday in 2020, so we planned to take Monday and Tuesday off and make it a 4 night trip for the holiday. The place we wanted to stay at is quite popular so we booked it a year ahead to ensure we’d get those dates.
Who could have known that by the time July 2020 came around, a global pandemic would have swept across the planet…In March, when lockdowns first started due to COVID-19, we assumed we would have to cancel our trip. Not a big deal at all, there were way bigger issues in the world than our weekend trip. Still, we kept our reservation on the off chance that things would clear up by July.
By the end of June, BC was entering Phase 3 of their restart plan and it looked like we would be able to go on our trip after all. We had kept an eye on the ferry policies, the tourism policies on Mayne Island, and the general advice from the BC government. Of course we would have to take some extra precautions, but against all odds, our trip was a go!
There is a convenient direct ferry from Vancouver (Tsawwassen terminal) to Mayne Island (Village Bay terminal). It doesn’t have many daily sailings so make sure to check the BC Ferries schedule and make a reservation in advance.
Please note: During the COVID-19 pandemic, you are allowed to remain in your car on the ferry. Regular restaurant services may not be available on board. If you do leave your car, please ensure you have an appropriate face covering on when physical distancing is not possible.
There is absolutely no other place we’d recommend staying on Mayne Island than this cob cottage Airbnb. It’s the kind of place you plan entire trips around (that’s basically what we did after we came across it). Situated on a quiet farm, the cottage is private and tucked away from the main house. Alexis and her husband Manny are excellent hosts who went above and beyond to ensure we had a safe experience during the pandemic. We were actually their first guests back since March!
The unique, hand-built cob cottage is surprisingly spacious and comfortable inside, fully equipped with a bathroom and kitchen. There’s even a pizza oven outside which we were happy to be able to use before the fire ban kicked in for the summer. Outside, you’ll encounter an eclectic mix of animals, including goats, sheep, chicken, a dog, and a llama.
We brought most of our food up with us, knowing that the island had only recently started opening up some stores and restaurants again and wanting to keep to ourselves whenever possible. We ended up having breakfasts and dinners at the cottage, and picked up lunches from a few different spots on the island.
We ate lunch here once (it was actually our first and only restaurant experience since March) and we really enjoyed it. Excellent menu, lovely patio on the water and great safety measures in place.
This little bakery in “downtown” has freshly baked croissants, cookies, pastries and sandwiches. If nothing else though, you have to try their croissant donuts — they are to die for.
This adorable little grocery store has a deli and hot lunches. We picked up sandwiches here twice and ate them outside at our next destination.
Mayne Island’s only brewing destination was offering drive thru pickups while we were there, so we went to check it out and pick up a few of their beers to try.
Tree Frog Gallery & Natural Clothing
Admittedly not a food establishment, but this shop sells some of the best chocolate we’ve ever had. Brought over from neighboring Salt Spring Island, Harlan’s has been around since 1980 and provides hand made, small batch chocolate. Do yourself a favor and try the lemon white chocolate if you can find it!
This adorable shop on the side of the road offers homemade preserves and a cute photo opp. We picked up some delicious raspberry rhubarb jam and rose petal jelly. Payment can be made via cash or e-transfer.
Japanese Garden
Completed in the early 2000s, this replica Japanese Garden was constructed to commemorate and honor the early Japanese settlers who emigrated to the island in the 1900s. The serene, tranquil grounds are filled with traditional Japanese plants and trees, a “secret” meditation garden, a little island, a stream and even a replica Japanese charcoal kiln.
Kayaking in Bennett Bay
We had a great kayaking experience with Kayaking Gulf Islands. We rented a double kayak for two hours and it gave us plenty of time to explore the inlet from Bennett Bay towards St John’s Point. The staff was extremely knowledgeable and told us a good route to follow that avoided large currents and gave us a chance to spot seals and other wildlife.
Cotton Park
Donated by longtime summer residents Fred and Betty Cotton, this beautiful shoreline park has a lovely community garden and sweeping views of the water. There are a few short trails to take you through the wooded portion of the park.
Georgina Point
Part of the Southern Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, this historic lighthouse was built in 1885 and is well worth a visit. The park is perfectly situated for picnics and has amazing sunset views. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some orcas in Active Pass.
Campbell Point
| Difficulty: | Distance: 2 km | Elevation Gain: 10 m |
Also know as Isabella Point, this spot is another portion of the Southern Gulf Island National Park Reserve. The end of the short trail is a great spot to relax and watch the ocean, with views of Georgeson Island where we saw several different species of birds and other marine life.
St. John Point
| Difficulty: | Distance: 3 km | Elevation Gain: 22 m |
One of our absolute favorite hikes on the island. This little gem is Mayne Island’s newest park (2018). We did this one near sundown and the quiet trails hug the coast until you reach the point. Along the way you’ll be walking over rough, rocky cliffs among arbutus trees. You can either head back the way you came or continue along the trail on the other side of the point until you loop back to the parking lot.
Edith Point
| Difficulty: | Distance: 4.5 km | Elevation Gain: 76 m |
Well-known to the locals, the Edith Point hike is a “hidden gem” to visitors. It can only be accessed by an unmarked trail at the end of Edith Point road. Keep in mind that the trail is on private property so be respectful. We went early one sunny, windy morning and took in the amazing sights at the end including the Vancouver skyline in the distance and the surrounding Gulf Islands.
Vulture Ridge
| Difficulty: | Distance: 2.3 km | Elevation Gain: 124 m |
Located at the end of Beechwood Drive, Vulture Ridge is a short but fairly steep scramble. The trail was quite grown in but still easy to follow. The top offers fantastic southernly views of Pender Island and Saturna Island. This is also a great spot for wildlife viewing, especially hawks and eagles.
Mount Parke
| Difficulty: | Distance: 4.7 km | Elevation Gain: 218 m |
If you’re looking to get to the highest point on the island (185 m), then look no further than Mount Parke Regional Park. Home to a small network of hiking and mountain biking trails, the park is a lush getaway of mossy tree and wildflowers growing from the cliff-sides. At the heart of the park you can also find an old growth giant arbutus tree.
Mayne Island is a little sleepy, which makes it a perfect summer getaway. There’s no real list of must see or must do things, just some suggestions of how to make the most of exploring the island. We really enjoyed our trip and we were so grateful we were able to travel even this close to Vancouver during this challenging time.
Be safe, and happy travels (whenever that may be),
Maria and Slade