Mayne Island

🏝️ Mayne Island

“History, art, and charm wrapped in Gulf Island scenery.”

Mayne Island is a delightful blend of rich colonial history, vibrant artistic community, and natural coastal beauty, all packed into just over 21 square kilometers. It offers a warm welcome with its quaint harbors, cultural sites, and quiet beaches, making it a favorite stop for those who want to explore beyond the ordinary.

🌊 Arriving by Sea

Arriving by boat gives you a unique front-row view of Mayne’s scenic coastline, from the dramatic sandstone bluffs around Georgina Point to the more tranquil pebble beaches and inlets that dot the island. As you enter Active Pass, you’ll pass the iconic Active Pass Light Station—also known as Georgina Point Lighthouse—a historic beacon and popular photo spot for ferry-goers and boaters alike.

Along the shoreline, you may spot harbor seals, river otters, and a wide range of seabirds, especially around the narrow passage’s fast-moving currents. Keep your camera ready—Active Pass is also a known route for Southern Resident Orcas, especially in summer and fall.

🖼️ What You’ll Find on Mayne Island

• 🏘️ Miners Bay is the island’s main village hub, filled with historic charm, local cafés, and seaside art galleries.

• 🖌️ Discover works by island artisans at:

  • Red Chair Studio

  • The Treefrog Gallery

  • Mayne Island Museum

• 🛍️ Studio tours are popular in the summer, with many local artists opening their doors to the public.

• 🌿 The Ag Hall Grounds host the Gulf Islands’ oldest Fall Fair and a vibrant farmers market every Saturday from late June through mid-October.

• 🚶‍♀️ Enjoy gentle coastal walks, beachcombing, or picnicking at scenic shoreline parks like Dinner Bay and Campbell Point.

🕰️ Steeped in History

• ⛏️ During the 1858 Cariboo Gold Rush, Mayne Island served as a resting point for miners rowing between Vancouver Island and the mainland. Many stopped at Miners Bay, which became a key social and commercial center in the Gulf Islands.

• 🏠 The historic Agricultural Hall and Mayne Island Museum preserve this past through artifacts and stories.

• 🚢 Village Bay, on the opposite side of the island, remains an important ferry terminal connecting Mayne with Vancouver Island and the mainland.

🍽️ Dining & Local Culture

Whether you’re popping ashore for a few hours or spending a full afternoon, there’s plenty to enjoy:

• Grab coffee and baked goods at a local café

• Browse art and island-made crafts

• Learn about the island’s fascinating role in regional maritime history

Mayne Island is a living postcard—where coastal beauty meets community spirit and history. It’s a rewarding stop for those arriving by sea who want to explore both nature and culture in one place.