Major city · Canada
Mayne Island
Give Mayne Island 1–2 nights: ferry in, walk or cycle Miners Bay, Mount Parke and Bennett Bay, then ferry out. A day trip works only if you arrive before noon.
Mayne Island is a 21 km² Southern Gulf Island with about 1,100 residents, reached by BC Ferries through Active Pass. Services cluster at Miners Bay; the ferry docks at Village Bay, a 45-minute walk away. Come for quiet trails, the Georgina Point lighthouse and the Japanese Gardens, not for nightlife or shopping.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (rain, thin ferry and business hours)
- Airports
- Vancouver International (YVR) · Victoria International (YYJ)
- Nights
- 1–2
About Mayne Island
Mayne Island is one of the Southern Gulf Islands in British Columbia, roughly 21 km² in size with around 1,100 permanent residents. It lies across Active Pass from Galiano Island, and the pass is the main ferry route between the mainland and Vancouver Island. Most services, including a gas station, liquor store, post office, ATM and two grocery stores, are in the Miners Bay area. The BC Ferries terminal is at Village Bay, and floatplanes also serve Miners Bay. The island draws visitors for quiet trails, a lighthouse and gardens rather than nightlife or shopping.
Miners Bay remains the commercial centre and holds a cluster of historic buildings. Georgina Point and Bennett Bay are both part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Walking is feasible on the island, though the roads are narrow and hilly; the ferry terminal is about a 45-minute walk from Miners Bay.
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
See
What is worth your time in Mayne Island.
- Georgina Point lighthouse — Built in 1885, it stands in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and marks the eastern entrance to Active Pass, a spot for watching boats, harbour seals and orca whales.
- Japanese Gardens at Dinner Bay Park — Local volunteers maintain the garden as a tribute to the Japanese Canadians sent to internment camps in World War II; entry is free and donations are accepted.
- Miners Bay — The historic village holds Springwater Lodge (1885), St Mary Magdalene Church (1897), the Plumper Pass Lock-up (1896, now a museum) and the Agricultural Hall (1900).
- Campbell Point — A short trail from Isabella Lane leads to remnant old-growth forest with views of Mt. Baker, Georgeson Island and Saturna Island.
- Mount Parke viewpoint — A hike of about 45 minutes through forest reaches one of the best viewpoints on the island.
Do
- Walk from the ferry terminal to Miners Bay, roughly 45 minutes on foot.
- Hike Mount Parke, choosing between an easy forest stroll and a longer loop trail.
- Swim or launch a kayak at Bennett Bay Beach, described as one of the island's best sandy beaches.
- Rent kayaks or join tours at Mayne Island Resort.
Eat and drink
Specialities of this place.
- Wild blackberries — They are abundant in late summer through early September and make a snack for those travelling on foot or by bicycle.
- Sunny Mayne Bakery Café — A bakery café on Village Bay Road, open daily from 7AM.
Customs
- The island has many artists and artisans producing pottery, jewellery, cards, paintings, prints, weaving and tapestry.
- The Mayne Island Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings from late May to early October is a place to meet local artists and farmers.
Events
- Mayne Island Fall Fair — The oldest fall fair on the Gulf Islands, held on the third Saturday in August at the Agricultural Hall, with a parade and farmers' market.August
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Mayne Island911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- BC Ferries (sailings)1-888-223-3779
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Mayne Island, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyVery safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 1-888-223-3779 BC Ferries (sailings)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYVR Vancouver International (Floatplane from Vancouver to Miners Bay, about 35 min).
- Getting aroundNo public bus.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and a pastry at the bakeryC$8–14 (≈ US$6–11)
- Sit-down mealDinner main at an island restaurantKitchens close early; check hours.C$22–38 (≈ US$16–30)
- Budget bedTent campsite, a night, per personC$30 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedCottage or cabin room, a night, per roomC$220 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedCottage or cabin room, a night, per roomC$380 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$160 (≈ US$120) · High C$280 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YVR Vancouver International (Floatplane from Vancouver to Miners Bay, about 35 min) · YYJ Victoria International (Bus or taxi to Swartz Bay, then BC Ferries)
Map of Mayne Island
Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.
- Mayne Island
- Basic guide
Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps
Guides nearby
- Saturna Island · 12 km straight line
- Galiano Island · 14 km straight line
- Sidney · 23 km straight line
- Point Roberts · 23 km straight line
- Roche Harbor · 28 km straight line
- Duncan · 32 km straight line
- Eastsound · 32 km straight line
- Chemainus · 33 km straight line
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jul
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Aug
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Dec
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (18 rain days), driest Jul (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Mayne Island: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
18 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
15 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
16 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
13 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
Jun
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Jul
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
7 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
18 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
18 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
No public bus. Bring your own bicycle: the nearest rental is a long way from the ferry terminal. Roads are narrow and hilly with blind curves, so ride single file. Walking works for fit travellers: ferry terminal to Miners Bay is about 45 min. A car is the easy option, and it must be booked on the ferry.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Galiano Island
goDoor to door: About 20 min at sea plus terminal time
BC Ferries through Active Pass
Short hop; check the timetable, sailings are limited.
Door to door: About 30–40 min at sea plus terminal time
BC Ferries from Village Bay
Quietest of the group; go for a full day, not a rushed one.
Salt Spring Island
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h at sea plus terminal time
BC Ferries from Village Bay
Longer crossing and a busy island; better as an overnight.
Vancouver or Victoria
skipDoor to door: 3–4 h
BC Ferries to Tsawwassen or Swartz Bay, then road
Too far for a day return; treat it as your arrival or departure leg.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Miners Bay
The island's commercial centre: bakery, groceries, liquor store, ATM and the historic Springwater Lodge. Best if you want to walk to breakfast.
Village Bay
Around the ferry terminal, with late 19th- and early 20th-century buildings. Shortest transfer with bags; fewer services on foot.
Bennett Bay
Near the national park beach and Campbell Point trail. Quiet, but you need a car or bike for everything else.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–230 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- C$250 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Cottage or cabin room1 × 2 nights × C$220 | C$440 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × C$160 | C$640 |
| BC Ferries, foot passenger return from Tsawwassen or Swartz Bay2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| BC Ferries, car and driver return1 × C$130 | C$130 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$130 |
| Trip total≈ C$358 per person per day, bed included | C$1,430≈ US$1,100 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; ferry fares and taxes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and a pastry at the bakery | C$8–14 (≈ US$6–11) |
| Grocery lunch from Miners Bay | C$10–18 (≈ US$8–14) |
| Dinner main at an island restaurantKitchens close early; check hours. | C$22–38 (≈ US$16–30) |
| Kayak rental, half day | C$60–90 (≈ US$45–70) |
| Campsite, per night | C$30–55 (≈ US$25–40) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Book the ferry in advance in summer, especially with a vehicle; foot passengers rarely miss a sailing but cars do.
- The ferry docks at Village Bay, not Miners Bay: plan the 45-minute walk or a lift.
- Cell coverage and opening hours are thin outside Miners Bay; carry cash and water.
- Wild blackberries in late summer are fine to pick, but watch for ticks in long grass.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- BC Ferries (sailings)
- 1-888-223-3779
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Mayne IslandMayne Island
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- BC Ferries1-888-223-3779
Embassy
No consulates on the island; the nearest are in Vancouver and Victoria.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- BC Ferries, Tsawwassen → Village Bay: foot passenger about C$12–15 (≈ US$9–11), car and driver about C$65 (≈ US$50) one way
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the ferry terminal? — Where is the ferry terminal?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
Tipping: 15–20% at restaurants, 10–15% for taxis. Emergency number is 911.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Mayne Island. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (rain, thin ferry and business hours) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Mayne Island
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