Discover a Hidden Gem Near Vancouver: Mayne Island, BC - Your Perfect Weekend Getaway to Paradise

Updated: May 9

** Edited to add recommendations from residents **

Sunrise at Mayne Island Pier showing trees, grassy field and still waters, hills on the distance — Mayne Island Resort Pier at sunrise

Mayne Island, British Columbia is a hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest near Vancouver, and a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Located in the Strait of Georgia, just a short ferry ride away from Vancouver or Victoria, Mayne Island offers visitors a tranquil and picturesque escape from city life.

Getting To Mayne Island

View from BC Ferry to Mayne Island (Village Bay), still waters, island on distance, on ferry boat — View from BC Ferry to Mayne Island (Village Bay)

Getting to Mayne Island is easy - simply catch a BC ferry ride from Vancouver or Victoria to the island. The ferry ride takes about an hour and a half from Tsawwassen (Vancouver) or 45 minutes from Swartz Bay (Victoria), and provides stunning views of the surrounding islands and waterways. Prices will depend on the amount of passengers and vehicles (if any) being brought on board.

Note: It is a good idea to book your ferry ride in advance. Click here for the direct link to book a ferry ride to Mayne Island (Village Bay).

Things to Do on Mayne Island

Mayne Island is known for its natural beauty, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy during your weekend getaway. Hiking trails can be found all over the island, including the 14-kilometer-long Mount Parke Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the Gulf Islands and the Olympic Mountains.

You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the island's many coves and beaches, or simply relax on the beach (Mayne Island offers 14 beach accesses!) with a good book.

If you're interested in history, you can visit the Mayne Island Museum to learn more about the island's early settlers or explore the many heritage buildings scattered throughout the island, such as the Japanese Garden at Dinner Bay Park (our family's favourite) or the lighthouse at Georgina Point.

Where to Stay On Mayne Island

A long wooden pier going to the ocean on a sunset, rocky sandy shore beside the pier, and small island in the background — Mayne Island Resort Pier at sunset

Mayne Island offers a variety of accommodations for visitors, from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious waterfront cabins. The Mayne Island Resort is a popular choice for those looking for a comfortable and convenient stay, with amenities such as an indoor pool, hot tub, and spa. We stayed at The Mayne Island Resort in one of their waterfront cottages and we would recommend it to anyone! They are completely self-contained, with a living/dining area (and queen sofabed), a fully equipped kitchen, a king bedroom, a beautiful private waterfront terrace with outdoor furniture to relax in, and a barbecue grill. Also a good bonus: cottage guests have free use of the spa facility. We've attached below some photos we took while at the resort.

Mayne Island also has some beautiful airbnb's options that are worth checking out. Moreover, if you want more of a 'cabin in the woods' feel, check out the family-owned and operated Blue Vista Resort.

Where to Eat On Mayne Island

Mayne Island has a vibrant food scene, with plenty of locally sourced ingredients and farm-to-table dining options. We loved the Farm Gate Store for delicious deli meals and sandwiches. For fresh West Coast cuisine, Bennett Bay Bistro is great! They have Ocean Wise seafood items and a seasonally inspired menu. We enjoyed a mouth-watering seafood chowder.

Also, since our accommodation had a kitchen and a BBQ grill, we made sure to bring groceries to be able to cook some of our meals. We complemented ingredients brought from home (such as pasta, salt, oil, garlic and onions) with fresh local ingredients (such as wild-caught salmon) that we bought on Mayne Island.

Recommendations by Local Residents

After publishing this blog post, we received these wonderful suggestions from residents:

@Anita recommends:

Sunny Mayne Bakery Cafe: The cronuts are incredible!
Shavasana Art Gallery and Cafe
Mayne Island Brewing Company
Give Pizza a chance
Tip: Visit from May 20th to Oct 10th to check out the Saturday morning Mayne Island Farmer's Market, where you can find locally-made art, crafts and baked goods.
For Art: Visit Dragonfly Gallery which is located right across the ferry station.

@Theodor recommends checking out the Centre Island multiple stores in addition to checking out some of the restaurants listed above.

@Ana recommends checking out "Expresso Equation" a delicious coffee shop that usually opens only during the warmer months (March - October).

Important to note: Mayne Island does not have a pharmacy so travelling with all your essential medications as well as a first aid kit is always wise.

In conclusion, Mayne Island is a wonderful destination for a weekend getaway. Whether you're interested in outdoor adventures, history, or simply relaxing in a beautiful natural setting, this island has something for everyone. With easy access from Vancouver or Victoria and plenty of accommodations and dining options, Mayne Island is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

To wrap up, we leave you with this beautiful video we were able to make while visiting Mayne Island.