If you’re looking for the perfect place to relax, unwind, and spend time outdoors, then look no further than one of B.C.’s most beautiful Southern Gulf Islands: Mayne Island. It is the perfect place to slow down and take a break from the daily grind while being surrounded by water and nature.
How to get to Mayne Island
It’s very easy to get to Mayne Island from Vancouver. I always recommend making advance reservations through B.C. Ferries, whenever possible. Our ferry ride took 1.5 hours, stopping at Galiano Island (Sturdies Bay) and then Mayne Island (Village Bay). It was a beautiful evening for a ferry ride and we were able to catch a stunning pink sunset over the mountains and water – not a bad way to start our weekend!
Day One on Mayne Island: Friday Evening
Depending on what time you arrive on Mayne Island, most of the island’s few restaurants and shops may be closed (there are not very many), especially if you arrive in the evening like we did.
Must-try Dinner at Montrose Local
I recommend checking in to your accommodations and then heading out to the Montrose Local. We didn’t make a reservation since we were visiting in January. However, I would imagine this spot gets busy in the touristy months given that the food and vibe were exceptional. My husband and I shared the Laotian Beef Short Ribs to start (get them and thank me later!). He had the red thai curry prawns and I had a hamburger bowl. Everything was delicious and we really enjoyed our evening there. They have a large board game selection to choose from as well.
Instead of going out for dinner, if you’d like to have a cozy evening in, I would recommend getting groceries on the mainland before catching the ferry as there aren’t too many shops on the island.
Relax and Unwind
After dinner we returned to our bed and breakfast and enjoyed a cozy fire and a late night soak in the hot tub. Mayne Island is very quiet and serene, especially in the evenings where nothing is really open. This was perfect as it really forced us to relax, slow down and unwind, which was much needed after a busy holiday season.
Day Two on Mayne Island: Saturday
The Grove Bed and Breakfast
We started our morning off with a scrumptious breakfast at The Grove Bed and Breakfast where our amazing hosts, Marc and Dana, had provided us with a very generous list of yummy options to choose from the night before. Highlights included freshly baked croissants and delicious local jam from Mayne island (more on that below!).
Japanese Gardens
We were then ready to begin our day of exploring. We started off at the Japanese Gardens which were very relaxing and reminded us of our trip to Japan. We then took our dog Luna for a quick run and swim at Dinner Bay Park, right next to the gardens.
Local Recommendations You Can’t Miss
We had asked our hosts for some local recommendations and they suggested we check out Edith Point, so that’s where we went next. We enjoyed a serene, peaceful and easy walk along the water. They also told us about a local winter craft fair that was taking place at the Agricultural Hall, along the main strip in town. We stopped by to check out some local products and ended up picking up some lovely handmade chocolates, soaps, and candles. This is always a highlight for me as I love supporting small businesses and local makers.
Mayne Island Cafe to Try
Next, we were ready for some much needed caffeine, so we checked out the cutest coffee wagon in town: The Mayne Bean. The owners, Alison and Sunny, were incredibly friendly and inviting. Of course we had to try their “Fancy Coffees” so we had the Sweet N’ Salty Latte (espresso, steamed milk, honey, pink sea salt) and the Salted Caramel Macchiato. The baked goods they have on offer are to die for – we shared the New York Crumb Bar. We enjoyed checking out the neighboring shops which included a cute boutique and bookstore.
Exploring Mayne Island Scenic Views
After you’ve enjoyed your coffee and browsing, it’s time to hike to the Summit of Mt. Parke to enjoy some breathtaking west coast views. The hike itself wasn’t overly strenuous, but it was challenging towards the top. Make sure you have the appropriate footwear and water. I would say it was absolutely worth it – it was a highlight of this trip for me for sure.
I would then recommend checking out Campbell Point and Bennett Bay. The Campbell Point walk is flat and quick, but I would squeeze it in if you can. After your walk, head to the Bennett Bay Bistro to enjoy happy hour (everyday from 3-5pm) while enjoying the beautiful view.
After your full day of outdoor exploration, it’s time to wind down for the evening and relax. We called to pre-order a pizza from Give Pizza a Chance right before they closed at 7pm – it’s a cute little spot where they make wood-fired pizzas. It can get busy so try to plan ahead/be prepared to wait. We took it back to our BnB and enjoyed it by the fire while playing games and reading. Rest up for another day of exploring!
Day Three on Mayne Island: Sunday
Sunny Mayne Bakery & Cafe
Start your morning off with a coffee and delicious treat from Sunny Mayne Bakery & Cafe – they are known for their cronuts and I don’t think you can leave Mayne Island without trying one! You can take your goodies to go and enjoy them while taking in the views at Georgina Point Heritage Park and Lighthouse.
Saint John Regional Park
Then it’s time to head out on your last, and arguably the most stunning, outdoor adventure: Saint John Regional Park. This was a beautiful trail along the water. We enjoyed stopping along the way and taking in the beautiful views. A number of locals had told us this was their favourite trail to explore on Mayne Island, and we could see why. We were there on a sunny Sunday morning and it was perfect. It felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.
Our Final Stops on Mayne Island
Next, it’s time for one of my favourite parts of the trip. You must visit The Briary – a cute little roadside stand with the yummiest jams and jellies. You can pay by cash or e-transfer, and it’s based on the honour system – such a beautiful concept. We picked up some strawberry and raspberry jams to take to our friends in Ottawa to entice them to come visit us out west ;). Our hosts at the Grove had also highly recommended this spot, and I had sampled the delicious jams as part of the breakfasts they had prepared for us. Do not miss this!
We were then ready for some lunch so we headed to the Farm Gate Store as we were told they had the best freshly made paninis. Unfortunately they were sold out of all their sandwiches, but we had a delicious beef quesadilla to share and the flavours were outstanding.
Next it was time for our last stop on our Mayne Island adventure before catching the ferry home.
We could not have asked for a more perfect afternoon, with the sun shining through the tall trees at Mayne Island Brewing Co. Although I don’t drink beer, I still had an awesome time enjoying some kombucha and building our own charcuterie board by choosing from a selection of local cheeses, crackers, mustards and meats – I loved this idea! It was such a chill place to spend an afternoon, the owners and all the locals that came by were very friendly, and Luna had a great time as well – most of the seating is outdoors, nestled amongst the trees. I can see this place being totally packed all summer – it’s a neat place to hang out.
With that, it was somehow time to catch our ferry home. We had a wonderful time and can’t believe how quickly our weekend went by. I would love to come back over the summer!
Where to Stay on Mayne Island
We absolutely loved our stay at this charming spot: The Grove Bed and Breakfast.
Our hosts, Marc and Dana, were very welcoming, friendly, and accommodating. They loved providing local recommendations and sharing the story of how they built their bed and breakfast. We found the location convenient and very peaceful. The island is small so nothing is really far away. They went above and beyond by making us incredible evening fires in the living room, setting up the hot tub for us, giving Luna lots of attention and love, and making delicious breakfasts each morning. We loved our stay!
Happy exploring 🙂
Our visit was from January 10-12, 2025
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Tazmin is a policy analyst and educator with a passion for travel. She has recently returned to her hometown of Vancouver, BC, after living in Ottawa, where she’s excited to rediscover the beauty of the West Coast with her Mini Aussie, Luna. A lover of small towns, cozy coffee shops, and scenic hikes, Tazmin shares her adventures and insights as a writer for Little Miss Ottawa. You can follow her adventures @travelwithtazmin
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