Suggested itinerary: Mayne
Heading to Mayne Island this weekend and not sure where to start? You’re in the right place. This corner of the Southern Gulf Islands is layered with history lessons, locally made everything, and a slow pace of life that feels almost radical.
From farm stands and forested trails to the cutest little thrift store, this three-day Mayne Island itinerary covers it all.
Day 1: Arrival & sunset
Mayne Island is small enough to drive around in just 30 minutes, but remember, you are here to slow down from the hustle of daily life. In the spirit of a slower pace, plan to arrive on Friday, ideally in the early afternoon. Check into your accommodation, unpack, and let out a big sigh to release the accumulated stress of a travel day.
Afternoon
Once you’ve settled in, it’s time to stock up. Mayne Island’s small but mighty collection of local shops makes for a lovely first wander.
Stock up on snacks at Happy Tides Purveyors of Fine Health Foods & Natural Products, Miners Bay Trading Post, and the Farm Gate Store. For those who imbibe, you’ll also want to grab a few locally brewed beers from Mayne Island Brewing Company.
Evening
For dinner, keep it simple and scenic. Pick up takeout from Give Pizza Chance or Montrose Local, then make your way to Lighthouse Park at Georgina Point to watch the sunset. Bright red and pink splashes will spill across the sky as the ocean laps up against the roads. Trust us when we say, this will become a core Mayne Island memory.
Head back to your accommodation to spend a cozy evening in. Turn your phone off, because you won’t need it for entertainment tonight between playing board games and getting lost in great conversation.
Day 2: Historic and cultural immersion
Morning
This morning, you are on a schedule. Start your second morning intentionally. Breathe in the salt-kissed air and ease into the day over coffee and something sweet from The Mayne Bean or Sunny Mayne Bakery Café.
Before the morning completely slips away, make your way to the Mayne Island Thrift Shop. Open just a few hours on Saturdays (10:00 AM to 1:00 PM), this is the kind of place that feels especially Mayne. The entire island often comes out to see what’s new, and you will definitely encounter one-of-a-kind finds with a dash of community magic here.
Afternoon
Mayne Island carries more history than its small size might suggest, and the afternoon is the perfect time to dig in.
The Mayne Island Museum, open Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, is the perfect place to spend an hour learning about what makes the island tick. Housed in the island’s original jail, the displays bring the past to life.
From there, take a quiet walk through the Japanese Memorial Garden. It’s a beautifully maintained tribute to the island’s early Japanese settlers, whose roots here have long been a part of Mayne’s story.
Evening
End the day at The Arbutus Grill. This is yet another place to get a genuine taste of the local community. You’ll get beer on tap, live music, ocean views, and a lively atmosphere that doesn’t exist anywhere else on Earth.
Day 3: Get outside
Morning
For your final day on Mayne, it’s time to trade the village for the trails. Mayne’s network of footpaths is accessible for all abilities, whether you’re after a vigorous climb up steep trails or a gentle forest hike. Don’t forget to check out the full guide to must-do hikes on Mayne Island before you head out.
- Mount Parke Loop is the most popular hike on the island, winding through dense forest to a summit with sweeping views of the surrounding islands and waters. It’s the highest point on Mayne and well worth the hike up.
- Campbell Point Trail is a gentler option and part of the Gulf Islands Reserve. Located at Bennett Bay, it leads through remnants of old-growth forest to spectacular views across to Georgeson Island.
- Vulture Ridge Viewpoint Trail is a moderate hike up to a summit ridge about 80 metres above sea level. Once again, you’ll get breathtaking southwest views over Pender Island and the Salish Sea.
Afternoon
Depending on when your ferry departs, you might want to check out Mayne from a new perspective — from the water.
On a sunny summer day, rent a kayak from Dog Mermaid, operated out of Mayne Island Resort. Paddle out around Georgeson Island, keep your eyes open for sea lions lounging on the rocks, herons picking along the mud flats, and if you’re lucky, an otter or two drifting past. Give yourself at least four hours to paddle.
As your Mayne Island weekend draws to a close, start making your way slowly toward the Village Bay ferry terminal. Give yourself at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure (longer in the summer months if you don’t have a reservation).
And that’s a wrap on your Mayne Island 2-day itinerary! Given what most people feel after a weekend away on Mayne, it’s a safe bet that you’ve been pleasantly recalibrated. Now, do your best to incorporate this more relaxed Mayne-coded mindset into your everyday life.
