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Where to Stay for FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Vancouver
The official Host City Poster for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ , created by Jamin Zuroski. Where to Stay for FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Vancouver is a question on many fans' minds. With BC Place hosting matches and downtown hotels filling up fast, finding affordable and convenient accommodation may feel impossible. But there is a novel alternative that many visitors haven’t yet considered. Just a short ferry ride from Vancouver, The Grove B&B on Mayne Island offers a calm, scenic b

Marc S. Tremblay
Jan 183 min read


SḴŦAḴ, Mayne Island’s First Name
"Honouring Figure", a carving by Johnny Aitken, located near Miners Bay, Mayne Island Long before European names appeared on maps, the island we know today as Mayne Island was called SḴŦAḴ in the SENĆOŦEN language of the W̱SÁNEĆ people. Some people pronounced it Sk-THAK , others say Sk-TAK . (Note: pronunciations are offered as a guide for English speakers. As a living language, SENĆOŦEN, pronounced sen-CHOH-sen , may be spoken slightly differently by fluent speakers and acro

Marc S. Tremblay
Jan 13 min read


Six Hidden Gems on Mayne Island
Six Quiet Places to Discover Near the Grove B&B If you’re looking for hidden gems on Mayne Island, you won’t find them on a checklist or behind a tour bus window. They appear at low tide, at sunrise, or on a quiet forest path when the island slows down. These are the places our guests at the Grove B&B on Mayne Island remember most - moments that feel personal, unhurried, and deeply connected to the land and sea. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a nature‑focused esc

Marc S. Tremblay
Dec 13, 20254 min read


Top 10 Reasons to Stay at a Traditional Bed & Breakfast Instead of an Airbnb
Why a Traditional Bed & Breakfast Offers More Value, Comfort, and Warmth Than an Airbnb When planning a getaway to the Southern Gulf Islands, many travellers instinctively open Airbnb. While short-term rentals can be convenient, they often cost more than expected. They rarely match the warmth, comfort, and personalized attention of a traditional bed and breakfast. On Mayne Island, The Grove Bed & Breakfast offers an experience rooted in genuine hospitality, community connecti

Marc S. Tremblay
Nov 23, 20254 min read


Terrill Welch at The Grove B&B
For a limited time, guests can enjoy a private exhibition of eleven paintings by acclaimed Mayne Island artist, Terrill Welch. These works are displayed throughout the bed and breakfast to enrich the stay of our visitors. In recent months we've welcomed travelers from South Africa, Germany, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, China, several US states, Canadian provinces and many regions across British Columbia. Featuring Terrill’s art is our way of offering an experience that refl

Marc S. Tremblay
Nov 15, 20252 min read


Visitor’s Guide to Nature, Local Eats, Shops, Art & Culture
Tucked between Vancouver and Vancouver Island, Mayne Island is a tranquil Gulf Island gem offering a blend of natural beauty, vibrant arts, and rich history. Whether you're here for a weekend or an extended stay, here's how to make the most of your visit. First, you might want to check out this handy resource for tips on getting to Mayne Island . Once you’ve planned your arrival, then you can plan your visit by checking out what the island has to offer, from hikes and walks,

Marc S. Tremblay
Jun 2, 202524 min read


Right at home at Home Hardware
Meet Steve and Olly, the new owners of Mayne Island’s Home Hardware store. They purchased the store from Colleen and Brian Dearden five...

Marc S. Tremblay
Aug 25, 202411 min read


Solving the Espresso Equation
As I continue my spotlights on members of the Mayne Island community, let’s meet Carol and Michael Barnes, owners of Espresso Equation. A...

Marc S. Tremblay
Mar 27, 20244 min read


A perfect little community
It started off as an innocent idea we called “Adventure Saturdays” when we moved to Vancouver Island in 2016. Every Saturday, we’d hop in the car and explore a new corner of this magnificent region of Canada; even after being frequent visitors and homeowners here for years, there was still so much to explore. For those of you who know Marc, real estate has been a passionate hobby for years. He loves exploring different areas and assessing properties looking for just the right
Dana Tremblay
Jan 7, 20242 min read


“Give Pizza Chance”
Meet Josh Wylder: Professional Pizza Phenom, Composer, Performer A few years ago, in 2020, Josh decided to make the leap back into the restaurant industry after a long hiatus. He was living in Victoria working for a telecommunication business. Life was good, but he certainly wasn’t passionate about his work. All his life, the culinary arts and music occupied much of his love and his spare time, so when he was presented with an opportunity to make a change, he jumped on it. Th

Marc S. Tremblay
Oct 1, 20238 min read


Important new Japanese connection to Mayne Island
After we purchased the lot on Gallagher Bay Road, Dana and I were curious about the history of our new property. We knew the previous...

Marc S. Tremblay
Sep 10, 20235 min read


Meet Adam and Amy: the creative couple behind "The 44"
"The 44" is a fabled property on Mayne Island, one that's as mysterious as it is legendary. "Mysterious" because folklore says it was developed as a kind of a Utopian community by its original owners, and "legendary" for how it attracted the Island's youth for clandestine parties and escapades. For Margaux and Katharine from Mayne Island's Cove Candle Co ., The 44 was a place to enjoy Halloween bonfires, escape and dance all night in the "shop", which is now the "studio." The

Marc S. Tremblay
Aug 9, 20237 min read


Mayne Island Brewery Company
Micro-breweries have flourished in Canada and abroad. For beer enthusiasts, there's something special about discovering local micro-breweries and tasting new and interesting beers. I'm not a connoisseur of all things hoppy and malty, and I wouldn't put myself in the category of "beer enthusiasts", but I enjoy visiting tasting rooms and patios of local micro-breweries. In Victoria, one of my favourite micro-breweries is Driftwood Brewery , located in Esquimalt, although I'm no

Marc S. Tremblay
Jul 5, 20234 min read


Found: 73 Million Years Old Fossil
Last week at low tide, Dana and I visited Campbell Bay. The bay is home to one of the Island's best beaches, with a relatively...

Marc S. Tremblay
Sep 26, 20222 min read


Movie in the Park!
Even though we're not in the big City, it doesn't mean you can't go to the movies... Volunteers organized a showing Sing 2 in the park,...

Marc S. Tremblay
Aug 3, 20221 min read


Sinéad at the Springwater
It's hard to beat the view from this place, especially when it's a warm summer evening and the sun's setting over Active Pass. Throw-in some tasty fish and chips, a burger, a cold beer or a couple of cocktails, and it's pretty much heaven! I'm talking about the Spring Water Lodge , of course, located on the west side of the island in Miners Bay, right on Active Pass. The Springwater lodge is reported to be the oldest continuously operating hotel-bar in British Columbia. It wa

Marc S. Tremblay
Jul 31, 20222 min read


Views from top of Mount Parke
Mayne Island has several parks to explore, with options for everyone. From gentle forest walks, to sea-side strolls, to more exhilarating hikes to scenic points overlooking the Southern Gulf Islands, there is something for everyone. Mount Parke can tick a lot of boxes for residents and visitors, whether you want to take it easy and do a slow forest stroll, or a more strenuous hike to the top to get your heart pumping. It's part of the Capital Regional District Regional Park s

Marc S. Tremblay
Jul 13, 20222 min read


Lightning + thunder
While we were still in bed this morning, lightning struck not too far from The Grove. Maybe it hit Pender Island across Navy Channel, or...

Marc S. Tremblay
Jul 3, 20221 min read


Baby Alpacas!
I needed a diversion to make sure we would be out and about to drive to the Government Dock at Miner's Bay, at the exact time Cassia was...

Marc S. Tremblay
Jul 2, 20222 min read


Views, Sights and Sounds of Piggott Bay
We're fortunate that our place is less than a 10-minute from Piggott Bay. In my opinion, it's one of the best bay on the island, with a...

Marc S. Tremblay
May 2, 20221 min read
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