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Planning Your Mayne Island Getaway

  • Writer: Marc S. Tremblay
    Marc S. Tremblay
  • Jul 20
  • 5 min read

Updated: Jul 23

Things to Do in 24–48 Hours


Just a short ferry journey from Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, Mayne Island offers an easy escape from city life. Planning a trip to the Southern Gulf Islands and wondering how to spend your time on Mayne Island? One of the questions we hear most often at Grove B&B is, "What should we do while we're here?"


We love helping guests discover the experiences that make Mayne Island such a special place to visit.


The beauty of Mayne Island is that there is no single right way to experience it. Some guests arrive looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and embrace a slower pace of life. Others come for quiet beaches, spectacular sunsets, hiking trails, cycling adventures, kayaking, and the character of a small island community. The magic is that Mayne Island offers all of these experiences and invites you to discover your own favourite way to enjoy it.


Unlike some destinations where people tend to follow the same itinerary, Mayne Island invites you to create your own adventure. Whether you're seeking a romantic escape, an outdoor adventure, a family-friendly getaway, or a relaxing retreat, the best experience is the one that matches your interests and pace.


View from Halliday Ridge, Mount Parke Mayne Island
View from Halliday Ridge, Mount Parke, Mayne Island

To start planning your Mayne Island getaway, choose your travel style and mix and match activities to create your ideal 24-, 36-, or 48-hour island escape.


Choose Your Mayne Island Travel Style


Couples ❤️

Create a romantic island escape with:

  • Strolling through the Japanese Memorial Garden

  • Watching the sunset at Georgina Point Lighthouse

  • Exploring St. John's Point

  • Walking the trails at Edith Point

  • Enjoying a drink at Mayne Island Brewery

  • Sharing a picnic overlooking the ocean

  • Taking a sunrise stroll at Bennett Bay

  • Stargazing on clear evenings


Friends Exploring Together 🍻

Fill your days with adventure and shared experiences:

  • Cycling around the island

  • Hiking to the viewpoints on Mount Parke

  • Kayaking or paddleboarding along the shoreline

  • Playing a round of disc golf

  • Swimming and beachcombing (Piggott Bay, Gallagher Bay, Bennett Bay, Campbell Bay, Oyster Bay)

  • Relaxing in the brewery beer garden

  • Exploring the Farmers’ Market (seasonal)

 

Young Families 👨‍👩‍👧 

Fun, easy-going activities for all ages:

  • Playing at the Dinner Bay playground

  • Enjoying a round of mini putt

  • Wading, exploring, and beachcombing (Piggott Bay, Gallagher Bay, Bennett Bay, Campbell Bay, Oyster Bay)

  • Discovering the Japanese Memorial Garden

  • Visiting the Mayne Island Museum


Active Retirees 🚶 

You might enjoy:

  • Discovering local artists’ studios

  • Walking to Campbell Point

  • Hiking St. John's Point

  • Hiking Edith Point

  • Watching the sunset at Georgina Point Lighthouse

  • Visiting the Japanese Memorial Garden

  • Discovering local farm stands

  • Unwinding in the brewery beer garden

  • Touring the island’s scenic roads

 

Seniors 🌿

Enjoy a mix of nature, culture, and island discovery:

  • Taking an easy walk to Campbell Point

  • Visiting the Mayne Island Museum

  • Exploring the Japanese Memorial Garden

  • Taking in the views at Georgina Point Lighthouse

  • Enjoying scenic island drives

  • Discovering roadside stands and artisan studios


Activity Directory

Use this table to mix and match your ideal island experience.

Activity

Time Required

Effort Level

Japanese Memorial Garden

1 hr

Easy

Mayne Island Museum (seasonal)

1 hr

Easy

Farmers' Market (Saturdays, seasonal)

1 hr

Easy

Mayne Island Brewery

1 hr

Easy

Georgina Point Lighthouse & Sunset

1 hr

Easy

Fred & Bette Cotton Park walk

1 hr

Easy

Campbell Point walk (Gulf Islands National Park Reserve)

30–60 min

Easy

Dinner Bay Playground

30–60+ min

Easy

Dinner Bay Mini Putt

30 min

Easy

Edith Point hike

1.5–2 hr

Easy to Moderate

Dinner Bay Disc Golf

1–2 hr

Easy to Moderate

Swimming & Beachcombing

1–2+ hr

Easy to Moderate

St. John's Point Point hike

1.5–2 hr

Moderate

Mount Parke Community Park hike

1.5–2.5 hr

Moderate to Strenuous

Kayaking or Paddleboarding

1–2+ hr

Moderate to Strenuous

Tour de Mayne Cycling

2–4+ hr

Moderate to Strenuous


Add a Taste of Mayne Island

A great island getaway includes time to slow down and enjoy local flavours. Whether you're grabbing a coffee before exploring, packing a picnic for a beach day, or enjoying a relaxed dinner after a day of adventure, Mayne Island offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh, local food.


During busy summer weekends, it's worth planning ahead, especially if you have a favourite dining spot in mind. Consider adding time to your itinerary for:

  • Picking up fresh baking, treats, or a coffee before heading out for the day

  • Packing a picnic lunch for a beach visit, hike, or scenic viewpoint

  • Discovering local farm stands, artisan products, and seasonal offerings

  • Enjoying a relaxed meal while taking in ocean views and island sunsets


For a complete guide to dining, shopping, and local food experiences, explore our Visitor's Guide to Nature, Local Eats, Shops, Art & Culture.


Planning Your Perfect Mayne Island Getaway

A memorable day on Mayne Island usually combines three simple ingredients:


  1. Something Active

Get outside and explore:

  • Hike to the viewpoints at Mount Parke

  • Walk the trails at Edith Point or St. John's Point

  • Cycle the island's scenic roads

  • Kayak or paddleboard along the shoreline


  1. Something Relaxing

Slow down and enjoy island life:

  • Wander through the Japanese Memorial Garden

  • Visit the Mayne Island Museum

  • Browse local art, farms, and artisan stops

  • Enjoy a drink and conversation at the brewery

  • Spend time beachcombing or watching the waves


  1. Something Magical

End the day with a classic Mayne Island moment:

  • Watch the sunset at Georgina Point Lighthouse

  • Enjoy a picnic overlooking the ocean

  • Take an evening stroll along the beach

  • Return to Grove B&B to relax and unwind


Build an Exciting Itinerary!

Pathway in the Japanese Memorial Garden
Pathway in the Japanese Memorial Garden

24 Hours

  • One hike or outdoor activity

  • One local attraction

  • Sunset at Georgina Point Lighthouse


36 Hours

  • Add a beach visit or cycling adventure

  • Explore local shops, studios, or farm stands


48 Hours

  • Mix hiking, beaches, local food, and cultural attractions

  • Leave plenty of time to slow down and enjoy island life



Your Custom Mayne Island Getaway

Whether you spend your time hiking coastal trails, cycling quiet island roads or simply watching the sunset, Mayne Island rewards visitors who slow down and explore.


Whether you're visiting for 24 hours, a long weekend, or a few relaxing days, you'll discover a unique blend of natural beauty, local character, and quiet moments that make Mayne Island such a special part of BC's Infinite Coast and the Southern Gulf Islands


Many of the experiences featured in this guide are just minutes from Grove B&B, making it an ideal home base for exploring Mayne Island. Start your day with a homemade breakfast, spend your time discovering beaches, trails, gardens, and local attractions, then return to relax in the hot tub and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. From romantic escapes and cycling adventures to family getaways and relaxing retreats, Grove B&B offers a comfortable place to experience the best of island life.


Use the ideas above to create your own island adventure, and when you're ready to plan your stay, we'd be delighted to welcome you to Grove B&B for your Mayne Island getaway.

3 Comments

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Guest
Jul 22
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

So many options- so much to discover!

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annette witteman
Jul 21
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Very last minute, when our friends had their other rental accommodations cancelled due to some electrical issues, the wonderful folks at the Grove were super hospitable and put them up in their overflow room. They had a lovely experience- thanks SO much, Mark and Dana!

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Guest
Jul 20
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Useful to know the estimated time for some activities - helps us plan the day. Thanks!

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