Mayne Island
The Southern Gulf Islands include the well-known Salt Spring Island and lesser known islands – Galiano, Mayne, North and South Pender Islands and Saturna. These Canadian Islands are really an extension of the San Juan archipelago in Washington State.Mayne Island, located on the southeast side of Active Pass (a main shipping channel), is now slowly being discovered as a desirable retreat. Currently, many are purchasing property on the Island as a real estate investment, the ultimate retirement spot, or as a second home away from the city rat race.
Mayne Island has a surface area of 5,750 acres. The rich agricultural land and small hills are the result primarily of past glacial activity. A main harbour, Miner’s Bay, is located on Active Pass and is where one lands when traveling to Mayne Island by Seair float planes from the South Terminal at the Vancouver International Airport.As well, BC Ferry Corporation provides convenient ferry service to each of these Islands from either Tsawwassen, (near Vancouver, BC) or Swartz Bay, (on Vancouver Island, near Victoria). For those traveling to Mayne, the ferries dock in Village Bay on the southwest side of the island.
In 1858, Captain George H. Richards and his crew on the survey ship, H.M.S. Plumper, charted the islands and the Georgia Strait region. In honour of his lieutenant, Richard Charles Mayne, Capt. Richards named the Island. In the same year, Capt. Richards changed the name, Plumper Pass to Active Pass, to honour the U.S.S. Active, another ship assisting in the surveying process. Shortly after, the first white settlers discovered the Southern Gulf Islands. Until then, those of the First Nations ancestors of the Cowichan band enjoyed the easy climate, fishing and lifestyle.Today, full and part-time residents, small business people and artists have retired to the easy way of living on Mayne Island. There are grocery, book and gift shops, a bakery, restaurants, accommodation, a small library, studios, post office, garages, a health clinic, fire hall and an elementary school. High school students travel to Salt Spring Island by water taxi each day to attend classes and school activities. Many enjoy boating activities, ocean kayaking, hiking, beach combing, bird watching, gardening, arts and crafts workshops offered by local residents, music, and island celebrations or events throughout the year.
