FACTS ABOUT MAYNE ISLAND

~1,300 YEAR-ROUND RESIDENTS
SḴŦAḴ SENĆOŦEN NAME
21 km² LAND AREA
0 TRAFFIC LIGHTS

COASTAL SALISH ROOTS

Known as SḴŦAḴ in the SENĆOŦEN language, Mayne Island is part of the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations and Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group. For thousands of years, indigenous communities gathered around Active Pass and Helen Point to harvest rich marine resources.
W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Info →

SALISH SEA ECOLOGY

Bordered by the churning tidal currents of Active Pass, Mayne Island is a critical marine corridor. Shorelines along Bennett Bay and Campbell Bay support transient killer whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and vital nearshore bull kelp beds.
Mayne Island Conservancy →

MAYNE'S NATIVE PLANTS

Mayne Island (SḴŦAḴ) sits within the rare Coastal Douglas Fir Ecosystem, supporting diverse native habitats. Along island trails, look for common plants like salal, Oregon grape, ocean spray, snowberry, Nootka rose, and sword fern. You'll spot common Douglas fir, red cedar, arbutus, alder, and big leaf maple trees, alongside rarer species like Garry oak, coastal juniper, and cottonwood.
Explore Native Plants →

Gold Rush History & Heritage

During the 1858 Fraser River Gold Rush, Miners Bay became the lively central hub for prospectors traveling between Victoria and the mainland. Explore living history at the 1896 Plumper Pass Lockup Museum, historic farmsteads, and the 1885 Georgina Point Lighthouse.
Mayne Island Museum

Japanese-Canadian Legacy

In the early 1900s, Japanese-Canadian families established thriving farming, charcoal-burning, and greenhouse tomato operations on Mayne. Though forcibly relocated in 1942 during WWII, their profound contribution to the island’s agricultural fabric is honored today at the Japanese Charcoal Kiln and the peaceful Japanese Garden at Dinner Bay Park.
Explore Heritage Sites

ISLAND LANDMARKS

GEORGINA POINT

Guarding the northern entrance to Active Pass, Georgina Point Heritage Park features an 1885 lighthouse, sweeping ocean views, historic lightkeeper residence, and ideal vantage points for watching sea lions and passing marine traffic.
Lighthouse History

MOUNT PARKE

At 255 meters, Mount Parke is the highest peak on Mayne Island. The Regional Park offers forested hiking trails leading up to dramatic sandstone bluffs, reward visitors with breathtaking 360-degree views across the Gulf Islands and Mount Baker.
Hiking & Walking Map

BENNETT & CAMPBELL BAYS

Home to tidal flats, protected marine habitat, and rare sandstone intertidal formations. Bennett Bay forms part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, featuring scenic beaches perfect for quiet beachcombing, tidepooling, and kayaking.
Marine Habitat Info

ISLAND KNOWLEDGE & HERITAGE

The Legend of Active Pass

Named in 1855 after the U.S. Navy survey vessel *Active*, this narrow, deep-water tidal channel separates Mayne and Galiano Islands. The churning, nutrient-rich currents create a vital marine feeding ground for killer whales, sea lions, and diving seabirds.

The Story of Active Pass →

Agricultural Heritage & The Historic Ag Hall

Built in 1895, the Mayne Island Agricultural Hall is one of the oldest continuously operating community halls in BC. It remains the beating heart of island traditions, hosting weekly summer farmers' markets, dances, and the iconic annual Fall Fair.

Mayne Island Agricultural Society →

Early Maritime Navigation & Shipwrecks


Before modern GPS, navigating the narrow, tide-ripped waters around Mayne Island was treacherous. Early coastal steamers relied on pioneer lookouts, fog horns, and skilled local pilots. This rich heritage is commemorated throughout coastal historic maritime archives.

Coastal Maritime History →

Pioneer Farming & The Apple Orchard Era

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Mayne Island was known as a major agricultural provider for Victoria and Vancouver. Historic heritage orchards, ancient apple trees, and old stone walls still dot the island landscape today.

Historic Places Registry →

Plumper Pass & Post Office Era

Long before it was named Mayne Island, the settlement around Miners Bay was known as Plumper Pass. The 1896 Lockup and early Post Office formed the civic hub for the entire Southern Gulf Islands during the late 19th century.

Mayne Island Museum →

W̱SÁNEĆ Outdoor Exhibit & Cultural Reconciliation

Initiated by the Mayne Island Agricultural Society, this ongoing partnership focuses on building deep relationships between island residents and W̱SÁNEĆ communities. Permanent outdoor interpretive panels, guided by elders like Dr. John Elliott, celebrate the profound history, language, and cultural legacy of the W̱SÁNEĆ 'Saltwater People' on these lands and waters.

Learn About the W̱SÁNEĆ Project →

Help Us Protect & Support Our Island Community

We hope this guide helps you plan a seamless and memorable visit to Mayne Island. Beyond taking in our coastal trails and quiet beaches, visiting mindfully means caring for our delicate local environment and supporting the small, independent businesses that give Mayne its vibrant heart. By shopping local, dining at island cafes, and choosing local stays, you play a vital role in keeping our community thriving. Take your time, enjoy the unhurried rhythm of island life, and leave Mayne as beautiful as you found it.
Discover & Support Local Businesses
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