Mayne and its surrounding area bring together history and nature, with a range of ways to shape your stay. The Mayne Island Museum offers a cultural highlight, while coastal landscapes, shoreline access points and trails reveal other perspectives. When planning, it’s worth considering seasonal museum hours and your preferred focus—history, the coast or outdoor activity.

History and Museum

The Mayne Island Museum is located near Mayne and is operated by volunteers from the Mayne Island Agricultural Society. Its exhibits trace British and European settlement on Mayne Island from the 19th century onward. They also feature agricultural equipment, household items and tools used in self-sufficient island life. Settlement history is presented alongside objects from farming and everyday life. Since 2015, the museum has worked with W̱SÁNEĆ Elder John J’SINTEN Elliott.

Opening hours are seasonal: From the Canada Day weekend (July 1) through the Labour Day weekend, the museum is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Outside this period, visits are possible by prior arrangement; admission is by donation. As seasonal hours may change, check opening times before your visit.

Lighthouse and Remembrance

At the northeastern end of Mayne Island, the Active Pass Lighthouse stands at Georgina Point on the shore of Active Pass. Its designation as a Heritage Lighthouse reflects its historical, architectural and community values. The lighthouse gives the area its maritime character.

On the southwestern side of Mayne Island, the Japanese Memorial Garden is located in Dinner Bay Park. It commemorates Japanese Canadians from Mayne who were interned in Canada during the Second World War. The lighthouse and garden represent different historical perspectives: maritime heritage at Active Pass and remembrance of internment.

Coastal Landscapes and Habitats

Edith Point preserves a mature coastal Douglas fir and arbutus forest, along with more than three kilometres of rocky coastline. This coastline is an important feeding habitat for numerous bird species. The forest, rocky shore and birdlife give the area distinct natural highlights.

The community parks managed by Mayne Island Parks and Recreation Service also encompass a variety of landscapes: older forests, dry woodlands, rocky cliffs, sandstone shores and sandy beaches. The service also manages shoreline access points on Mayne Island, giving the public access to the shore or a viewpoint.

Trails and Activities

The 2.3-kilometre Mayne Island Regional Trail connects the Village Bay ferry terminal with the village of Miners Bay. Rated easy, it provides a safe link for pedestrians and cyclists between the two endpoints; the route is also suitable for running. Near Mayne, St. John Point Regional Park offers a different choice of trails: easy paths lead to two beaches, while a more challenging trail runs along rocky cliffs. Coastal walks and birdwatching are also possible activities there.

Mayneyaks offers mobile kayak rentals and kayak tours on Mayne Island, with several launch and route options. If you’d like to plan a tour, ask about availability for your preferred date.

For planning your day, the museum’s seasonal opening hours provide a specific time frame. On the trails, you can choose between the easy connection from Village Bay to Miners Bay and the more challenging cliffside trail. These differences can help you decide what kind of trip you want before looking for accommodation on Mayne.

Explore more destinations: Shirley, Colwood, Sidney, Saturna, Saanich, Victoria, Langford, Sooke

For the regional travel overview: Capital Regional District.