Looking for "another Island" adventure?
Check the ferry schedule, and catch either the "red eye" from Long Harbour to Tsswassan, and get off at Village Bay on Mayne Island, or, catch the ferry from Fulford to Swartz, and connect with the Outer Islands ferry that leaves Swartz and services Mayne, that way. To do a "good day trip", you would most likely want to do the "red eye" route, and then return to Long Harbour on Salt Spring, via the return ship -- either around noonish, or wait till the evening return ferry.
What to do on Mayne?
A highlight would be a visit to the Japanese Memorial Garden there, close to Dinner Bay. Very inspirational and beautiful sojourn, here, and you might want to take a bit of time to wander the garden, and also to sit on a bench and simply ponder.
A great place for breakfast, coffee, lunch, afternoon tea is the Sunny Mayne Bakery Cafe...great baking, here, and a "hub" in the Miner's Bay area.
A visit to Mayne, in the "season", isn't complete without dropping in for a meal at the Springwater Lodge...overlooks Active Pass, and in fine weather, the deck is the place to be! One of the oldest structures on the Southern Gulf Islands, this is a gem (best fish and chips, anywhere!).
Beachcomb and swim at Bennett Bay...kind of like a baby Parksville Beach, and very unusual for a Gulf Island. Take a picnic from the bakery?
Rent a kayak or a bike (catch this at the Blue Vista Resort in Bennet Bay area), and meander the Island that way.
Drop in at Essential Orientals...organic products from Ocean Meadows Farm here, too.
The Mayne Island Glass Foundry is another stop on your visit.
A true gem is the Miners Bay Books location...a "real" bookstore!
Tree Frog Gallery & Natural Clothing (a softer footprint ethic) shouldn't be missed.
Mayne's Fall Fair is held on August 15h -- now there's a reason to visit!
The Lions Salmon Barbecue is on Sept. 6th.
If you want to do a charter floatplane to Miners Bay, from Ganges Harbour, give Salt Spring Air a call. A fun thing to do, too.
Enjoy!
How may I help you to discover special Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands? Call me!
