Mayne Island
Island Gulf Islands island with rural communities and beaches
One of the Gulf Islands, Mayne Island sees visitors by ferry for coastal trails, sandy coves, kayaking and small galleries. Local farms and seasonal markets supply seafood and produce to island cafés.
Mayne Island is one of the Southern Gulf Islands in British Columbia, Canada and is a residential and recreational island in the Salish Sea.
The island is known for small settlements, coastal scenery, beaches and walking trails; it attracts visitors for boating, wildlife viewing and a relaxed island atmosphere. Local services and the main ferry landing are concentrated in the principal harbour community.
Settlement and use of the island developed over the 19th and 20th centuries with a mix of year-round residents and seasonal visitors; today the island combines residential communities with tourism and recreational uses.
Mayne Island sits in the Southern Gulf Islands between Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland, within a network of nearby islands such as Galiano and Salt Spring; it is reached by ferry services from the BC mainland and Vancouver Island.
- Access and main settlement: Part of the Southern Gulf Islands group and served by ferry connections; the main harbour and services are concentrated at Miners Bay.
How to Get to Mayne Island #
Ferry service from Swartz Bay (near Victoria) to Mayne Island’s Miners Bay is provided by BC Ferries. Private boats and charters from Vancouver Island and the mainland also access the island.
Tips for Visiting Mayne Island #
- Ferries from Vancouver Island (Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour) run regularly; check BC Ferries schedules for seasonal variations.
- Rent a bike to explore the island's quiet roads - it's far more satisfying than driving.
- Visit the Mayne Island Cheese Shop and the local galleries for genuine local products.
Best Time to Visit Mayne Island #
Best in summer for outdoor activities and connecting ferry schedules; shoulder seasons are quieter and still pleasant.
Weather & Climate near Mayne Island #
Mayne Island's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (860 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 23 mm.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (141 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm).
