Northern Mayne Island, BC

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mclivancouver

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Trail stats

Distance: 15.94 mi
Elevation gain: 1,463 ft
Technical difficulty: Difficult
Elevation loss: 1,463 ft
Max elevation: 257 ft
TrailRank: 59
Min elevation: 0 ft
Trail type: Loop

Time: 4 hours 43 minutes
Coordinates: 2200
Uploaded: June 23, 2018
Recorded: June 2018

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near Mayne, British Columbia (Canada)

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Trail photos

Itinerary description

Hilly Mayne Island is rated difficult despite the short total course length. It's bicycle friendly, mostly paved two-lane rural roads without marked shoulders, and very light traffic except at ferry arrival times. A large (approx 35) well organised elementary school group bicycled from the ferry to the lighthouse and back on the day. The frequent rolling hills have maximum grade sections, and most climbs are shorter than 150 m distance. Roads are often windy and heavily shaded by trees, so it's better to keep a rear bicycle light on in daytime.

Recorded on Thursday June 21, 2018. Access is by BC Ferries departing Tsawwassen Terminal for Village Bay at 10:10 AM. the latest return from Village Bay was 5:10 PM. There was a day car parking fee of $16 at Tsawwassen. On Mondays to Thursdays BC seniors (+65) with bicycle pay only $2 each way (BC ID required).

There is alternate ferry access from Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island.

Waypoints

Village Bay - ferry pre-boarding area

Picnic tables, Island culture - Do Talk to Strangers

Village Bay Ferry Terminal - take away food shack

small meals, ice cream, coffee, etc.

View over Dinner Bay, looking towards north-west

Dinner Bay Community Park: a large grassy park with sports facilities, picnic area, views over the water

Central Japanese Garden

Those who know Japan might forget where they are. On the day the suspended gong was mystically connected to a similar one in Kinugawa-onsen.

Entrance to Japanese Garden

Bicycle racks here

Rustic Pub and Bistro

Outdoor patio seating faces NW - overlooking Active Pass. "Mayne Island Brewery" offerings are available, among many others. Pool Table.

Government Dock

Sailors welcome to overnight for a per diem fee.

View of Miners Bay

On approach road east of the gov't dock

Lighthouse

Historic marine infrastructure at the eastern approach to Active Pass

Keepers House

Original lighthouse keepers accommodation.

Gate to Lighthouse Park

Bicycle racks. Gulf Islands Park site.

View of Georgeson Island

Part of the Gulf Islands Parks. Rare wren sighting in arbutus tree above tall yellow grass.

south view

Campbell Point Trail

The trail is posted "no bicycles", and there are rock, root and protruding obstacles that are hazards for bicycling. Walking to the end is highly recommended. No One Else was seen along this trail on the day, despite the perfect summer weather.

Bistro and Resort

This appears to be a promising location for a long gourmet lunch with wine and an ocean view. Others may prefer a homemade burrito or samosa at local grocer along the road towards Miners Bay.

Book Shop, Grocery, & Deli

One fresh-made beef burrito here was sufficient gnosh for the entire days' cycling. The lady tending bookshop was a pleasure to chat with, some unique and interesting books on offer. Billboards give a snapshot of Island life.

totem pole at the crossroads

Should we assume it's an example of modern Coast Salish Peoples' art?

Road Conditions

Typical island roads, up and down, paved, little or no traffic, no marked shoulders.

View over Terminal

There is a short steep uphill from the ferry, typical of the hilly roads on Mayne Island.

Village Bay Ferry Dock

Disembarking on the Island.

View of Miners Bay

From the Ferry in Active Pass

View of lighthouse

From the Ferry in Active Pass

At Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal - Departure for Village Bay

Berth #2, the change to island culture is felt upon boarding the ferry. Open to approaches from strangers for dialogue, making unexpected new friends.

Crows

Near the Starbucks in Tsawwassen Terminal "Mall", arrived early for ferry to Mayne Island. Other Gulf Island bikers with unique bike styles congregated here for coffee.

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