Mayne Island by Bike

The Gulf Islands are one of British Columbia's  best kept secrets.  Just a short ferry ride from the mainland, there is so much to explore and discover and cycling is the way to do it.

Waiting to board the ferry at Tsawwassen

Nothing beats the January blahs better than a weekend getaway to Mayne Island.  Our friends (who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent) invited us for a weekend at their cottage.  We began early in the morning cycling to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal.  It was a spooky ride as the fog was dense.  You always feel so vulnerable on your bike while riding in the fog, yet at the same time your senses seem to come alive.  We rode cautiously, listening to the call of the eagles and watching everything come to life.  The air was crisp and cool and as the fog began to lift we were treated to a wonderful sunrise.  It felt so good to be back on the bikes....mindlessly pedalling through the fog!

The ferry makes a quick stop at Galiano Island (another great bike destination) and then proceeds on to Mayne Island.  As you approach the dock at Mayne Island you leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind you and either consciously or unconsciously begin to adapt to "Island time" The cycling on Mayne is wonderful...although be prepared for a few hills and cycle in single file as there are no shoulders.  Having said that, the drivers are thoughtful and give plenty of room when passing.

Beautiful views are plentiful

Snowdrops remind us that spring is around the corner

We cycled from the ferry to the cottage...which is truly a bit of heaven on earth.  The cottage reflects the hosts...warm & friendly...like a big hug.  It features panoramic ocean views - in fact, you can quickly lose track of time and also the will to move as you sit by the wood burning stove and gaze at the ocean.

There is much to do on Mayne - beautiful parks including one of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserves at Bennet Bay, beach combing, artists galleries and to our surprise a Japanese Garden.  This weekend we chose to hike to  the spectacular viewpoint on Mount Parke.  We were thrilled at the panoramic view, yet couldn't stay for long as we were losing daylight.

Mayne residents enjoying an all you can eat lunch buffet

The weekend went all too quickly and we left feeling rejuvenated and ready to return to explore more of the Island...next time by kayak?

Giggle of the day:

The weekend was full of laughter and great conversation.  Giggles were plentiful.  Here are a few:

While in Minor's Bay we decided to pop in to the local grocery store to pick up some lunch meat.  As we waited for service, a friendly voice came on the loud speaker and said,  "Shelly to the deli."  We burst in to laughter and thanked Shelly for the giggle and for the shaved ham...of course!

Car stops - The island features numerous car stops....a sign of community and of days gone by.  The signage both inspires and amuses!  Here's the scoop:

You are welcome to use our 25 Mayne Island Car Stops. This is free, voluntary, alternative transportation that is environmentally and community-friendly. We encourage drivers to share the ride, reducing fuel consumption and our ecological footprint. We encourage pedestrians who need a lift — including those arriving by ferry or boat — to try waiting at a Car Stop, and be open to the generosity of drivers. (Unlike a bus, there's no regular schedule; like a bus, you trust the driver.)

Car Stops signs are green and white road signs located at pullouts all around Mayne. They indicate the locations where drivers may expect to see passengers seeking a ride. They are two-way stops, so if you're standing there, indicate with your hand which way you're heading, and if you cross the street, be careful.

THE RULES:

• Drivers don't have to take the first in line;
• you don't have to accept a ride - that's fine.
• It's at your own risk if you take a lift,
• the ride is free, so consider it a gift.

CAR STOP - 

Last, but not least, as we rode back to the ferry dock to begin the trip home, we passed numerous Islanders on foot, with backpacks, suitcases, dollies all trudging along the main road back to the ferry.  It tickled us as we passed young and old on the "Mayne Island Pilgrimage."

Mayne Island "pilgrams" wait to disembark ... until we ride again!

Map and Route Tips:

BC Ferries - Schedules and Route information