Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kayaking
The best island kayaking originates from the sandy beach in Bennett Bay, which is within
Gulf Islands National Park. This is the main departure point for tours led by
Bennett Bay
Kayaking
(250/539-0864), which charges $65 for a three-hour paddling tour of Gulf Is-
lands National Park.
Accommodations
The least expensive island accommodation is
Springwater Lodge
(Village Bay Rd., 250/
539-5521,
www.springwaterlodge.com
, $40-95 s or d), an old hotel overlooking Active
Pass from the west side of Village Bay. Rooms are basic at best and bathrooms are shared,
but at under $50 a night you know what you're getting. Beside the hotel are four well-
equipped cabins. The inn also has a restaurant that's open daily for all three meals.
Across the road from protected Bennett Bay, the emphasis at
Blue Vista Resort
(563
Arbutus Dr., 250/539-2463 or 877/535-2424,
www.bluevistaresort.com
,
$95-135 s or d) is
on outdoor recreation, with hosts Carmen and Andrew Pearson eager to share their love
of the island with you by filling your day with activity ideas. Rooms and cabins are fur-
nished practically, with separate bedrooms, wireless Internet, cooking facilities, and decks
surrounded by native forest.
Set on 4 hectares (10 acres) overlooking a protected waterway, less than 2 kilometers
(1.2 miles) south of the ferry terminal, is
M
Oceanwood Country Inn
(630 Dinner Bay
Rd.,
www.oceanwoodinn.com
,
250/539-5074, $145-265 s or d). Paths lead through the
very private property, past herb and rose gardens, and down to the water's edge. Within
thelodgearefourcommunalareas,includingawell-stockedlibrary,acomfortablelounge,
and the Banjo Reef Bar & Grill. Each of the 12 rooms has its own character; some have a
private balcony, others a deck or hot tub, and the largest features a split-level living area,
luxurious bathroom, and private deck with hot tub. A cooked breakfast and tea and coffee
throughout the day are included with creative presentations of local produce, and seafood
is served at the restaurant.
Camping
Camping at
Mayne Island Eco Camping
(359 Maple Dr., Miners Bay,
www.mayneisle.com
,
250/539-2667, $24) is pleasant but primitive. Spread around the
back of a short beach, some sites are right on the water, whereas others are dotted
throughout the forest. Facilities include outhouses, a (hot) water-fed “tree” shower, and
