VICTORIA AND VANCOUVER ISLAND - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 208

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 forest.
Set on four hectares (10 acres) overlooking a protected waterway, less than two kilomet-
ers (1.2 miles) south of the ferry terminal, is M Oceanwood Country Inn (630 Dinner Bay
Rd., 250/539-5074, www.oceanwoodinn.com , $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 the lodge
are four communal areas, including a well-stocked library, a comfortable lounge, 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.
Campsites at Mayne Island Eco Camping (359 Maple Dr., Miners Bay, 250/539-2667,
www.mayneisle.com , $24) are spread around the back of a short beach. Facilities include
outhouses, a (hot) water-fed “tree” shower, and kayak rentals.
Food
No-frills, short-order grills are the order of the day at the old Springwater Lodge (Village
Bay Rd., 250/539-5521, breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, $9-18). Head to the Sunny
Mayne Bakery Café (472 Village Bay Rd., 250/539-2323, 7am-5pm Mon.-Sat., 8am-4pm
Sun., lunches $6-9) for freshly baked breads, picnic hampers, sumptuous cakes and pastries,
healthy sandwiches, ice cream, and the island's best coffee concoctions.
Information and Services
The Mayne Island website ( www.mayneisland.com ) is loaded with useful information, in-
cluding links to current weather conditions, accommodations, services—and for those who
fall in love with island living—real estate agents.
Stock up on reading materials at Miners Bay Books (478 Village Bay Rd., 250/
539-3112, 11am-4pm Thurs.-Tues. in summer).
MM GALIANO ISLAND
Named for a Spanish explorer who sailed through the Strait of Georgia more than 200 years
ago, this long, narrow island—27 kilometers (17 miles) from north to south but only a few