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Escape the Ordinary: Why Mayne Island Might Be Your Best Move

If tranquility had a zip code, it’d be Mayne Island, BC. Nestled among the Southern Gulf Islands, this gem is just across Active Pass from Galiano. If you've ever caught a Tsawwassen → Victoria ferry, you’ve already sailed by. Small (~21 km²), nature-rich, with a population of about 1,310 (2021) and a median age of 62.8, Mayne values peace without sacrificing essential comforts.

Here’s why people are buying here … and why you should seriously consider it.

Getting There: Ferry Info

Ferries are your lifeline. These are the main routes, with things to know so travel doesn’t become a pain.

RouteDetailsThings to NoteSchedule / Info Links
Tsawwassen (mainland) → Village Bay (Mayne Island)Several sailings daily (frequency drops off-peak). Direct rides take ~1h05, some stop at other islands.Vehicle reservations strongly recommended (especially summer/holidays). Check for delays.BC Ferries – schedules & fares
Swartz Bay (Vancouver Island) → Village BayMore frequent service; some direct, others with island stops (Galiano, etc.).Walk-on/bikes are possible; vehicle spots limited depending on time of day.Same BC Ferries link above
Inter-Island ConnectionsRoutes from neighbouring Gulf Islands (Galiano, Pender, etc.) offer options for supplies, exploring, or living off-grid but connected.Less frequent; schedules shift. Plan ahead especially in fall/winter.Southern Gulf Islands travel info

Local Amenities: Island Living That Actually Works

You’re not waving goodbye to all conveniences. Mayne has a mix of rural charm + enough services to make life comfortable.

  • Education & Community Services: Elementary school, community centre (gym, courts), fire hall, health centre.

  • Groceries & Supplies: Local grocery stores (including liquor), Farm Gate produce, general stores in Miners Bay.

  • Dining & Local Flavor: Bennett Bay Bistro, cafes, the nano brewery — good for gathering, good for “let’s unwind” times.

  • Nature & Outdoors: Parks & trails, beaches (Bennett Bay, Dinner Bay, Campbell Bay), the Japanese Memorial Gardens, spectacular coastal views.

  • Senior Supports: Mayne Island Assisted Living programs, weekly transportation to Sidney & Victoria.

  • Utilities & Resilience: Septic systems, rainwater storage in many homes, alternative heating/installations, rugged yet livable infrastructure.

Real Estate That Makes Sense: Two Listings You’ll Want to Know

Here are your two homes — they embody much of what makes Mayne Island appealing: privacy + utility + lifestyle.

🏡 559 Blitz Road, Mayne Island, BC, V0N 2J1

  • Price: ~$779,999 CAD

  • Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 3 beds, 2 baths

  • Size & Lot: ~2,095 sq ft; ~0.34 acres; fully fenced.

  • Features that stand out:

    • Fully updated: metal roofs (2024), updated windows (2023), propane conversion and 200 amp service, instant hot water.

    • Multiple heating methods (wood, fireplace, propane), decks on three sides, studio / heated suite separate space.

    • Rainwater storage (5,000 gallons), woodshed, garden shed. Great for resilience & low utility cost in summer.

  • Pros: Move-in ready; plenty of space; privacy; good utility upgrades; excellent location (close to beaches & parks). More Information Here

🏡 714 Charter Road, Mayne Island, BC, V0N 2J1

  • Price: ~$729,000 CAD

  • Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 3 beds, 2 baths

  • Size & Lot: ~1,496 sq ft, on ~0.31 acres of land.

  • Features that stand out:

    • Built with milled fir from the property, solid 2×6 framing & R48 insulation, so energy efficiency & sturdiness are built-in.

    • Vaulted ceilings + skylights; wrap-around and back decks that maximize sunshine and outdoor living.

    • Flat/relatively level lot, fenced backyard — good for gardening, pets, or kids.

    • Heat pump + wood & baseboard heating; on-demand water heater etc.

  • Pros: Very livable; enough space; attractive construction & insulation so heating/cooling costs are more manageable; proximity to beaches & trails; peaceful spot.

    More Information Here

Putting It All Together: Why These Listings Are Smart Choices

These two homes show what “liveable, island lifestyle without massive compromises” looks like. They balance comfort, efficiency, location, and cost.

  • Quiet, privacy, natural beauty.

  • Strong community, small-town feel.

  • Less traffic, less noise.

  • Lower cost for similar features vs some onshore comparables (if you shop wisely).

  • Potentially great for remote work, retirees, people wanting slower pace but not total isolation.

Final Thoughts

These two properties (714 Charter Rd & 559 Blitz Rd) are strong examples of what Mayne Island offers: beauty, well-built homes, and reasonable trade-offs for the lifestyle you get.

If you’re intrigued, let’s get you a private tour or we can send you virtual walk-throughs. Also happy to pull together a few more comparable listings so you can scope value more broadly.

The Home Team

info@hometeamfv.ca

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New property listed in Mayne Island, Islands-Van. & Gulf

I have listed a new property at 714 Charter Road. See details here

Pride of ownership shines in this custom built home, featuring timeless craftsmanship, hardwood floors, and wood beams all milled from the property itself! The open concept kitchen showcases new stainless steel appliances, a chef’s cooktop, and wall oven. The bright main living area with wood stove and heat pump (2021) flows seamlessly to a loft with two bedrooms and full bath. On the main, the primary retreat boasts a luxurious ensuite (2024) with jetted tub and walk-in shower. A full 365 degree wraparound covered deck offers year round outdoor living with a spacious sitting area overlooking the private yard where peaches, apples, and nashi pears thrive. Additional features include hot water on demand, a wired-in generator, two powered shops and a large wrap around driveway with ample parking for vehicles, toys and guests

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