The Southern Gulf Islands include the well-known Salt Spring Island and lesser known islands – Galiano, Mayne, North and South Pender Islands and Saturna.  These Canadian Islands are really an extension of the San Juan archipelago in Washington State.

 

 

Mayne Island, located on the southeast side of Active Pass (a main shipping channel), is now slowly being discovered as a desirable retreat.  Currently, many are purchasing property on the Island as a real estate investment, the ultimate retirement spot, or as a second home away from the city rat race.

 

As well, BC Ferry Corporation provides convenient ferry service to each of these Islands from either Tsawwassen, (near Vancouver, BC) or Swartz Bay, (on Vancouver Island, near Victoria).  For those traveling to Mayne, the ferries dock in Village Bay on the southwest side of the island.

 

 

 

In 1858, Captain George H. Richards and his crew on the survey ship, H.M.S. Plumper, charted the islands and the Georgia Strait region.  In honour of his lieutenant, Richard Charles Mayne, Capt. Richards named the Island.  In the same year, Capt. Richards changed the name, Plumper Pass to Active Pass, to honour the U.S.S. Active, another ship assisting in the surveying process.  Shortly after, the first white settlers discovered the Southern Gulf Islands.  Until then, those of the First Nations ancestors of the Cowichan band enjoyed the easy climate, fishing and lifestyle.