Where to Watch the Sunrise on Mayne Island: A Local’s Guide
Quick answer: Head to the east side. Campbell Bay, Edith Point and Georgina Point face the open Strait of Georgia and catch summer sunrises. Bennett Bay, Campbell Point and St. John Point face east and southeast, and are best in spring, fall and winter. Around the spring and fall equinoxes, the sun comes up near Mount Baker.
Mayne Island is known for its sunsets over Active Pass, but the east side has a quieter secret. Early risers get the beaches to themselves, the water goes from grey to gold, and on a clear morning Mount Baker glows on the horizon across the Salish Sea. Here’s where to go, which spot suits each season, and how to time it, including where to get coffee and breakfast afterwards.
Where does the sun rise on Mayne Island?
The sunsets get the crowds. The sunrises, you’ll often have all to yourself.
Where are the best places to watch the sunrise on Mayne Island?
Bennett Bay and Campbell Point (best fall to spring). Part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Watch from the sandy bay, or walk the easy trail out to Campbell Point: about 15 minutes to the point, or a 40-minute loop through old-growth Douglas fir and arbutus. The point looks out to Georgeson Island and east across the water, and around the equinoxes the sun rises close to Mount Baker. For an even shorter walk, the Sykes Road beach access is just 60 m from the end of Isabella Lane.
Campbell Bay (best spring to fall). A long pebble beach facing the Strait of Georgia, and a favourite for locals’ morning walks. From late spring through summer the sun rises over the water to the northeast. Easy access from Campbell Bay Road.
Edith Point (best spring to fall). At the end of Edith Point Road, an easy 80 m path leads down to the shore with wide views over the Salish Sea. It’s a residential road, so park along the roadside without blocking driveways.
Georgina Point (Active Pass Lighthouse) (best in summer). The historic lighthouse at the island’s north tip, first lit in 1885, looks northeast across the Strait toward the Lower Mainland. It’s a summer sunrise spot, when the sun comes up in the northeast, and a sunset favourite too, so it works for both ends of a long June day.
St. John Point (ŦÁWEN Trail) (best in winter). On the island’s southeast tip, this 3.2 km loop has views east toward Lizard Island and Mount Baker, and south across Navy Channel. When the winter sun rises in the southeast, this is the spot. The trail is moderate, with old arbutus trees at the tip of the point.
Oyster Bay (best in summer). A small, tucked-away beach on the north side, with tide pools, sandstone and seals on the offshore reefs. On a clear morning you may even see the Vancouver skyline catch the first light.
Plan Your Morning
Download the Sunrise Planner
When Does the Sun Rise on Mayne Island?
First light starts about 30 to 40 minutes before sunrise, and it’s often the most colourful part of the show, so aim to arrive early.
- January: first light 8:26 a.m., sunrise 9:02 a.m., in the southeast
- February: first light 7:50 a.m., sunrise 8:23 a.m., in the east-southeast
- March: first light 6:54 a.m., sunrise 7:26 a.m., in the east
- April: first light 5:48 a.m., sunrise 6:22 a.m., in the east-northeast
- May: first light 4:52 a.m., sunrise 5:31 a.m., in the northeast
- June (21st): first light 4:26 a.m., sunrise 5:09 a.m., in the northeast
- July: first light 4:45 a.m., sunrise 5:26 a.m., in the northeast
- August: first light 5:30 a.m., sunrise 6:06 a.m., in the east-northeast
- September: first light 6:17 a.m., sunrise 6:50 a.m., in the east
- October: first light 7:01 a.m., sunrise 7:34 a.m., in the east-southeast
- November: first light 7:47 a.m., sunrise 8:22 a.m., in the southeast
- December (21st): first light 8:26 a.m., sunrise 9:04 a.m., in the southeast
Times are for mid-month on Mayne Island, on a flat sea horizon. B.C. now stays on Pacific time (UTC-7) all year, so winter sunrises come about an hour later than they used to. Times shift by only a minute or two from year to year, and hills or islands on the horizon can delay the moment the sun appears.
Sunrise, then coffee and breakfast. Island cafés open at 8 or 8:30 a.m. at the earliest, so from about November to mid-February you can grab a coffee and a morning snack first and still make sunrise. The rest of the year the sun beats the cafés, so brew your own to take along, then head in afterwards for coffee and breakfast. All three of these spots do great morning baking and breakfast:
- La Maison Rouge at the Mayne Island Resort, right on Bennett Bay. Fresh morning coffee, sweet treats and light bites to go, with ocean views. Open Sunday, Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m.
- The Mayne Bean at the Fernhill Centre. 49th Parallel espresso with fresh baked goods and local treats, in a cozy outdoor forest lounge. Open Monday and Thursday from 8 a.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m.
- Sunny Mayne Bakery in Miners Bay. Lattes from a full espresso bar, hearty breakfast sandwiches, and the famous cronuts. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 8 a.m. (and Sunday from 9 a.m. in summer).
Island hours can change at the last minute, and schedules shift with the seasons. Most cafés post closures and updates in the local Mayne Island Facebook groups or on their own Facebook pages, so check there before you head out.
Sunrise times, the best spot for each season, café hours and a packing list.
Download the Sunrise Planner
