History of the Springwater Lodge

Established in 1892 the Springwater Lodge is situated above Miners Bay in Active Pass, on Mayne Island. The Springwater Lodge is the oldest continuously operated hotel in British Columbia. During the Fraser River and the Caribou gold rush, the lodge was a favourite stopover for miners.

Conveniently located At the head of the Government Wharf, the original owner began offering rooms for lodgers in 1895 and so the lodge became the legend it is today.  Renovated to provide modern amenities, Springwater lodge is the perfect combination of yesteryear and traveling comforts.

Some History of Mayne Island

Mayne Island is nestled among the Southern Gulf Islands in British Columbia's Georgia Strait about midway between Victoria and Vancouver, just below the 49th parallel. The island covers an area of approximately 25 square miles, and was named after Lieutenant Richard Mayne, who served aboard the H.M.S. Plumper during the 1850's. 

Canadian Pacific Railway Ferries originally stopped at Miners Bay in Active Pass, dating back to the early 1900s when Mayne Island became an important stop over point for miners traveling north from Victoria to the Fraser River and the Caribou gold rush. Later the ferry dock was moved to Village Bay, a "village" in name only. Miners Bay is actually the village, and the island's business centre, with many historical buildings and commercial outlets.

Several heritage buildings are also worth a visit: Plumper Pass museum, St. Mary Magdalene Church, and Active Pass light station. Across from the museum is the Agricultural Hall, built Ca. 1900 and the site of the oldest fall fair in the Gulf  Islands.

Today, Mayne is home to nearly 900 year-round residents. During the summer season, the population grows to around 3000. Most part-time residents have vacation homes here and many visitors stay in rented accommodations such as the Springwater Lodge. The island has  a health care centre, volunteer fire department, an elementary school with playground, public tennis courts, service station, ambulance service, post office, and a surprisingly large variety of businesses for a small island.

Home Page ~ Rooms ~ Menu ~ Travel  Links ~ Wildlife ~ Boating

For reservations or additional information please

Phone or Fax: 250.539.5521