This house is magical, unique, comfy, homey, and so much more. It felt like we were in a children's storybook and fairies would come out any moment! October was the perfect time of year for us. One being that it we were celebrating our wedding anniversary, but also because of the Fall season - leaves were changing, the mornings were very cool and dewy, and the temperature was just right. Everything even beyond the house on the island was lush! One of the things I really loved was a notebook that had letters to Alexis since January 2018. To read the previous guests letters and hear of their experience as it relates to yours was so sweet. We left our note on the last day of our stay and it definitely made our experience feel complete. We left this home feeling refreshed and renewed.
On another note, it is a little hard to find the house on your first or second day because the markings aren't clear, so be sure to ask Alexis for directions prior to arriving.
Tidbits to know when you are looking at booking dates:
1.) Check the ferry schedule the week before you leave because it will change! This happened to us after we made our travel plans a month in advance and had to change things around. Hopping between the islands is definitely an art. Also, be sure to arrive at least 30-45 minutes early to the ferry station. The ferries can only fit so many people/cars. We almost missed a ferry one day and were were frantic!
2.) Don't travel to Mayne Island later than mid-October if you are hoping to do more than just having home cooked meals. While visiting October 11-16, one of the local restaurants that is really popular there closed down that very weekend until the Spring. We didn't know this and missed our opportunity to visit there. Also, we visited a near by island called Salt Springs and we were eager to visit both of the wineries they had. One of them changed the open dates/times and were closed the only day we were on the island, which was a huge disappointment. The winery website and Google maps did not have this updated information listed. The other winery was thankful still open, however, they opened an hour later than expected because they too were changing their hours due to the season change.
So keep in mind that depending on the time of year you plan to travel to Mayne Island and surroundings islands, excluding Victoria & Vancouver, that places will shut down and/or reduce their hours because of the slower business and colder season.
3.) Rent a car. We could not have possibly explored anything on the island or other islands without a car. The islands do have car stops (signs throughout the islands similar to bus stop areas), like a hitchhiking service. We did not want to try using this system, even if the locals say it is ok. Our personal preference! We also did not want to risk using the service as there is never a guarantee someone will pick you up, take you to your desired destination, and at what time all of it will happen. We wanted a guarantee and that can only be achieved with a car.