Ravens Nest

An amazing place to stay. The space provided includes a full bathroom, one bedroom, and two living areas. If you need more space or access to any other amenities please do not be afraid to ask. (eg more beds, a place to cook, a place to do laundry) Great access to walking trails, hiking, kayaking, swimming and beach combing. A 5 min drive or a 20 min walk will bring you to the arts and crafts studios, local shops, restaurants the liquor store and the local pub. As you drive through the woods 2 km to the top of Mount Parke, your body will begin to unwind and relax. Upon arriving at Raven's Nest you will immediately experience a sense of peace as you look out your window at a very beautiful view and the birds of prey flying by. After you have unpacked, take a walk out your front door into the forest. Listen carefully and you may hear, and or see, a Pileated Woodpecker or a Western Screech Owl in a nearby tree, or maybe an Osprey's young calling to their mother. If you walk a little further along the Mount Parke trail you may encounter a Black Tail or a Fallow group of deer. Once you reach the top of the ridge, take a second breath and take in the spectacular view! Look to the right and see how many of the Gulf Islands you can identify. Now look to the left and see which of the San Juan Islands you recognize. Look straight ahead and watch the ferries passing by on their way to Vancouver Island. Now, it's time to return to Raven's Nest. Pour yourself a glass of wine and sit in the living room and and watch the Bald Eagles soar or maybe you can spot a Turkey Vulture, Raven or a Cormorant. Take yourself outside with your glass of wine onto your private deck and look for an Orca, Humpback or maybe a Grey Whale passing through Active Pass, (look for the slew of whale boats). Rest, relax and enjoy! Feel free to explore our 16 acres of forest, and ask us about our trail markers! Minutes away from the designated Mount Parke trails up to the Hydro Tower or down to the Fernhill Road stores (books, antiques, clothing), and the Farm Gate Store, offering coffee and a wide variety of fresh and pre-packaged organic products. You can walk down our property trail, or a 10 minute drive, down to the Library, pub, Tru Value grocery store, shops, bakery or when in season, the renowned Mayne Island Market., (Saturday’s 10-2 May-Thanksgiving weekend). The Trading Post offers groceries, fresh baked goods and produce, and a great selection of wine, beer and liquor. There are three dining restaurants on Mayne. Das Nest, the Springwater Pub, and The Bennet Bay Bistro. This is located at the Mayne Island Inn and offers the closest thing to fine dining with a view and casual atmosphere. Give Pizza Chance offers a variety of freshly made pizzas from a food truck down near town/Miner’s Bay, (Th/F/S). We will be available for any questions or inquiries about the island. You can hike in four different directions right from our front door! Down the mountain on a rugged trail to town. Down the road, if you want a long stroll that is less strenuous, to town. Our favourite, up the back to the top of Mount Parke, to another spectacular panoramic view of other Gulf Islands and the San Juan Islands, along the ridge to the Communications tower and helicopter pad, and down the trail back to the house. Last, follow the designated park trails, Plumper Trail, down to the shops on Fernhill Road. There is actually a Mayne Island bus that will transport from the ferry or pick-up after a social function, for a donation. 1. Always RESERVE the Gulf Island ferry as a walking or driving on. It has become a very desired location for weekend getaways. It doesn't cost to reserve on the Gulf Islands. 2. People often pick up bits and pieces of the forest on their shoes and it would really help Patti and I with our cleaning, if people could take off their shoes at the door. Thank-you