Saysutshun (Newcastle Island Marine) Provincial Park

Saysutshun

A car-free island opposite Nanaimo's harbour, with a loop trail, beaches and Indigenous heritage sites; reached in 10 minutes by small ferry.

Newcastle Island (Indigenous name: Saysutshun) lies directly opposite Nanaimo Harbour. It is the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. In the 19th century it was a coal mine and sandstone quarry; in the 1920s and 1930s the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) developed it into a holiday island. Today it is a provincial marine park where motor vehicles are banned. The loop trail is about 7.5 km and passes sea cliffs, beaches, old quarries and a 1931 dance pavilion. A small seasonal ferry from Maffeo Sutton Park takes about 10 minutes (round trip about CAD 15 to 20), or you can paddle a kayak across. The island has campsites and a small café, and in summer there are Indigenous cultural tours.

Opening hours

All day (ferry approx. May–Oct, 09:00 to evening)

Island · Hiking · Indigenous culture

Nearby sights

• Dinghy Dock Pub (Protection Island)
• Nanaimo Harbourfront Walkway
• Nanaimo Bastion
• Nanaimo Museum
• Petroglyph Provincial Park
• Neck Point Park
• Gabriola Island & Malaspina Galleries
• WildPlay Element Parks Nanaimo

Places to eat nearby

• The View Oceanside Grill
• Asteras Greek Taverna
• Mahle House Restaurant
• Nori Japanese

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