Premier Listings for Newcastle Island Marine Park

Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park is situated in Nanaimo Harbour, immediately north of Nanaimo and just a few hundred metres offshore, beckoning visitors to pop over and explore.

Much evidence exists of at least two Coast Salish native villages that were abandoned on the island long before the discovery of coal in 1849. Their protected shell middens are still visible at Midden Bay.

Named after the British coal mining town, the island was mined at Tyne and Shaft Points from 1853 until 1883, while sandstone was quarried from 1869 to 1932. From 1911 to 1941, Japanese fisherman ran a herring saltery, as well as a shipyard and repair shop. The Newcastle saltery was one of the largest in British Columbia. They were expelled from the coast in 1941 when Japan entered the Second World War.

The Canadian Pacific Railways purchased the island and operated it as a pleasure resort from 1931 to 1955, building a dance pavilion, tea house and other facilities. The pavilion, located near the ferry dock, has now been restored and is used for cultural entertainment, displays, a restaurant and equipment rental. The remains of the sandstone quarry can also still be seen.

The 336-hectare park offers an island shoreline dominated by steep sandstone cliffs and ledges, punctuated by beaches. Caves and caverns exist along the shoreline and provide a marked contrast to the interior of the island, studded with Douglas fir, arbutus, Garry oak and dogwood trees.

Visitors can spend the day walking, hiking or cycling along an extensive trail system. A park interpreter is in attendance during the summer to provide visitor information and to interpret the Newcastle Island’s unique human and natural history. Check at the Pavilion or on information boards at the dock heads for the times of walks, talks and other program details. Interpretive signage is also located at various points of interest along the trails.

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Swimming, picnicking and wildlife viewing are favourite pastimes on Newcastle Island. The tidal stream is a favourite feeding ground for raccoon and river otter.

Explore the beaches, caves and bays or canoe around the shoreline.

The park is wheelchair accessible and has 18 walk-in campsites. These sites are located in the forest, approximately a 5-minute walk from the dock. Facilies include: toilets, showers, water, picnic areas and boat docking facilities. Open all year, fees are collected from April to October with full services, however during the winter months of November to March no services or facilities are available.

Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park is accessible by boat only. From downtown Nanaimo on Southern Vancouver Island, foot passengers can board the paddlewheel ferry at Maffeo Sutton Park for the 10-minute hop to Newcastle Island during summer. Water taxis can get you there during winter.

Nearby Regions & Towns

Park Notices

Premier Listings

Photo of Genoa Bay Marina
Genoa Bay Marina
Unit #1 5100 Genoa Bay Road Genoa Bay Duncan BC V9L 5Y8 Home Phone: 250-746-7621Home Fax: 250-746-7621Work Phone: 1-800-572-6481Visit Website

Biographical Info

Genoa Bay Marina offers lush tree-lined shores, towering vistas, and sheltered moorage. Our prices are affordable, and our services include Transient and Permanent Moorage, a General and Marine Store, Car and Video/DVD rental, Laundry, Showers and Washrooms, Fax service, Postal services, Internet and email access, and the Genoa Bay Cafe. Shipwright and Mechanical services are also available.

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Photo of Practicar Nanaimo
Practicar Nanaimo
111 South Terminal Avenue Nanaimo BC V9R 5C7 Home Phone: 250-753-6461Home Fax: 250-753-4355Work Phone: 1-888-296-8888Visit Website

Biographical Info

Practicar Nanaimo offers low rates on daily, weekly and monthly rentals for cars, passenger vans, and trucks; ferry and airport pick-up and delivery, cars also available in Parksville/Qualicum and Gabriola Island; no charge for additional drivers; minimum driver’s age 21; special packages, including self-drive vineyard tours, Tofino/Pacific Rim, Gulf Islands available.

Nanaimo is the Gateway to Vancouver Island, with convenient and frequent ferries from Vancouver as well as float plane service from both Vancouver airport and downtown Vancouver. Walk on – walk off – drive away – with Practicar rentals – free pickup at Departure Bay ferry terminal, and downtown Nanaimo float plane docks.

Practicar provides discount car rental prices with top of the line auto rental customer service. At Practicar we believe that cheap car rental can be accompanied with excellent service. With airport locations and convenient neighborhood locations Practicar strives to meet all of your car and truck rental needs; whether you are looking for airport car rental, an insurance replacement vehicle or a van or minivan to take on vacation. Drive a Good Bargain…Practicar!

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Photo of Classic Yacht Charters
Classic Yacht Charters
101 – 5170 Dunster Road Nanaimo BC V9T 6M4 Home Phone: 250-668-2220Visit Website

Biographical Info

Craving a change from the ‘everyday’? Dreaming of running away to sea? Welcome aboard our historical ‘Mission Ship’. Design your private voyage into BC’s coastal playground. Indulge your interests: fishing, clamming, rowing, kayaking, whale watching… Cruise in comfort and safety with our Coast Guard licensed Captain and crew. Discover how your chef turns meal times into taste extravaganzas.

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