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Park · Nanaimo, British Columbia
Saysutshun (Newcastle Island)
Island in Nanaimo harbour protected as a provincial park and jointly managed with the Snuneymuxw, a few minutes by boat from downtown. It has coastal trails, beaches, a lake and remains of former mines and quarries.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Saysutshun (Newcastle Island)
Saysutshun is the small island opposite downtown Nanaimo, also known as Newcastle Island. Saysutshun is the name used by the Snuneymuxw, who had villages on the island and fished for herring there at the end of winter. The park is managed by the Snuneymuxw in partnership with the provincial parks agency and the city.
The island preserves several layers of history: coal mines opened from 1852, sandstone quarries that supplied stone for provincial buildings, fish-salting operations run by Japanese-Canadian families, and an old 1930s seaside resort whose pavilion has been restored. Since the 1960s it has been a provincial park, with no cars.
Trails cross the forest and follow the coast, with pebble beaches, viewpoints over the strait and Mallard Lake, an old reservoir now used for birdwatching. There are picnic and camping areas.
Access is by passenger-only boat that departs from Maffeo Sutton Park in downtown, a crossing of about ten minutes, with frequent departures from May to September; outside that period the island is reached by private boats or water taxi. Confirm before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day; a full day for the coastal trail and beaches.
Best time
May to September, when the passenger boat has frequent departures and days are drier.
How to get there
By passenger boat from Maffeo Sutton Park in downtown Nanaimo, about a ten-minute crossing. No cars are allowed on the island.
Tip
Bring water and snacks and wear trail shoes: the coastal circuit takes several hours.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Saysutshun (Newcastle Island)
How do you get to Saysutshun Island?
By passenger boat from Maffeo Sutton Park in downtown Nanaimo, in about ten minutes. Departures are frequent from May to September. Check before you go.
What is there to do on Saysutshun?
Walk the forest and coastal trails, see the old sandstone quarries, Mallard Lake and the beaches facing the strait, picnic or camp.
Why is the island called Saysutshun?
It’s the name used by the Snuneymuxw, Nanaimo’s First Nation, who had villages on the island. The park is managed by them in partnership with the provincial parks authority.