Newcastle Island
Marine Provincial Park
A beautiful island near Nanaimo with amazing history! Learn about coal mines, explore walking trails, see wildlife, and discover stories from over 100 years ago. It's a fun place for families to explore!
A Place of Discovery
Nestled in Nanaimo Harbour on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island lies one of BC's most fascinating small islands.
First inhabited as a seasonal First Nations Village, Newcastle Island has enjoyed a varied and colourful history over the past 150 years.
At different times coal mines, sandstone quarries, herring salteries, and tourist facilities have dotted the island shoreline.
In the 1930s it was the prime recreational destination of Canadian Pacific Steamship cruises. It is now a BC Provincial Marine Park and easily accessible for all.
First Nations
Seasonal village for thousands of years
Industrial Era
Coal mining & sandstone quarries
Golden Age
1930s steamship tourism
Provincial Park
Protected since 1961
Historical Timeline
Trace the remarkable journey of Newcastle Island through centuries of transformation
1000s-1800s
First Nations Heritage
Coast Salish peoples, including the Snuneymuxw First Nation, used the island for thousands of years for fishing, gathering, and cultural ceremonies.
1850s-1880s
Sandstone Quarries
Sandstone quarrying operations began, with stone from Newcastle Island used in buildings across the Pacific Northwest.
1880s-1950s
Coal Mining Era
Extensive coal mining operations transformed the island. Mines and tunnels were excavated to extract valuable coal deposits.
1900s-1920s
Herring Salteries
Japanese herring saltery operations flourished on the island, processing massive catches from local waters.
1930s-1940s
CPR Steamship Era
Canadian Pacific Railway transformed Newcastle Island into a premier tourist destination with pavilion, dance hall, and ferry service for steamship passengers.
1959
Park Referendum
Nanaimo residents voted in favor of purchasing the island for $225,920 to create a public park, demonstrating community vision.
October 17, 1961
Class "A" Provincial Park
Newcastle Island officially became a Class "A" Provincial Park, ensuring permanent protection and public access.
1978-Present
Modern Conservation
Bill Merilees and BC Parks staff have protected and interpreted the island's natural and cultural heritage for generations of visitors.
Historical Eras
Four distinct chapters in the story of Newcastle Island
First Nations Heritage
For millennia, Coast Salish peoples used this island as a gathering place. Rich fishing grounds, sheltered bays, and abundant resources made it a vital part of their territory.
Industrial Era
Coal mines tunneled deep beneath the island while sandstone quarries shaped buildings across the region. The island's resources fueled BC's industrial growth through the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Golden Steamship Age
The 1930s brought glamorous transformation as Canadian Pacific Railway created a tourist paradise. Dance pavilion, tea house, and ferry service welcomed thousands of steamship passengers to this Pacific jewel.
Provincial Park Era
Since 1961, Newcastle Island has been preserved as a Class "A" Provincial Park. Today, visitors explore trails, discover history, and enjoy pristine natural beauty just minutes from Nanaimo.
🥾 Walking Paths
7.5 km of trails that go around the whole island - perfect for a family walk!
🏛️ Old Mining Sites
See where people dug for coal and rocks over 100 years ago
🌲 Nature & Animals
Beautiful beaches, forests, and chances to see birds and seals
Becoming a Park
How community vision transformed Newcastle Island into a protected provincial park
By the late 1950s, Newcastle Island's future hung in the balance. After decades as a bustling industrial site and tourist destination, the city faced a decision about the island's fate.
The city's financial plan was to borrow the money and pay off the loan over 20 years. If taken to term, the full cost to Nanaimo would amount to $225,920.
On December 17, 1959, Nanaimo voters were asked the crucial question: "Are you in favour of Newcastle Island being taken over by the Provincial Department of Recreation and Conservation and its dedication and development as a Provincial Park?"
The response was overwhelming: 1,300 "Yes" to 197 "No"—a resounding 86.8% in favour.
For the nominal price of one dollar and assumption of the mortgage, the province took possession of Newcastle Island on April 1, 1960. On October 17, 1961, Newcastle Island officially became a Class "A" Provincial Park.
While one of the first marine parks, Newcastle Island was not the first—that honour went to Montague Harbour on Galiano Island in 1959.
Dec 17, 1959
Community Referendum
$225,920
Purchase Price
Oct 17, 1961
Class "A" Park Status
Forever
Protected for All
The Park Today
The question of access from Nanaimo to Newcastle Island—whether by bridge (at a cost of $200,000 as promised by Westwood), tunnel, or ferry—has long been a local political issue. In 1995, a public advisory group to the master planning review process was unanimous in its resolve that, in order to maintain the park's environmental integrity, there should not be a bridge linking Newcastle Island to Nanaimo. This recommendation is now part of the park's access strategy.
Today, the focal point of Newcastle Island Provincial Marine Park remains the CPR Pavilion. An 18-unit campground, mooring facilities, a regular seasonal ferry service, and a well-maintained trail system ensure that the island continues its traditional role as Nanaimo's outdoor playground.
To those who take the time to explore it, Newcastle Island is a true gem. The whole island is now protected as a provincial marine park, and it displays appropriate symbols of its past history. Fortunately, the incursion of development (first for coal mining; then for quarrying; then for fish processing and boat building; then, finally, for recreation) have enhanced rather than diminished Newcastle Island's fascination.
Photo Gallery
Visual journey through Newcastle Island's history and beauty
Video Archives
Immerse yourself in the island's history through these captivating video documentaries
Kayak Adventures
Paddle Together, Succeed Together
Corporate team-building & wellness retreats on Newcastle Island. From boardroom to bay - unleash your team with unforgettable kayak adventures!
🌊 "Escape the Office Grind: Kayak Newcastle Island's Hidden Gems!"
🚣 "From Boardroom to Bay: Corporate Adventures That Bond and Recharge"
⛵ "Fold the Stress Away – Portable Paradise for Your Crew!"
🌲 "Innovate Like Oru, Adventure Like Pros – Portable Thrills for Corporate Chills"
Why Choose Our Kayak Retreats?
Build Stronger Teams
Paddling requires communication, trust, and coordination - perfect for team bonding
Nature-Based Wellness
Escape the office grind and recharge in pristine coastal wilderness
Leadership Development
Proven activities that build communication skills and leadership qualities
Easy Access
Just hours from Seattle & Vancouver - easier than flying to Hawaii!
Choose Your Adventure Package
Half-Day Team Builder
4 hours
From $89/person
- ✓Guided island tour
- ✓Team relay challenges
- ✓Communication & trust exercises
- ✓Professional photos included
- ✓Equipment & safety gear
Full-Day Corporate Retreat
8 hours
From $159/person
- ✓Morning paddle & island exploration
- ✓BBQ picnic lunch included
- ✓Scavenger hunt adventure
- ✓Leadership building activities
- ✓Sunset paddle session
Multi-Day Bonding Experience
2-3 days
From $349/person
- ✓Camping on Newcastle Island
- ✓Multiple guided paddle sessions
- ✓Team building workshops
- ✓Evening campfire & storytelling
- ✓All meals & camping gear included
Quick Access
Book Your Adventure
Scan to schedule your team retreat
Island Explorer
Scan to explore island history & plan
Share Your Adventure
Ready to Book Your Team Retreat?
Contact us to customize your perfect corporate kayak adventure. We work with tech companies from Seattle, Vancouver, and beyond!
Perfect for Seattle tech companies, Vancouver remote teams, and any crew wanting nature-based bonding!
How to Visit
Everything you need to know to visit Newcastle Island - it's easy!
How to Get There
Take a quick boat ride from downtown Nanaimo! The ferry leaves from Maffeo Sutton Park.
🚢 Ferry Info:
• Runs May through September (summer)
• Only 10 minutes to the island
• Small fee to ride
Important Info
📍 Where is it?
Just offshore from Nanaimo, British Columbia
🕐 When is it open?
Dawn to dusk (day-use park)
This means sunrise to sunset - no overnight visits without camping
Fun Things to Do
There's so much to explore and enjoy on the island!
Walking Trails
7.5 km of beautiful paths to explore
Beaches
Sandy beaches to play and relax
Camping
Sleep under the stars! (Need to walk in)
See Animals
Birds, seals, and other wildlife
Learn History
Old mines and quarries to discover
Picnic Time
Bring lunch and eat at tables with roofs
Helpful Links
Need Help? Contact Us
BC Parks can answer questions about camping, fees, and visiting the island
What Visitors Say 🌊50+ Five-Star Reviews
Real experiences from Jeff's Kayak & Bike Rentals