Plan Saysutshun Newcastle Island Marine Park near Nanaimo with ferry access, 22 km of trails, walk-in camping, swimming, fishing, moorage, and cycling rules.
Saysutshun (Newcastle Island Marine) Park sits a few hundred metres offshore from Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. BC Parks says visitors can bring a private boat or take the 10-minute passenger ferry from Maffeo-Sutton Park to reach the island.
The park combines sandstone shorelines, sunny beaches, mature Douglas fir, Garry oak, arbutus, Big Leaf maple, and extensive cultural history.
Why Visit Saysutshun Newcastle Island Marine Park
Saysutshun is a compact island park with a wide range of services for a boat-access destination. BC Parks lists walk-in campsites, flush toilets, showers, group camping, group picnicking, and the Pavilion, which can be booked for events.
The island’s 22-kilometre trail system connects the dock, day-use area, beaches, and historic points. The official page notes Coast Salish village history, middens, later coal mining, sandstone quarrying, fish salting, shipyard activity, and resort use, making the park as much a cultural walk as a beach or camping trip.
Things To Do
Hike signed easy trails, swim at Kanaka Bay or east of the ferry docks, fish from the wharf with the right licence, join summer interpretive programs, cycle only on roads, camp, picnic, use mooring buoys, or tie up at the dock when space and fees allow.
Planning Notes
Shorelines may become unsafe or cut off during high tides and storms. BC Parks warns visitors to stay on designated trails and use caution because cougars may visit the island. Overnight vessel pull-out is allowed only on the south end near the ferry dock. Pets must be leashed and kept out of beach areas and park buildings, and e-bikes are not allowed on trails.