Newcastle Island - A West Coast Jewel
by Mark Corbett
On the surface, Newcastle Island appears to be a mostly undisturbed
and relatively pristine provincial marine park. This island paradise,
which protects Nanaimo’s harbour, is comprised of shoreline cliffs,
sandy gravel beaches, cave systems, a sparkling lake as well as
arbutus, Douglas fir and Garry oak trees which cover most of the
island. As a wilderness retreat, wildlife abounds with white tailed
deer, rare blonde raccoons, great blue herons, bald eagles and river
otters to name only a few of the island’s spectacular natural
inhabitants.
Under the surface, however, Newcastle Island is riddled with tell-tale
signs of an extraordinary past. Named after England’s coal city,
Newcastle-on-the-Tyne, it has a rich and colorful history.
There is evidence of two Coast Salish Indian villages that were
deserted before 1853, the year coal mining started on the island. In
the past 150 years, Newcastle has seen not only coal mines, but
sandstone quarries, herring salteries and tourist activities as well.
Sandstone was quarried from 1869 to 1932, and until 1945, a Japanese
fishing company had a saltery and shipyard on the west side of the
island.
Newcastle Island was purchased in 1931 by the Canadian Pacific
Steamship Company, which operated it as a resort and built a dance
pavilion, tea house, picnic areas, change houses and a soccer field
while using an old ship as a floating hotel. The company sometimes
brought as many as 1,500 visitors at a time from Vancouver for company
picnics and Sunday outings.
Today you’ll find playing fields, hiking trails, camping and picnic
sites, a concession stand, a restored historic pavilion for dances and
entertainment, playgrounds and summertime interpretive sessions for
children as well as anyone else wanting to know more about the park,
its flora, fauna and history.
For those who want to camp, there are 18 tent sites available with
incredible views of the Strait of Georgia. Toilets, wood and water are
all nearby. Group camping facilities may also be reserved.
Hiking trails provide access to all areas of the island with
designated bike trails for those on two wheels. To explore the island
on your own, try taking the seven kilometre Shoreline Trail where
you’ll find interpretive signs with notes and maps indicating natural
and historical points of interest. Keep an eye out for the many
species of wildlife mentioned earlier, especially Newcastle’s blonde
raccoons, a unique breed that lacks the gene to produce dark
coloration.
Newcastle Island is only accessible by personal watercraft or by the
Newcastle foot-passenger ferry. It operates during the summer months
from Maffeo-Sutton Park along downtown Nanaimo’s world-class seawall.
Berthing facilities and anchorage are available at Newcastle Island
where you’ll find 1,500 feet of moorage available on a first-come,
first-served basis. Most spaces are geared for smaller boats, but
there are a few slips that can handle boats up to 45 feet. Stays at
the dock are limited to 14 days a year.
Newcastle Island, and the marine environment which surrounds it, is
proliferated with marvelous natural wonders and rewarding activities
for the whole family. There is a concession located in the park where
visitors can rent recreational equipment, and fishing, boating and
kayaking opportunities are extensive.
Newcastle Island is a much-celebrated and historically significant
Provincial Marine Park and one of the most fascinating small islands
on the West Coast.
