2024: Newcastle Island - Nanaimo BC
Nanaimo is a major city and a transition point in the Pacific Northwest. It is located at the top of the Gulf Islands. Boating north, until this point, has been an enchanting trip through protected waters that surround and course through closely packed islands. The interplay of clouds, sea, winds, currents, forests of lush green and wildlife make for a tranquil journey.
As the tide recedes tide pools can be accessed along the shoreline
North of Nanaimo, harsher conditions will be encountered. Stretches of open water will be traversed. Wind and current have longer fetches to work their magic. Additionally, the winds and currents are likely to create a beam sea if you are crossing the Strait. The Pacific winds are channeled through low terrain to blow forcefully as you pass Qualicum Beach. Whiskey Gulf area, a torpedo test range, located in the Strait of Georgia, must be avoided if it is active. Ports, which offer comforting shelter are further apart. These challenges will increase the smart mariner's planning efforts so good, well informed decisions can be made about routes and timing of travel.
Amy Marie in Marks Bay
Nanaimo is a good place to linger and prepare the what is ahead. We have found Newcastle Island, located just a half mile offshore from Nanaimo, to be a good spot to linger, re-provision, fuel, and do homework for the next leg north. The entire island is a Provincial Park. It reminds us of Angel Island in our home waters of San Francisco Bay. Marks Bay is full of mooring buoys, There is a dinghy dock to get to shore, and the island has camping, beaches, kayak rentals, a food concession, and miles of hiking trails. Adjacent to Newcastle is Possession Island. At low tide, you can walk between the two.
Dinghy Dock Pub as seen from Protection Island
Heading in for Lunch
Possession Island has the only floating Pub in Canada. It is accessed by boat, dinghy or shuttle boat from Nanaimo. Their food is good and the prices are reasonable. From their deck or dining room you can watch seaplanes and ferries come and go as this is a transportation hub for the mid portion of Vancouver Island.
While waiting for a suitable weather window to head north to Desolation Sound or east to the mainland, a healthy diversion is hiking on Newcastle Island's many trails. We saw deer, bald eagles, otters, and tide pools as we circled the island. Hiking is a good method to build an appetite prior to visiting the Dinghy Dock Pub! Your hike will also take you through areas that harken back to the early exploitation of natural resources. Island sandstone was quarried and manufactured into mill stones and coal was extracted for local use.
This eagle was harvesting grass and carrying it to it's nest
Cautions
- If you approach Nanaimo from the south, read the guidebooks on how to select the best time to transit Dodd Narrows. Currents can be quite high during tide changes.
- When transiting Nanaimo Harbor on both the south and north end of Newcastle Island there are BOTH busy seaplane and ferry terminals. Insure you are giving them right of way. Seaplane landing zones are marked with buoys and some will flash when a plane is landing or departing.
Resources
- Newcastle Provincial Park
- Additional Information on Newcastle Marine Park
- Even More Tourist Information for Newcastle Island
- Coal Mines in the Nanaimo Area
- Nanaimo Tourism Information
Voyage Log
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