Journey report by BestHike editor Rick McCharles
Saysutshun (Newcastle Island Marine) Park is a household pleasant journey, accessible solely by foot passenger ferry or your personal boat from Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada.
I put my bike on an intercity bus. Then rode the incredible Nanaimo bike trails to get to the ferry.
It’s a fast, scenic journey over to Saysutshun.
Many merely kayak over to the island. It’s fairly protected and secure.
I imagine it’s compulsory 😀 to take a photograph on the first totem pole.
There are a selection of trails to discover on foot and (some) on bike. I did each.
Most day trippers spend about 2 hours strolling the paths.
With frequent stops for pictures.
Surprisingly, coal was mined right here 1853 – 1882. Therefore the title, Newcastle.
The rocky shelf is ideal for exploration.
Most enjoyable for me was exploring a number of the boat wrecks at low tide.
As you may see 😀, I pushed this one boat again into the ocean.
Right here’s the one I’d wish to salvage. 😀
Click on PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
You’re virtually sure to see a number of the Nanaimo ferries.
Sandstone quarrying started on Newcastle Island 1869. There may be loads of proof of that stonework, even right this moment.
Fortunately, you may nonetheless see some enormous previous development timber.
I noticed many deer. Just a few rabbits. Not one of the worrisome racoons.
For the primary time at Saysutshun, I camped one evening.
18 walk-in campsites are situated in a quiet forested space a mere 5-minute stroll from the docks.
5 group campsites are additionally accessible that may accommodate as much as 50 company.
Potable water is on the market together with flush and pit bathrooms, sizzling showers, and meals lockers to guard your rations from native raccoons!
With no automobiles allowed on the island, the quiet is serene, with nothing however the sound of the ocean, birds and wind within the timber. And with no bears or cougars on the island, there may be little fear of any alarming wildlife encounters.
Websites can be found on a first-come first-served foundation, however reservations are extremely really useful.
Reservations may be made by means of the BC Parks on-line reservation system.
It took 3 tries and a couple of completely different e mail addresses to get my campsite booked. Additionally, you need to e-book at the least 48 hours prematurely.
The campsites weren’t full in early June. However group websites had been filled with college children. Having enjoyable.
I loved most biking and mountain climbing after the final ferry returned to Nanaimo. It’s very peaceable.
I extremely advocate you go to Saysutshun (Newcastle Island Marine) Park should you get to Nanaimo.
