In Nanaimo harbour are 2 small islands. Protection Island which has about 350 permanent residents and the uninhabited Saysutshun Newcastle Island which is a Provincial BC Marine Park. It was originally a migratory stopover for the Snuneymuxw people who would live there during the herring migration months
We drove to downtown Nanaimo and parked in a municipal lot – $4 for 6 hours, very reasonable. We then hopped on a water taxi for the short 7 minute ride to the island for $8 return. It would be possible to canoe or kayak to the island, but it is a busy channel with boats and sea planes, and the day we went the water was pretty choppy. As we hopped on board we were informed that a young black bear had been swimming to the island regularly and to keep an eye out.
Springtime Babies 
Crossing Strait of Georgia to the Mainland 
BC Ferries Terminal
On the island there are several great swimming bays, picnic areas, and camping. At the ferry dock there is also (May – Sep), a concession stand, bike and kayak rentals, and there are buildings that can be rented for events. Several walking trails traverse the island. We hiked around the entire island staying on the outermost trails which was about a 10 km. trek. The trails took us along the Strait of Georgia with great views of the snowy mountains on the mainland. As we neared Departure Bay we saw a container ship at the mouth of the bay awaiting it’s turn either to load or unload, and 4 BC ferries passed by. Walking back around to the harbour are several large marinas, BC Ferry docks, and seaplane terminals. The trails are all well mapped out along the way.
The island’s history is evident in many places: Mine shafts from coal mining and bits of foundations from buildings can be found here and there. A side trail leads to an old sandstone quarry with an interesting history which is displayed on a poster.
The story of the quarry.
2 sandstone columns intended for the San Frnacisco mint in 1872 were salvaged from the sunken Zephyr 115 years after she sank and were brought back to the island. The columns weighed 40 tons.
Near the water taxi dock is displayed another example of the island history. A bunch of very large grinding stones sit on the ground – leftovers from the pulpstone quarry days.
Back on the water taxi we were informed the black bear had once again swam back to the mainland -one of the ferries had to wait in the channel until it got to shore. Wildlife officers are now tracking it and hope to capture and relocate the bear to a safer area.