Newcastle Island
Newcastle Island
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
388 reviews
Excellent
263
Very good
100
Average
15
Poor
4
Terrible
6
Bonnie W
Calgary, Canada89 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
There’s a well defined trail the perimeter of the island. It’s shady and you often don’t see through the thicket of trees. You have to pre-buy your ticket for an assigned river taxi to take you to the island.
Who knew you could camp here? People parked their cars and brought on board the taxi their camping gear. This is tent camping and it looked like there were amenities for larger groups.
It’s not a difficult hike. It’s not even the most interesting. But it was a beautiful day on a Sunday where many other stores and places to visit are closed because of Sabbatb day observance or CoVid. It took us about 90 minutes and we didn’t have special
Footwear.
Who knew you could camp here? People parked their cars and brought on board the taxi their camping gear. This is tent camping and it looked like there were amenities for larger groups.
It’s not a difficult hike. It’s not even the most interesting. But it was a beautiful day on a Sunday where many other stores and places to visit are closed because of Sabbatb day observance or CoVid. It took us about 90 minutes and we didn’t have special
Footwear.
Written September 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon F
North Vancouver, Canada21 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
You can take a short ferry ride to Newcastle from downtown Nanaimo. Interesting sandstone rock formations, wildlife, and and easy walking trails make this a great day trip. There are campsites and a small cafeteria near the ferry dock. Return trips can require a short wait, since the foot passenger ferries have limited capacity.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
su j
23 contributions
May 2021
The best part for me was the small ferry boat ride across to Newcastle. Once there you can spend the day discovering the open waterfront or camp overnight in the treed area with full amenities. Bring your camera!
Written July 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Betty R
New Westminster, Canada89 contributions
Jun 2021
Only a short 10 minute ferry ride from Nanaimo and you are surrounded by nature. Most of the trails are shaded so even on a hot day it is a comfort hike. Along the shore trail there are a few little bays and beach areas where you can cool off and go for a swim. I was lucky enough to see three owls near Mallard Lake.
Written June 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marty Bielicki
Stuart, FL14,148 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
We were enamored with our first sojourn to this idyllic island back in 2010. We had to return. The $5 dollar round boat shuttle is the best deal in Canada. It only takes 10 minutes from the mainland.
Walking through the well-made trails with the huge Douglas Firs, Garry Oaks and Bigleaf Maple trees with vistas of the harbor and the Salish Sea leading out to the Strait of Georgia is riveting.
Most of the island is flat. There is one section along the Coastal Trail, though, with a small precipice of thirty feet or so where a sand stone quarry once was. Without a railing, my wife’s fear of heights did come into play.
One of the highlights was seeing a family of River Otter’s in a small bay. We made our hike all the way to Giovanni’s Overlook. Well worth a trek with a spectacular view towards the Strait of Georgia.
This Marine Provincial Park does provide camping, bathroom facilities, a swimming area, an eatery—where ice cream is sold-- and a large dance hall. Inside the hall are historical photographs about the history of this unique area. There is an extensive large field that could be used for soccer if you don’t mind stepping on goose droppings.
This island was sacred grounds of the First Nations tribe, a cannery for Japanese fisherman, coal quarry and a Pulp Stone Quarry. The sandstone was good quality to make giant wheel stones—known as Pulp Stones-- that would pulverize wood into paper. The Pulp Stone Quarry and several stones can still be viewed.
The $5 shuttle is available. There could be a wait for the shuttle, particularly during the height of summer season. You can also take your own kayak or boat over.
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Walking through the well-made trails with the huge Douglas Firs, Garry Oaks and Bigleaf Maple trees with vistas of the harbor and the Salish Sea leading out to the Strait of Georgia is riveting.
Most of the island is flat. There is one section along the Coastal Trail, though, with a small precipice of thirty feet or so where a sand stone quarry once was. Without a railing, my wife’s fear of heights did come into play.
One of the highlights was seeing a family of River Otter’s in a small bay. We made our hike all the way to Giovanni’s Overlook. Well worth a trek with a spectacular view towards the Strait of Georgia.
This Marine Provincial Park does provide camping, bathroom facilities, a swimming area, an eatery—where ice cream is sold-- and a large dance hall. Inside the hall are historical photographs about the history of this unique area. There is an extensive large field that could be used for soccer if you don’t mind stepping on goose droppings.
This island was sacred grounds of the First Nations tribe, a cannery for Japanese fisherman, coal quarry and a Pulp Stone Quarry. The sandstone was good quality to make giant wheel stones—known as Pulp Stones-- that would pulverize wood into paper. The Pulp Stone Quarry and several stones can still be viewed.
The $5 shuttle is available. There could be a wait for the shuttle, particularly during the height of summer season. You can also take your own kayak or boat over.
If you found this review “helpful” in any way, please press “LIKE” to let me know.
Written March 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gavin J
Victoria108 contributions
Sep 2016 • Family
One of the Best Kept secrets of Vancouver Island is the jewel of Nanaimo (and it needs em) Newcastle Island.
A short little boat ride (ten bux, ten minutes) takes you to Newcastle Island, a rocky little island in Nanaimo's harbour. By little I mean a decent sized island that will take you abou t 4 hours to walk around.
It's called Newcastle because it was determined after mining that it had 'the richest coal in Canada, comparable to the coal of Newcastle, England'. The miners went nuts and even dug tunnels under the ocean from the island to Nanaimo to move the coal. You are not allowed to go through these now of course, but you can find the tunnel entrances in the woods on Newcastle. After coal, the next Big Thing for Newcastle was to be granite. A granite quarry was set up to get the stone. Many of the big buildings on Vancouver Island were built with Newcastle stone. The quarry is still there, full of mill wheels, a gigantic mountain of them that you can climb, actually. The next Big Thing for Newcastle was a 1940's party zone. They built a huge dance hall, and would ship everyone over on Saturday nights for some crazy swing. The hall is still there, can be rented for weddings, and has ballroom dancing going on. The building also features a delicious burger joint. The Next Big Thing for Newcastle was as a campground. It is pretty much the only campground in BC where there are ZERO vehicles and so your kids can play and ride their bikes in complete safety. There are also herds of roving wild deer, and a pack of albino raccoons to steal your camping treats. There's also a ghost, at the sugar sand beautiful beach of Kanaka bay, where a local axe murderer was captured after having a disagreement with his wife whilst holding logging equipment. Finally, the sandstone beaches are constantly sculpted by the waves, producing some amazing formations, and at low tide you can walk across the mud to Protection island for an explore.
A short little boat ride (ten bux, ten minutes) takes you to Newcastle Island, a rocky little island in Nanaimo's harbour. By little I mean a decent sized island that will take you abou t 4 hours to walk around.
It's called Newcastle because it was determined after mining that it had 'the richest coal in Canada, comparable to the coal of Newcastle, England'. The miners went nuts and even dug tunnels under the ocean from the island to Nanaimo to move the coal. You are not allowed to go through these now of course, but you can find the tunnel entrances in the woods on Newcastle. After coal, the next Big Thing for Newcastle was to be granite. A granite quarry was set up to get the stone. Many of the big buildings on Vancouver Island were built with Newcastle stone. The quarry is still there, full of mill wheels, a gigantic mountain of them that you can climb, actually. The next Big Thing for Newcastle was a 1940's party zone. They built a huge dance hall, and would ship everyone over on Saturday nights for some crazy swing. The hall is still there, can be rented for weddings, and has ballroom dancing going on. The building also features a delicious burger joint. The Next Big Thing for Newcastle was as a campground. It is pretty much the only campground in BC where there are ZERO vehicles and so your kids can play and ride their bikes in complete safety. There are also herds of roving wild deer, and a pack of albino raccoons to steal your camping treats. There's also a ghost, at the sugar sand beautiful beach of Kanaka bay, where a local axe murderer was captured after having a disagreement with his wife whilst holding logging equipment. Finally, the sandstone beaches are constantly sculpted by the waves, producing some amazing formations, and at low tide you can walk across the mud to Protection island for an explore.
Written August 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve C
1 contribution
Jul 2016 • Friends
As a local, I am familiar with Newcastle, having visited and enjoyed this serene place many times in the past. I would highly recommend it to visitors and locals alike. However the rude treatment by the young woman working on July 2 was anything but serene. While standing on the dock, taking a picture of Newcastle and waiting for a companion, I was told this was a private dock. Unless I was buying a ticket I needed to leave immediately, she informed me. She certainly wasn't keen on letting me stand there and take a couple of pictures and she let me know it repeatedly for about 5 minutes while other customers waited in line for tickets. I finally left with my pictures -- and my money. The administrators of this 'service' may want to consider a friendlier ambassador for the front line of their very tourist driven business.
Written July 2, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ImpactMike
Nanaimo, Canada19 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
Newcastle Island is beautiful. I took a friend and my dog over there and enjoyed several hours of fun. My dog loved it and went for a few swims while there.
After the day and our ferry trip back I was told not to bring my dog again. Period. He did go swimming, and like most big dogs, did have that 'wet dog' smell. There were only two others on the ferry trip home and they played and patted him. I guess the captain doesn't like dogs or the smell of a wet dog and very, very rudely - in front of all the waiting passengers - told me not to bring him again, to leave him at home and that he smelled and made him sick.
They advertise that you can bring your dog, and charge an extra $2.00 for the privilege. Truthfully it ruined the memory of the day for me and for my friend that came with me. It's a good thing they don't charge extra for the ignorance of the staff.
After the day and our ferry trip back I was told not to bring my dog again. Period. He did go swimming, and like most big dogs, did have that 'wet dog' smell. There were only two others on the ferry trip home and they played and patted him. I guess the captain doesn't like dogs or the smell of a wet dog and very, very rudely - in front of all the waiting passengers - told me not to bring him again, to leave him at home and that he smelled and made him sick.
They advertise that you can bring your dog, and charge an extra $2.00 for the privilege. Truthfully it ruined the memory of the day for me and for my friend that came with me. It's a good thing they don't charge extra for the ignorance of the staff.
Written August 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lilybelle L
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada4 contributions
Jul 2011
I've been to Newcastle island 2 or 3 times and its a beautiful place to hike around, and in July the water was warm enough to swim in and sheltered from waves near the campgrounds.
We camped there with family the week of the bathtub races, yet it was very quiet on the island and the weather was perfect and sunny, only starting to rain as we packed up our tents on the 2nd day.
There were dozens of deer that grazed in the open fields near the campground, especially first thing in the morning and in the evening. Luckily there is a very large lockable box to store your food in at every camp site because we had a cute racoon nearby that wanted to mooch food once he realized the kids were dropping crumbs everywhere.
They also come around on a gocart and sell you firewood if you want to have a fire at your campsite which was nice, I think it was around $10 and was enough for 2 days of roasting marshmallows and weenies.
I'm not one for camping at places that don't have running water, I know, I'm a snob! Near the main entrance there is a brand new modern bathroom with showers and flushing toilets (you do have to pay to shower, it takes loonies for a few minutes of water which is enough to rinse the salt water off if you go swimming). They also have outhouses spread out near the camp sites, but I never bothered with those, lol. They have running water along the walking paths that is safe to drink as well.
Camping for a double spot for 2 days was only $46 with tax, so they have very affordable rates and you can book and pay online. The ferry ride cost $9 per adult and includes a token for the ride back to town when you're ready to go home. There is also pay parking at Maffeo Sutton Park near the ferry to Newcastle, or if you have someone to drop you off as we did you can save some extra money and not worry about leaving your car overnight.
There is food available at the main pavillion, BUT we had to wait over 30 mins each time, even if we just wanted to buy a drink, so I recommend packing your own food (we brought enough, but the kids wanted fries and icecream cones, etc)
Overall, its a very nice place to stay with lots of cool things to look at, the kids had a lot of fun swimming, exploring the limestone quarry and going for hikes.
There is technically no fee to go on the island for the day, however, unless you have your own boat you have to pay for the ferry ride over (and I imagine you may have to pay to dock a boat, but I don't know for sure).
Also, I think someone in a wheelchair could access the main paths as they are wide and smooth, and they do have accessible bathroom facilities. Where there may be some difficulty is getting on and off the ferry, so I would call the ferry service ahead of planning a trip (they have several boats that run at different times, and may have one that's easier to get on and off of)
We camped there with family the week of the bathtub races, yet it was very quiet on the island and the weather was perfect and sunny, only starting to rain as we packed up our tents on the 2nd day.
There were dozens of deer that grazed in the open fields near the campground, especially first thing in the morning and in the evening. Luckily there is a very large lockable box to store your food in at every camp site because we had a cute racoon nearby that wanted to mooch food once he realized the kids were dropping crumbs everywhere.
They also come around on a gocart and sell you firewood if you want to have a fire at your campsite which was nice, I think it was around $10 and was enough for 2 days of roasting marshmallows and weenies.
I'm not one for camping at places that don't have running water, I know, I'm a snob! Near the main entrance there is a brand new modern bathroom with showers and flushing toilets (you do have to pay to shower, it takes loonies for a few minutes of water which is enough to rinse the salt water off if you go swimming). They also have outhouses spread out near the camp sites, but I never bothered with those, lol. They have running water along the walking paths that is safe to drink as well.
Camping for a double spot for 2 days was only $46 with tax, so they have very affordable rates and you can book and pay online. The ferry ride cost $9 per adult and includes a token for the ride back to town when you're ready to go home. There is also pay parking at Maffeo Sutton Park near the ferry to Newcastle, or if you have someone to drop you off as we did you can save some extra money and not worry about leaving your car overnight.
There is food available at the main pavillion, BUT we had to wait over 30 mins each time, even if we just wanted to buy a drink, so I recommend packing your own food (we brought enough, but the kids wanted fries and icecream cones, etc)
Overall, its a very nice place to stay with lots of cool things to look at, the kids had a lot of fun swimming, exploring the limestone quarry and going for hikes.
There is technically no fee to go on the island for the day, however, unless you have your own boat you have to pay for the ferry ride over (and I imagine you may have to pay to dock a boat, but I don't know for sure).
Also, I think someone in a wheelchair could access the main paths as they are wide and smooth, and they do have accessible bathroom facilities. Where there may be some difficulty is getting on and off the ferry, so I would call the ferry service ahead of planning a trip (they have several boats that run at different times, and may have one that's easier to get on and off of)
Written January 22, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KurtSensei
Nanaimo, Canada213 contributions
Jun 2016 • Family
This island is a gem in our city,
It is a great place for a day visit, take an early ferry (10 minute ride) this hike around the island. The views are awesome and the island has some interesting history.
The hike is probably about 4 hours if you take your time so pack a lunch and picnic as you go. It is very dog friendly
If you want to camp it is a bit more challenging as you need to carry everything you wish to bring as you cannot just drive up to your site and open the trunk of your car.
When you are there keep your eyes open and see if you spot the albino racoons, there seem to be a number of them there,
Definitely one the must see places in Nanaimo
It is a great place for a day visit, take an early ferry (10 minute ride) this hike around the island. The views are awesome and the island has some interesting history.
The hike is probably about 4 hours if you take your time so pack a lunch and picnic as you go. It is very dog friendly
If you want to camp it is a bit more challenging as you need to carry everything you wish to bring as you cannot just drive up to your site and open the trunk of your car.
When you are there keep your eyes open and see if you spot the albino racoons, there seem to be a number of them there,
Definitely one the must see places in Nanaimo
Written January 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brian
Vancouver, Canada1 contribution
Is there an easy walk or transport for foot passengers from departure bay to the ferry to Newcastle?
VioletGiraffe
Comox Valley, Canada
Where can you park for overnight camping?
Gordon M
46 contributions
Since it is an island, it would be best to locate secure parking at someone's home and then get a ride down to the ferry dock.
sprus2018
Vancouver, Canada
Can you rent kayaks on Newcastle island?
Yes! You can call Jeff! He rents Kayaks and Bicycles! Good prices and extremely good service. Located in Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park Campground. Google Newcastle Island kayak and bike rental for phone number, or show up and look for the bikes and kayaks.
Evelyn A
Calgary, Canada4 contributions
Is there swimming beaches for young ones? Or a sandy beach?
Ann N
Nanaimo, Canada16 contributions
Yes, there are several good beaches for swimming, one near the ferry dock with expansive lawns leading down to it as well as a children’s playground. Further around the island is Kanaka Bay which is a little more private and also has great swimming, particularly when the tide has come up over the warm sand.
Rainingrox
Vancouver Island, Canada18 contributions
Is there drinking water now (mid March) on the island? I’m concerned they shut off the tap during winter.
Victoria S
Ottawa, Canada9 contributions
Where can you rent kayaks to paddle over to Newcastle?
keith and sandr... H
Nanaimo, Canada15 contributions
LADYSMITH - Sea Legs Lady 250-245-4096 for enting Kayaks
Can I bring my dog?
freedom06
Vancouver Island, Canada120 contributions
Yes! They have a sign as you get off the boat saying dogs must be leashed but we saw a few dogs enjoying a dip in the water and hiking with their owners off leash once you get away from the launching area. There has been a dog on the ferry every time we have gone.
stacyleigh68
Port Alberni, Canada7 contributions
where can I rent a kayak to go to Newcastle island
Sue W
Surrey7 contributions
Hmmm, I'm sure there is a rental place close to the little ferry in the maraina somewhere, I see people kayaking all the time, but I'm not sure. We actually have joined a women's kayaking class to Newcastle Is. with Albernie Outpost, Nanaimo, they bring their kayaks when you register with them for set dates/times and give great instruction. Maybe give them a call and see what they suggest?
Newcastle Island (Nanaimo) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Newcastle Island
- Restaurants near Newcastle Island:
- (0.27 mi) Dinghy Dock Pub & Floating Restaurant
- (0.84 mi) The View Oceanside Grill
- (1.28 mi) Asteras Greek Taverna
- (0.99 mi) The Nest Bistro
- (1.16 mi) Gabriel's Gourmet Cafe
Newcastle Island Information
Excellent Reviews | 263 |
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Very Good Reviews | 100 |
Newcastle Island Photos | 206 |