Parking in Nanaimo for paddle to Newcastle Island

  • This topic has 5 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 2 weeks, 3 days ago by Phyllis Mallett.
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  • September 3, 2026 at 10:17 am #28872
    Phyllis Mallett
    Participant

    Hello,

    I plan on arriving in Nanaimo by 1pm to paddle over to Newcastle Island.  I’ll be driving up from Victoria.

    Where is recommended parking and launching for this trip?

    Any others parking there around this time to paddle over with?

    Thank you,
    Phyllis.

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  • September 3, 2026 at 8:20 pm #28877
    Phyllis Mallett

    Thank you for the given information.

    Phyllis

    September 3, 2026 at 2:12 pm #28876
    Quirine Schuyff

    Brechin is most convenient for sure.

    September 3, 2026 at 11:41 am #28875
    George Prevost

    The Brechin Bay Boat Launch that Kevin mentioned in his reply is a great option.  The boat launch is a convenient start for a paddle over to Newcastle – it’s where you would put in if you’re wheeling on and off the Departure Bay/Horseshoe Bay ferry – and the parking lot is reserved for people using the boat launch.  The parking is cheap and there has always been lots of space available whenever we’ve been there, even on the Labour Day long weekend.  You can unload very close to the ramp and there’s a separate section just for kayaks so you don’t have to worry about competing with power boats.

    September 3, 2026 at 11:01 am #28874
    Jon Leighton

    I’m afraid I don’t know anything about parking in Nanaimo, but are you committed to taking your car?

    My perspective: everything is easier if you leave your car at Horseshoe bay and wheel the kayak on abd off.  It’s much cheaper, you don’t have to book and the put-in at Departure Bay is easy too.

    Jon

    September 3, 2026 at 10:36 am #28873
    Kevin Amos

    See details about Brechin Bay Boat Launch here
    https://www.nanaimo.ca/transportation-mobility/driving/parking/paid-parking

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