When: August 30, 2019 until September 2, 2019
Newcastle Island Marine Park is a short paddle away from the Nanaimo Departure Bay ferry terminal. There is no car access to the park. The island has a sandy, gentle shoreline – perfect for kayaks. There are many options for day paddles and hikes around the island so it makes for an interesting weekend. Visitors enjoy the history aspect (quarry, small dam, herring/salmon saltery). Day paddles, depending on weather, include the Malaspina Galleries (beautiful sandstone formation on Gabriola), Piper’s Lagoon & Neck Point north of Departure Bay and the islands in front of Departure Bay. There is a pub on nearby Protection Island.
The club has booked a group site for this weekend. Update: Spots have opened up for this trip – register asap!
The camping area has a lot of space and amenities for groups including sheltered cooking, eating and socializing areas, and showers.
Day paddles and hikes will be held informally. All participants will be encouraged to play a part in making it a great event. There will be no formal trip leaders for this gathering.
Things to be aware of: the resident raccoons and lots of boat traffic in the area.
Cost: $28 per person for the weekend. This covers the campsite fee. Participants provide their own food. There will be a potluck night.
Requirements: You must be an intermediate level paddler and have practiced a self or assisted rescue within the past year to attend. Equipment: A sea kayak that can be packed with gear, flotation and a sprayskirt. Wetsuit or drysuit.
Getting there: One can easily get to Newcastle Island without taking a car from the Lower Mainland by walking on at the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal using wheels. This beats most of the long weekend reservation/booking problems. Parking at the Horseshoe Bay Lions Club parking lot is recommended. Newcastle Island Marine Park is a 40 minute paddle away from the launch at Departure Bay. There is also the option of driving onto the ferry and leaving your car at Brechin Boat launch or Maffeo Sutton Park ( details here – scroll down to the bottom).
Participants will be encouraged to coordinate travel in small groups.
Newcastle Island
Nanaimo, BC
- Tracey Pham
- Jayne Hardy
- Marina Gilson
- Debra Stokes
- Nick Heath
- Darlene Heath
- Lorraine Sharpsteen
- Alice Wong
- George Prevost
- Thom Harvey Kline
- Sue Johnson
- David Murray
- Kevin Hall
- Jennifer Illsley-Hall
- Cameron Redenbach
- Allan Edwin
Spaces Available: 4
Sign up:
By signing up I understand that per club policy I am responsible for having the skills, health, ability and equipment to participate safely in the activity. I also understand that I am responsible for notifying the organizer about any physical or mental impairment or medical condition that could interfere with my ability to participate fully in the activity and/or create a safety concern for the group.Don't see the form or payment button? Make sure you are logged in and have renewed your membership so that you can book this event.