Newcastle Island Perhaps the most memorable place to experience Nanaimo’s beauty, history and culture all in one shot is on Newcastle Island. A 10-minute boat ride to this intriguing provincial park in the harbour transports visitors to another time and space. The first sign that things are different here: there aren’t any cars. The entire island is protected land traversed only by hikers and bikers. Trails lead to breathtaking beaches, through grassy meadows, and along shorelines dominated by steep sandstone cliffs and rocky caverns. A Storied Past Every inch of the island has a story to tell. Along hiking trails, interpretive signs and actual remnants of the past will give you a glimpse into the daily lives of Newcastle’s early residents. • See evidence of the two Salish First Nations villages. • Imagine underground workers in the 1850s coal mine at Shaft Point. • Stop by the old site of an early 1900s Japanese herring saltery. • Visit the island’s huge sandstone and pulp stone quarries that were active for more than 60 years. Even Newcastle’s visitor center and gift shop are historic. They’re housed in a 1930s dance pavilion, originally built by the Canadian Pacific Steamship Company when it purchased the island and re-introduced it as a pleasure resort destination. Here you’ll find more artifacts and historic photographs. Forested campsites are only a five-minute walk from the dock. Insider’s Tip Look for the rare blonde raccoon on the beach in the early morning or near campsites late night. Find purple martins atop the boat dock pilings. “VANCOUVER ISLAND’S PREMIER OUTDOOR STORES” KAYAK TOURS • RENTALS AND SALES • BIKE RENTALS ADVENTURE CENTER RETAIL CENTER SCHOONER COVE PORT ALBERNI 250-754-6626 250-760-0044 250-468-1859 250-723-2212 • • • • 1-866-765-2925 1-866-760-0011 1-866-468-1859 1-800-325-3921 www.albernioutpost.com www.tourismnanaimo.com For more info, check out 13