Newcastle Island became a Provincial Marine Park in 1961, when the nearby City of Nanaimo granted it to the Province of British Columbia after having acquired the island from the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1955. Situated in Nanaimo Harbour within sight of both Vancouver Island and the towering Coastal Mountains of the Lower Mainland, Newcastle Island possesses a rich natural and cultural history that makes it one of the most intriguing provincial parks in British Columbia.
The island's shoreline is dominated by steep sandstone cliffs and ledges that are punctuated by sandy gravel beaches. Caverns abound along the shoreline, providing an appealing contrast to the undulating upland that is studded with Douglas-fir, Arbutus, Garry Oak and Dogwood trees.
Visitors to Newcastle Island can choose from an extensive network of walking/hiking trails that lead to various historic points around the island. Middens offer mute evidence of at least two Snuneymuxw villages, which existed for several thousands of years prior to Europeans introduction to coal in the area in 1949. Subsequent decades saw the island's fortunes rise and fall as it went through various incarnations while supporting a fish-salting operation, a sandstone quarry and a shipyard.
In 1931 the Canadian Pacific Steamship Company purchased the island and operated it as a pleasure resort, building a dance pavilion which included a teahouse, picnic areas, change houses, a soccer field and a wading pool. An old ship was tied to the dock at Mark Bay and served as a floating hotel. The island became very popular for company picnics and Sunday outings, with ships from Vancouver bringing as many as 1,500 people at a time. Today it is enjoyed by many for its history, culture & outdoor activities.
Newcastle Island, a haven in the harbour.
The island's shoreline is dominated by steep sandstone cliffs and ledges that are punctuated by sandy gravel beaches. Caverns abound along the shoreline, providing an appealing contrast to the undulating upland that is studded with Douglas-fir, Arbutus, Garry Oak and Dogwood trees.
Visitors to Newcastle Island can choose from an extensive network of walking/hiking trails that lead to various historic points around the island. Middens offer mute evidence of at least two Snuneymuxw villages, which existed for several thousands of years prior to Europeans introduction to coal in the area in 1949. Subsequent decades saw the island's fortunes rise and fall as it went through various incarnations while supporting a fish-salting operation, a sandstone quarry and a shipyard.
In 1931 the Canadian Pacific Steamship Company purchased the island and operated it as a pleasure resort, building a dance pavilion which included a teahouse, picnic areas, change houses, a soccer field and a wading pool. An old ship was tied to the dock at Mark Bay and served as a floating hotel. The island became very popular for company picnics and Sunday outings, with ships from Vancouver bringing as many as 1,500 people at a time. Today it is enjoyed by many for its history, culture & outdoor activities.
Newcastle Island, a haven in the harbour.