Just 10 Minutes from Downtown Nanaimo: Discover Saysutshun

Just a 10-minute ferry ride from downtown Nanaimo, Saysutshun (Newcastle Island Provincial Park) feels like a full reset.

Stewarded by the Snuneymuxw First Nation, this peaceful island sanctuary invites you to slow down, explore with intention, and experience something a little deeper than your average day trip.

And while you could pop over for a few hours… we’d recommend staying longer. This is your guide to doing Saysutshun right. Wildlife sightings, coastal trails, paddling routes, and a night (or two) under the trees.

Let’s make it memorable.

Day 1

Morning

Start your day with a waterfront stroll and a strong coffee from Javawocky Coffee House because every good escape starts caffeinated.

From there, head to Maffeo Sutton Park and make your way to the Saysutshun ferry terminal.

The foot passenger-only ferry runs regularly throughout the day (roughly every 30 minutes), making it very easy to just… go. Reservations are recommended, especially in peak season, but if you’re more of a “let’s wing it” type, walk-ups are welcome.

Bringing your bike or your dog? Perfect. Pedal bikes and pups are welcome on board. Just note, motorized bikes, e-bikes, scooters, and similar are not permitted for safety reasons.

Afternoon

You’ve arrived. Now what? First things first, check in at the Pavilion, then head to your campsite and get settled.

No rush. This is the part where you slow down a bit.

Saysutshun offers 18 walk-in campsites tucked into a quiet forest just a five-minute walk from the dock, with a handful of oceanfront spots if you’re feeling lucky. There are also five group sites (yes, up to 50 people), so you can bring the whole crew if that’s your vibe.

You’ll find everything you need to stay comfortably off-grid: potable water, flush and pit toilets, hot showers, and food lockers. The local raccoons are friendly… but not that friendly.

Evening

Dinner plans? You’ve got options.

Go full classic with a camp cookout, or take the easy win and head to Trollers on Land. The island’s newest addition, it’s serving up fresh seafood, smoked meats, and comfort classics with views that do most of the heavy lifting.

After dinner, wander down to the shoreline and catch the sunset. No agenda, no rush, just the ocean, the sky, and maybe a few “okay wow” moments.

Then it’s back to camp, where the only thing on your to-do list is winding down and getting ready for tomorrow.

Day 2

Morning

Waking up on Saysutshun just hits different.

No alarms, no traffic, just the sound of the ocean, birds in the trees, and that “okay, I needed this” feeling. Sleeping under the stars tends to do that.

Ease into the day with a coffee and breakfast at your site. No rush. Remember, you’re on island time.

Afternoon

Time to explore.

Didn’t bring your gear? No problem. Jeff’s Kayak and Bike Rentals has you covered with bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, and even pedal boats. Basically everything you need to see the island from a different perspective.

Prefer to keep things a little slower? The trail network is right there waiting. Wander along coastal paths, loop through the forest, or find a quiet stretch of shoreline and stay awhile.

As you explore, take time to connect with the deeper story of the island. Saysutshun holds layers of history, from Snuneymuxw cultural teachings and the Hul’q’umi’num’ language to the sandstone quarries tied to Nanaimo’s coal mining past. It’s a place shaped by time, tradition, and resilience, something you feel more with every step.

Evening

Your last night on the island… make it count.

Go for one more walk along the shoreline, catch that golden hour glow, or head back to your favourite spot from yesterday. Maybe it’s another meal at Trollers on Land, or maybe it’s a simple dinner at camp. Either way, it’s hard to go wrong out here.

This is the kind of place that doesn’t need a packed itinerary. Just a little time, a little space, and a willingness to slow down.

Plan Your Visit

Close to the city, but grounded in something much deeper, Saysutshun offers a rare kind of escape, one shaped by nature, history, and care. However you spend your time here, it’s a place that invites you to move a little slower and leave a little more connected.