Newcastle Island, now also called Saysutshun, can only be reached by boat. The foot passenger ferry leaves from Maffeo Sutton Park in Nanaimo and the crossing takes about 10 minutes.
The ferry from Maffeo Sutton Park
The park is just north of downtown Nanaimo, so the dock is an easy walk, bike ride or short taxi trip from most central hotels. BC Parks points visitors to newcastleisland.ca for current schedules and fares, and that site is the one to trust before you leave.
For the summer 2026 season the operator’s schedule shows departures from Nanaimo on the hour from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with return sailings from the island on the half hour starting at 9:15 a.m. Adult return fares were listed at $15, seniors at $12.50 and children 12 and under at $7, with small extra charges for pets and bikes. Dates and prices change between seasons, so confirm both and note the time of the last boat back before you go over. The BC Parks reservation call centre can also answer questions at 1-800-689-9025.
Arriving by your own boat
Private boaters can tie up at the wharf or anchor in Mark Bay, where the park maintains mooring buoys. BC Parks lists the nightly rates on its park page, so check it for current fees. Paddlers can cross from Nanaimo in a kayak, though the harbour carries ferry and boat traffic, so choose calm weather and watch for vessels.
On the island
The park has a trail network of about 22 km, swimming beaches at Kanaka Bay and near the ferry dock, and walk in campsites with flush toilets and showers. Camping is booked through BC Parks Reservations.
Bring water, snacks and layers for the day, and wear shoes meant for gravel and root covered trails. A rideshare or cab to the dock saves you from parking downtown. The Nanaimo taxi page lists local service, and the taxi fare estimator gives a rough fare from your hotel to the park.