Photo of rare white raccoon by Gary Appleton

Welcome to Saysutshun/Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park in Snuneymuxw traditional territories.

A delightful island off the coast of Nanaimo’s downtown and the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, Saysutshun is only accessible via passenger ferry or boat. The ferry runs seasonally between Maffeo Sutton Park and Saysutshun. For dates and times of operation, check the website. Alternatively, first come, first serve moorage is available year-round if you have your own vessel. Saysutshun can be easily reached by paddle power, too; it is popular with kayakers and canoeists. There’s also a fully licensed bistro with a delicious, locally inspired menu if you choose not to pack your own picnic!

On the island, you can find plenty of fantastic spots for tent camping. There are 18 walk-in sites and five group sites that can accommodate up to 50 people, and sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Potable water, flush and pit toilets, hot showers and food lockers are all available on Saysutshun, and since there aren’t any bears or cougars, you can enjoy your encounters with nature without worry. Campers should be mindful of locking up all food when they’re not using it, however, as there’s quite a large raccoon population on the island keen to dig into unattended snacks.

Experience Snuneymuxw’s culturally rich history, hearing the sacred stories directly from Knowledge Keepers. Saysutshun is a spiritual place to the Snuneymuxw People, that held village sites and provided rich natural resources for countless generations. A Marine Provincial Park since 1961 with a long history of Snuneymuxw presence, coal mining, sandstone quarries, herring fisheries and more, Saysutshun is managed by Snuneymuxw First Nation in partnership with BC Parks and the City of Nanaimo.