Protection (or pirate) Island is a one and half kilometre paddle or short ferry ride from Nanaimo’s Departure Bay. The Mayor of Nanaimo, Mr. Frank James Ney was quite a character and “pirate themed” the roads and parks in his twenty one years in office.
Aptly named “Gallows Point”, “Blackbeard Park” and “Hidden Treasure Park” are excellent for picnics, views and walks on the beach. Seaside homes ring the island and self-contained cabins or rooms are available on Airbnb. It is best to find a place that provides access to kayaks or a small boat, as that will give you the freedom to explore the surrounding foreshores by sea.
The sunsets and views are spectacular, from the lights of Nanaimo and out into the wild Salish Sea.
If you time the tides right, you can cross the seafloor on foot to Newcastle Island, a Marine Provincial Park since 1961.
Newcastle is fringed by Arbutus and Oak trees, with dozens of trails criss-crossing the center. A ten kilometre shoreline trail makes a great running loop, with abundant visible and curious wildlife.
There are no shops on Protection Island so bring food and drinks. The “Dinghy Dock” pub has meals and cold beer but is not always open.
On the way stop in Nanaimo. Make your way to the Crow and Gate pub for a delicious lunch of pan fried oysters! This is a traditional English pub, with a manicured garden and a roaring fire. The B.C. wine selection, excellent beers on tap and fantastic menu makes this a very pleasant place to wile away the afternoon.
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