Paddle a sea kayak across to Newcastle Island — a car-free provincial park just minutes from downtown Nanaimo — and explore hidden coves, Indigenous middens, and old-growth shoreline with an expert paddling guide. Serene, exclusive, and utterly restorative.
What to expect
After a short skills briefing at the waterfront, you launch into Nanaimo Harbour and glide the few hundred metres to Newcastle Island's pristine coastline — a world away from the city buzz. Your guide narrates the island's layered history: Snuneymuxw First Nation heritage, 19th-century sandstone quarrying, and the elegant 1930s dance pavilion. You beach your kayak in a sheltered cove for a wilderness picnic, watching herons stalk the shallows. The return paddle is timed to the tide for an easy, scenic glide back.
Good to know
No kayaking experience necessary — guides tailor the pace to the group. Tours depart from the Nanaimo Waterfront, under 10 minutes' walk from the cruise terminal. A half-day tour (3–4 hours) fits comfortably within a typical port day. Book directly and request a guided cultural-ecology tour for the richest experience.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Nanaimo — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.