Nanaimo, Newcastle and Protection Island - June 11 2026 - Linda Watson

7 paddlers launched at Brechin Boat Ramp in Nanaimo just before 10 am on Thursday, June 10th and paddled 10 km around Newcastle and Protection Islands. The weather was favourable with sunny skies, albeit a little more wind and wave action was encountered than predicted on the west side of Newcastle.

Being the seasoned paddlers that we were a little chop, chop didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of the group. We stopped at Smuggler’s Cove on Protection Island for a short break and then continued on to Newcastle Island where we had lunch. The beautiful south and west coastline of Newcastle with its’ interesting sandstone creations never cease to amaze and are a definite contrast to the heavily populated Protection Island “cottages” and the Nanaimo city high rise buildings. There was lots of “action” in the harbour with B.C. ferries, float plans, barges and sailboats. Everyone was respectful in sharing this beautiful water and we returned to Brechin Boat Launch without incident at approximately 1:30 pm.
A good paddle! Thanks to everyone for pitching in and helping with loading and unloading boats.