26 | August | 2016 | EXPLORE NANAIMO

Hi guys – it’s Morgane again!

I wanted to blog about my most recent FAM tour, aboard the Shadowfax. What an amazing time I had with Captain Hans on the open sea! Vancouver Island Catamaran Sailing is owned and operated by Hans Bongarts who has been sailing for 37 years and loves to take his guests on adventures.

The Shadowfax is the vessel that Hans uses and it is a real beauty. She was made for gently sailing along the Pacific coast and is she also eco-friendly. This catamaran can hold up to 12 people comfortably as there is ample room on the large deck and netting area.

Hans is very accommodating with his tours and lets people choose where they want to sail, how long the tour will be and if there is a special event, he is more than happy to let you bring your own food, drinks or party supplies aboard. He will often combine sailing with Island and beach activities, BBQ’s, hiking and swimming.

Our little group started from the Waterfront Suites and Marina (where the Shadowfax makes her home) loaded with fruit, chocolate and of course a little vino! The sun was shining and although it was a little windy, the water was quite calm. I managed to score a spot on the netting in the front and take in some rays while Hans gave us a little history on Newcastle Island, which we were just passing.

Our trip took us around Newcastle and Protection Island as well as the downtown harbour. On the way we saw a few seals, lots of boats from all over B.C and the States as well as gorgeous views from all directions. At one point we encountered an area of water with bright orange piping around it and the mast of a ship sticking up from the water. Apparently, a boat had sunk in this area and now like the chalk outline of a dead body, the area was surrounded in order to keep people away from the tragedy. Okay, so I read a lot of crime books!

If you’re looking for a great way to see the Island, I highly recommend letting Captain Hans take you on a tour. Not only is he knowledgeable but he is very personable and seems to really love his job! Of course, what’s not to love about spending a sunny day on the sea with great company?! For more info, check out his website HERE.

Have fun out there!
~Morgane
info@tourismnanaimo.com
250-751-1556

Hey guys, Heather here!

Since I began working with Tourism Nanaimo at the beginning of the summer, I’ve been inspired to rediscover the Harbour City. After checking a few boxes off my list I decided I to go on a ‘re-adventure’, and do something I had not done since I was in grade 7… hike around Newcastle Island! I called my brother, my very first adventure buddy, to tell him the plan and he was eager to join me in reliving our youth.

Me and my brother!

The morning was a little gloomy but we made a pact that rain or shine this hike was happening, we did grow up on the ‘wet-coast’ right after all! We arrived early for the ferry (which runs every hour on the hour from Maffeo Sutton Park) so we walked the waterfront and grabbed a Nanaimo Bar latte from my favourite coffee shop, Javawocky. We made our way to the Newcastle Island ferry where we hopped on the Island Mist foot passenger ferry ($9 round trip adult fare, $6 for child and senior) and set sail on our 10 minute ocean cruise.

Getting ready to hop on the passenger ferry

We arrived on Newcastle Island and all my childhood memories came flooding back to me. The clubhouse still hosts interesting art pieces, the totem poles are still standing proud, the open campground and playground reminded me of why I loved this little island so much. My brother and I set out on our journey, first checking the map at the beginning of the trail to decide what our path would be.

We decided to stick to the perimeter path of the island, which is approximately 7.5 kilometers but there are several joining trails that allow other island adventurers to shorten or lengthen their hikes if they choose (the trails are suitable for all experience levels, including children, dogs and those on bikes).

The perimeter path follows the coast line of the island, providing stunning views of the Pacific Ocean while also catering to those seeking a more forested surrounding. I should also note that in addition to the breathtaking views, Newcastle Island is enriched in fascinating history and cool points of interest along the trails, such as the Giovando Lookout and the Sandstone Quarry.

I highly recommend leaving a few hours open to hike Newcastle Island. My brother and I kept finding ourselves running out to all the various lookout points, astonished every time at the beauty around us (we may have stopped to catch some Pokémon along the way). We even took a moment on one of the beaches to get our ‘Om’ on and reflect on how lucky we truly are to live in the Pacific North West.

We live here?!

We met a few people during our hike who frequently like to spend the day island hopping. They begin with hike around Newcastle Island and finish it off with lunch at the Dinghy Dock Pub on Protection Island. It’s a little know fact, but if your check with your ship’s captain, they may be able to drop you off at the pub for a small additional fee. Sounds like a pretty great way to spend a day if you ask me!