Nanaimo Paddling

For some reason I always seem to be taking off far afield for adventures. With the nice weather lately we decided to do some exploring close to home. On the surface, Nanaimo is a bit of a sub-urban sprawl, development nightmare. But if you can get past that, there is some amazing natural places right in town.

Newcastle Island is a Provincial Park just off the Nanaimo Harbour, a few minutes from the house. We decided to take the canoe over there for a picnic, and picked up our friends Guy and Aia at Protection Island on the way.

Loading up the boat from the seawall

At the dock on Protection Island, looking back to the city

On the crossing to Newcastle Island

Leif beach-combing


Duke Point Ferry coming in


Inspired by our Newcastle adventure, we decided to get the canoe out again. Buttertubs Marsh is one of our favorite haunts. Last time we were there we noticed that the water level was pretty high, and could be a fun paddle. After dinner on Saturday, we headed out for a sunset paddle and explored the marsh.

Buttertubs Marsh


It was a great time to visit the marsh, as sll the birds were really active. We saw lots of swallows, and red-winged blackbirds are very common (and create quite an ambience with their calls). We also saw a heron, and an osprey which swooped in on the marsh, and looked like it grabbed a small chick of one of the nesting birds.




It was fun exploring little channels through the reeds. Nemiah had a blast with the cat tails.