Island hop around Nanaimo for fall rejuvenation
Nanaimo, BC/ Snuneymuxw First Nation Where else can you run around an entire island in one morning? Or paddle around an island in one afternoon? There is something about going from one island to another—certainly unlike any resort destination you might have visited in the past.
Why? Because where else can you base yourself in a serious city like Nanaimo, full of funky shops and stellar live music options, but then island hop for a bike, a run or simply some picnic time.
By the time you return, it feels like you have had a vacation within your vacation.
It's as simple as taking the water taxi over to Saysutshun Island (formerly Newcastle Island). Whether it's an 11km run/walk, or a perfect 22km paddle, it's time well spent.
For the Snuneymuxw First Nation who call this Island and the area around Nanaimo home, "Saysutshun (say-shut-sun) means healing and rejuvenation," explains Nadine Rigsby, one of the island's caretakers.
Rejuvenation, healing on Saysutshun Island
For the Nation, Saysutshun was traditionally a place to come for healing. Rigbsy explains, "If someone were in grief, they would be sent here to walk around the island to fix their heart and shed their tears. They go home a lot more whole."
"There's something about this land that does that," says Rigsby. "We're a first-class, 363-hectare park, hidden in plain sight."
You can't miss the view when you are walking through Downtown Nanaimo's Maffeo Sutton Park. Hidden in plain sight, as Rigbsy describes, is a seven-minute, $15 return ferry that will take you right from the park over to the island.
Skip the resort town for the real scene
Enjoy island hopping, entertainment and culture in Naniamo
Making the trek from the big island of Vancouver Island to this tiny island—home to only a handful of caretakers and 22 kilometers of hiking and biking trails—will transform your coastal experience.
From the early life of the island under Snuneymuxw stewardship, through decades of industrial development, to its current protected status as a marine park and Indigenous cultural site, there is a wealth of education to uncover here about Nanaimo's Island history.
"Saysutshun is our traditional territory and sacred to our people, holding our history, culture and way of life," explains Snuneymuxw First Nation Chief Mike Wyse.
Saysutshun 411
- The dog-friendly, Saysutshun passenger ferry runs regularly through October 13, 2025. You can book it in advance via their website or arrive on site with cash or credit card.
- Tourism Nanaimo helps you make your plan here
- Through September the island offers bike, SUP and kayak rentals (closing for the season September 28). Since September weather can be unpredictable, it's best to call a day in advance to confirm operations: 250.674.7313
- Designated bike trails can be found around the island (six kilometers worth), with hiking, walking or running paths that take you 11 kilometers around the entire island.
- The on-island Saysutshun Concession operates seasonally (closing September 13 for the season) or pack a picnic by stocking up at the Cedar and/or Island Roots Farmers Market; check Tourism Nanaimo's event calendar for times.
While on Saysutshun, you'll find history lessons and wildlife surrounding you at every turn, whether that is diving deeper into its First Nation heritage, or the industrial and tourism history dating back to when steamships would bring Vancouverites here in the 1930s.
If you are into wildlife viewing, you’ve found your new sweet spot. The island is home to over a dozen types of birds, with marine mammals including orcas and humpback whales and keep your eyes peeled for the golden-white coat of the Spirit Racoon, who can often be spotted on the beach at dawn or dusk as they search for food.
When you Go
Getting to Nanaimo
- Hullo Ferries offers daily pedestrian service from Downtown Vancouver to Downtown Nanaimo.
- Or hop a 20 min flight from Downtown Vancouver to Nanaimo's Downtown Harbour via Harbour Air.
- Of course, BC Ferries offers passenger and car service leaving West Vancouver's Horseshoe Bay on the daily.
More things to do in Nanaimo
Further your mental benefits, pairing your Saysutshun day trip with time at the Nanaimo Jazz Festival happening through September as featured recently on FestivalSeekers.
Gabriola Island’s Thanksgiving Studio Tour (happening Oct 11-13) is the last weekend of the Saysutshun passenger ferry service and it’s easy to pair ‘em both up for a proper island-hopping long weekend, say basing yourself on Gabriola or at any of Nanaimo’s various accommodation offers.
Considering these unique fall island & cultural experiences, I think you'd agree, Nanaimo is not a resort town; you'll find a roundup of adventures to be had here.
Let us know what you discover on your island-hopping adventure, feature the hashtags #explorenanaimo and #zenseekers in your social media posts so we can engage with you.