Departure Bay Beach Nanaimo BC Travel Guide

Departure Bay Beach in Nanaimo, BC is a must-visit destination for beach lovers. Located on the southeastern coast of Vancouver Island, it offers a unique blend of sandy shores and rugged coastline.

The beach is surrounded by a scenic park that's perfect for a family picnic or a relaxing walk. You can also explore the nearby Departure Bay Marina, where you can see boats and yachts docked.

One of the best things about Departure Bay Beach is its accessibility. The beach is easily accessible by car, and there's plenty of parking available. It's also a short walk from the nearby city center.

Be prepared for some crowds during peak summer months, but it's still a great spot to soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean views.

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Getting to Departure Bay Beach is relatively easy, especially if you're driving. From Nanaimo, it's a short 5.4 km drive that takes just 5 minutes.

To get there from Nanaimo, take Terminal Ave N and Departure Bay Rd, which will lead you straight to the beach. The route is straightforward, and you'll pass through some scenic areas along the way.

From downtown Nanaimo, drive northwest on Wallace St toward Wentworth St for 500 m before turning right onto Comox Rd. After that, follow the signs to Terminal Ave N/Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N.

If you're coming from Victoria, the fastest route is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N, which takes about an hour and a half. This route is a bit longer, but it's definitely worth it for the scenic views.

To get to Departure Bay Beach from Victoria, drive to the west on Pandora Ave toward Government St for 99 m before turning right onto Government St. From there, follow the signs to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and continue on the highway for about 110 km.

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Departure Bay Beach has a rich history that dates back to the early settlers, a First Nations community known as the Snuneymuxw, who have lived in the area for over 2000 years.

The Spanish were the first Europeans to explore the region, naming the area "BocasdeWinthuysen" between the 1770s and 1790s.

The native population called it "Stil'ilup", a name that reflects the area's deep cultural significance.

Departure Bay is framed by Vancouver Island to the west and Saysutshun, a provincial marine park, to the south-east.

The bay is also home to several smaller islands, including Jesse Island and the Brandon Islands, which have their own unique histories, with Brandon Island notable for its history of Japanese fish canneries and salteries.

Departure Bay is framed to the west by Vancouver Island. The bay is surrounded by a mix of land and water, with the "Departure Bay" neighbourhood making up most of its shores.

Saysutshun, a provincial marine park, is located to the south-east of the bay. It has a long history of mining, quarrying, herring salteries, and tourism.

Jesse Island, a small island with 9 acres of land, is situated near the northern shore of the bay. Brandon Islands, which include a smaller island, are also located nearby.

Brandon Island is notable for its history of Japanese fish canneries and salteries. Both Jesse Island and Brandon Island were named after sailors on HMS Virago in 1853.

Snake Island is located just outside the mouth of the bay. The north-eastern shoreline is referred to as Stephenson Point, named after Chief Constable Donald Stephenson.

The area that is now Departure Bay Beach has a rich history that spans over 2,000 years, with the Snuneymuxw First Nations community being the earliest settlers in the district.

The Spanish were the first outsiders to explore the region, with explorations taking place between the 1770s and 1790s.

The native population called this area "Stil'ilup", while the Spanish named it "Bocas de Winthuysen" in honor of a Spanish naval officer, Francisco de Eliza.

In 1852, the Hudson's Bay Company representatives gave the area its modern English name, "Departure Harbour."

Departure Bay Beach is a fantastic spot for outdoor enthusiasts. You can use winding trails, seaside lookouts, and birdwatching to enjoy the natural surroundings.

If you're a fan of ice sports, head to Third Street Park for a visit to the ice centre. Children have their own space in Mansfield Park, making it a great spot for families.

The best time to visit Departure Bay Beach for water sports is from June to September. Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities here, and you can also rent a boat, jet ski, or kayak to explore the area.

Wild-play Elements park is a great choice for a peaceful weekend getaway from the city. Located near the Nanaimo River and surrounded by the Vancouver Island forest, it's a perfect spot for meetings, events, and weddings.

If you're interested in history and culture, visit the Nanaimo Museum, one of the popular museums near Departure Bay. It's located in the heart of the "Hub City" with many wonderful activities, events, and attractions.