Local Beaches: Departure Bay Beach

Cultural Connections - Local Beaches 

Join Cultural Connections as we head outdoors and explore some of the most scenic and awe-inspiring, local beaches throughout the month of July. Unlike our Local Hikes series, this is all about staying put in one spot and truly relaxing! If you are looking for something more upbeat - feel free to grab a ball/frisbee from our sports bag and play a game with some new/old friends! Either way, you'll surely enjoy your time at the beach with your Cultural Connections team! 

Departure Bay Beach

Departure Bay is a rocky and sandy beach destination in the community of Nanaimo. Rolled out along the shoreline in Departure Bay is a long sandy and rocky beach. At high tide there is little beach to explore. At low tide the ocean receeds revealing a massive beach to explore with many species of marine life exposed like crabs, star fish, jelly fish and more. 

The beach is set in a horseshoe shaped cove surrounded by waterfront homes and high cliff banks. Activities enjoyed at the beach include swimming, beachcombing and sightseeing. The beach is also a beach launch site for kayakers looking to explore the coastline. 

There is parallel parking available on the street in front of the beach providing easy access to the shoreline via some stairs. On the high bank are some sightseeing benches, picnic tables and a section of grass where there are washrooms. 

Across the street from the beach are some shops serving coffee, ice cream and other goodies. - Eh Canada Travel

What to wear:

• Appropriate footwear for walking
• Summer clothing - light and breathable
• Hat
• Sunglasses

What to bring:

• Snacks 
• Water bottle 
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Bathing suit (if you wish to swim, you MUST know how to swim)
• Towel/beach blanket
• Garbage bag/bag to carry wet clothing items/towels
• Dry clothing for the bus
• Umbrella (for the beach)
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Any medication you may require
• A backpack to carry all your items

Meeting Location: 

VIU Building 255 Main Lobby 

Trip Includes:

Transportation to and from the beach, sports equipment, chill times

Policies, Health & Safety

We have an ongoing commitment to ensure the safety and quality of our trips, with trained and responsible student leaders, staff and community partners. Before you sign-up, please check out our policies & procedures for more information about how to prepare for a trip, as well as our cancellation policy.

How to Sign Up

Our activities are available to all current VIU Students. Sign up with us in person, next to the Front Reception Desk in the "Glassroom" on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12pm – 1:30pm in Building 255 - Second Floor.

You will need to have your:

1. Student card,
2. Proof of medical insurance (BC Care Card or Guard.me Insurance Policy)
3. Payment (cash is currently the only method of payment for activities)

Waiver Form

Please read our general waiver form for VIU group activities in the attachment section below. All participants are required to read and sign the waiver before the start of the trip. We will provide a paper copy for you to read through again and sign the morning of the trip.

Contact

Kelsey Moon – Activity Program Coordinator
Kelsey.moon@viu.ca
250-753-3245 x 2228