The organizers have created a Komoot GPS route for you to either follow or use as a suggestion on how to get to our destination.
Click here for the Komoot GPS Route – >> KCC Swift Campout 2024 Route
- This event has passed.
Kissing Crows / Swift Industries Campout 2024 in British Columbia, Canada
June 22, 2024 - June 23, 2024
CA$30
Back at it again, folks!
The organizers have secured a new spot to camp at this year, and would love it if you would join for this year’s Campout Event.
The group will be visiting the beautiful Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) Marine Park, just off of Nanaimo, BC. Located just a short ferry ride away from Nanaimo, Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) is a family friendly park and is accessible from Maffeo Sutton Park, only by a foot passenger ferry/ boat. There are beautiful views of the Coastal Mountains and the Harbour City. On the island of Saysutshun there are opportunities for hiking and biking on many trails, and beaches to explore and take a refreshing swim from.
It’s the first time, so come along and explore with the group 🙂 This event has limited capacity and is first come, first served, so register now!
For the ride itself, you are welcome to join the organizers for a casual pace, guided effort. Or if you want to go with your own group, you can #sendit however you like and meet up with the main group at the ferry in Maffeo Sutton Park, so everyone can coordinate taking the ferry over together.
FAQ + Important Details:
A) When is the group ride leaving, and from where?
We will leave the shop promptly at 6:30am as we are aiming to catch the 9:05am ferry that takes us to Departure Bay. We will be leaving from the shop: 4562 Main Street
B) How many people can attend the event?
Another difference for this year is that there is a defined limit to how many people can be with the group. 47 participants can register for this year’s campout, and it is done on a first come – first serve basis. Once we fill it up, that’s it. So act quick! Registry is at the bottom of this page.
C) What does my sign up fee cover?
Your fee covers the cost of the campground and the passenger/bike ferry that takes us from Maffeo Sutton Park to Saysutshun (Newcastle Island). This does not include the cost of the BC Ferries ride that we are taking from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay. You will have to cover that separately, and it would be wise to grab a ticket for this ferry in advance. Fun fact! Saysutshun has no access for motor vehicles, so we will be camping in bliss knowing that not a single vehicle is in sight 🙂
D) How do I bring my bike on the ferry?
Bringing your bike on the ferry is super easy! For the BC Ferries sailing from Horseshoe Bay you will get an access code for the walk on ramp (you will be walking on the same ramp that the cars use to board) when you pay for your bike fare and the terminal staff will point you in the right direction.
E) What if I have an issue with my bike while on the ride?
All riders will be responsible to bring their own tools and supplies to be able to fix their own bike. The KCC Ride Staff will have tools and some supplies, and we will help you fix what needs to be fixed, but we can not carry everything applicable to be able to fix everyone’s bike. It would be wise to give your equipment a good look over before the trip, and if need be you can book a service appointment here ->> KCC Service Booking.
F) Is it ok if I roll up on my own, not with the group?
There is no obligation to ride together. You’re always more than welcome to go early, arrive late, take an alternate route- do what works best for you. Whatever you decide, due to arrangements we have made for the ferry, please be at the dock in Maffeo Sutton Park before 1pm, preferably earlier. This is only for June 22, our away trip. On the return trip you can float on out as you please 🙂 If you decide to take the short ferry over from Maffeo Sutton Park at a different time, at some point after Campout, please reach out to us and we will refund part of your registration fee that would of covered the ferry ride for you.
G) What should I do about food and water? Will there be resources along the way?
All riders will be responsible to bring water and snacks for the trek there, and back. Going there, we will be stopping at Thrifty Foods in Nanaimo, as a group, and will have 45 min here to load up on groceries. Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) Marine Park has cold water taps, so drinking water shouldn’t be an issue while in the park.
H) What resources are available at the campground, and what does the park offer?
Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) Marine Park is a provincial park and as such it has plenty of resources. There is running, potable water, coin operated hot showers, campfire rings and plenty of space to camp. If you would like to know more of the details about the park itself, click here – >> Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) Marine Park
Got more questions? Don’t know what to bring with you for the trip? Please reach out! Inquiries are best sent to [email protected]