This is actually a set of rocky islets called the Hudson Rocks, with the biggest one called Fiver Finger Island. They're about 1.5km off the coast of Nanaimo, adjacent to Pipers Lagoon and Stephenson Point. You see them on your right before entering Departure Bay, when you arrive on the ferry (not to be confused with Jesse Island and Brandon Islands that are actually within the bay).
Closest to the shore are the five smaller islets, called Hudson Rocks (it's a tiny ecological reserve). Then Five Finger Island is a little farther out.
These rocks are beautiful and desolate, with interesting stuff washed ashore. And tons of birds - you can see the big white stains of their poop from miles away! A lot of seals congregate here, too, lying on pebbly beaches and rushing into the water when humans approach.
Harbour seals
Large groups of the Pacific common seal hang out at the Five Finger group (as with nearby Snake Island).
These cute, furry creatures are loathed by commercial fishermen. The seals will often follow the boats, taking bites from the hooked/netted salmon and cod. But if you're not relying on fish for your living, you will probably agree that these are some of the cutest mammals around.
These islands are great places to clamber around on the rocks. However, there may be some prohibition regarding going ashore at the group of smaller islands. They appear on maps as the Hudson Rocks Ecological Reserve, "established to protect a nationally significant breeding population of pelagic cormorants".
They're also very accessible. There are two boat ramps within range (Brechin ramp, 3.9km from the islands; or Lagoon Rd at Pipers Lagoon, 2.8km), and a canoe/kayaker can easily launch from Pipers Lagoon (Place Rd, 1.3km).
Location of the Islands
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