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Nanaimo Bay

Nanaimo is Vancouver island’s second biggest city, with a population of 76,000. The city was originally the site of five Native villages who called the gathering place "Snenymo" or "great and mighty people". The harbour was discovered by Spanish Captain Narvaez in 1791, and was visited a year later by Captain George Vancouver. The Hudson's Bay Company's discovery of coal in the area in 1851 helped the town grow quickly, and in 1874 it incorporated to become BC’s third oldest municipality.

The tiny community safeguarded itself against attack by building the Bastion in Nanaimo's boat basin. Completed in 1853, it served as a storage space, a defence arsenal, and a clerk's office. It was used for running the township, with cannons at the ready.

Unfortunately, in the 1930s, the importance of oil led to coal’s decline. In 1911 the Japanese established a settlement on Newcastle Island that included a successful ship building factory three herring salteries and a cannery, which packed salted herring for shipment to the Orient. A spectacular and controversial fire destroyed the settlement in 1960.

By 1938 mining was replaced by logging as the major industry in the region, and a pulp and paper mill was constructed near Duke Point,and Nanaimo's economy has since diversified evn further. Nanaimo is now known as the "Harbour City". With two dozen parks nestled around two harbours, the city has one of the most beautiful waterfronts in the country. The heavy industries that once dominated Nanaimo’s waterfront are moving to locations away from downtown.

Nanaimo is now known as the "Harbour City". With two dozen parks nestled around two harbours, the city has one of the most beautiful waterfronts in the country. The heavy industries that once dominated Nanaimo’s waterfront are moving to locations away from downtown. Highway 1 from Victoria leaves Vancouver Island at the northern end of the waterfront, to connect with BC Ferries to Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. You can also catch a ferry to Gabriola Island, which lies just offshore.

FoundLocally's Business listings for Nanaimo

Nanaimo Image Gallery

Nanaimo Attractions

Harbourside Walkway
This 4 km long walkway between Harbour Park Mall and Departure Bay Terminal gives views of Newcastle, Protection and Gabriola Islands. The walkway passes the Bastion and the Nanaimo District Museum as well as several park areas.

Nanaimo & District Centennial Museum
100 Cameron St
250-753-1821
Displays show the natural and human history of the Nanaimo area. There is a Coast Salish exhibit and diorama, a coal mine exhibit, and a social and economic timeline of Nanaimo. Outside in Piper’s Park, stand an authentic miner’s cottage and a restored 1890s locomotive. Open daily May - Sept, and Tuesday-Saturday the rest of the year from 10 am to 5 pm. The Bastion corner of Bastion and Front Streets Built in 1853 as a Hudson’s Bay Company Post, the Bastion is the oldest original freestanding building of its type in North America. Exhibits focus on early settlement in the area. Period-costumed staff and volunteers welcome visitors to the Bastion and at noon, the Noon Gun is discharged from Pioneer Waterfront Plaza, accompanied by bagpipes and highland dancing. Open from the May long weekend to Labour Day from 10 am to 4 pm.

The Bastion
corner of Bastion and Front Streets
250-754-1631
Housed in part of the original Hudson’s Bay Fort built in 1853, the oldest original one left standing in Canada. Exhibits focus on area life from 1850 to 1880. Period-costumed soldiers guard the Fort and at noon, the Noon Gun is discharged, accompanied by bagpipes and highland dancing. Open July & August.

Historic Buildings
around downtown
The Nanaimo Courthouse was built in 1896, the Palace Hotel in 1889, and Bygone Books in the 1911-vintage Dakin Building.

Newcastle Island
Take the paddlewheel passenger-ferry to the provincial park on Newscastle Island has 18 km of trails for cycling or walking. Swimming , bird watching and camping are also activities in this park.

Seaplane Terminal
at the north end of downtown
Along the walkway toward Fisherman’s Wharf. There is also Lighthouse Bistro, which looks like a lighthouse.

Vancouver Island Military Museum
Rutherford Village Mall
250-746-2554
This museum showcases Vancouver Island military traditions, open Monday to Saturday.