Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Nanaimo Museum
In the heart of downtown, the
Nanaimo Museum
(100 Museum Way, 250/753-1821,
10am-5pm daily in summer, 10am-5pm Mon.-Sat. the rest of the year, adult $2, senior
$1.75, child $0.75) is a modern facility showcasing local and island history. Walk around
the outside to appreciate harbor, city, and mountain views, as well as replica petroglyphs
of animals, humans, and spiritual creatures. Then allow at least an hour for wandering
through the displays inside, which focus on life in early Nanaimo and include topics such
asgeology,nativepeoples,pioneers,andlocalsportingheroes.Anexhibitonthecoal-min-
ing days features a realistic coal mine from the 1850s. Don't miss the impressive native
carvings by James Dick.
The Bastion
Overlooking the harbor at the junction of Bastion and Front Streets, and totally rebuilt in
2010, stands the Bastion, a well-protected fort built in 1853 by the Hudson's Bay Com-
pany to protect employees and their families against an attack by natives. Originally used
asacompanyoffice,arsenal,andsupplyhouse,todaytheforthousesthe
Bastion Museum
(250/753-1821, 10am-4pm daily June-Aug., donation). For the benefit of tourists, a group
of local university students dressed in appropriate gunnery uniforms and led by a piper
parades down Bastion Street daily at 11:45am in summer. The parade ends at the Bastion,
wherethethreecannonsarefiredoutoverthewater.It'stheonlyceremonialcannonfiring
west of Ontario. For a good vantage point, be there early.
