Nanaimo Bastion
A wooden octagonal bastion built by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1853, one of the oldest surviving structures of its kind on North America's west coast.
Nanaimo Bastion was built in 1853 by the Hudson's Bay Company to protect the coal-mining settlement that had just begun to grow. It is a three-storey octagonal structure made of logs and has never fired a shot in battle. It is among the best-preserved Hudson's Bay Company bastions still standing in North America. The bastion stands in the city centre beside the harbour walkway and is open to visitors in summer. Inside there is a small exhibition on the fur trade and early settlers. At midday, people in traditional costume often put on a cannon-firing demonstration. A visit takes only a short time, so it pairs well with the harbour walkway and the Nanaimo Museum.
Opening hours
Summer approx. 10:00 AM–3:00 PM (exterior visible other seasons)
Nearby sights
- Nanaimo Harbourfront Walkway
- Nanaimo Museum
- Dinghy Dock Pub (Protection Island)
- Saysutshun (Newcastle Island Marine) Provincial Park
- Petroglyph Provincial Park
- Gabriola Island & Malaspina Galleries
- Neck Point Park
- WildPlay Element Parks Nanaimo