Nanaimo Museum
A city history museum in the centre of town that tells the stories of Indigenous culture, the rise and fall of coal mining and the Nanaimo bar.
The Nanaimo Museum is located in the downtown cultural centre building. It displays the history and crafts of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, the history of coal mining since the 19th century (including a mock mine tunnel you can walk through), the changes to Chinatown and the origins of the Nanaimo bar dessert. The exhibits are not large, but they are informative, and a visit takes about an hour. Admission costs about CA$2–3, which is very good value. In summer, the museum also oversees the opening of the bastion. It is about a five-minute walk from the harbour walkway.
Opening hours
Mon–Sat 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (may open daily in summer)
Nearby sights
- Nanaimo Bastion
- Nanaimo Harbourfront Walkway
- Dinghy Dock Pub (Protection Island)
- Petroglyph Provincial Park
- Saysutshun (Newcastle Island Marine) Provincial Park
- Gabriola Island & Malaspina Galleries
- Neck Point Park
- WildPlay Element Parks Nanaimo