Landmark
Nanaimo Bastion
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The Nanaimo Bastion is a distinctive octagonal wooden fortification built in 1853 by the Hudson's Bay Company to protect the coal-mining settlement. It is one of only two surviving bastions of its kind in North America. Now a museum, the bastion stands on the waterfront in downtown Nanaimo, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's early days as a Hudson's Bay Company outpost and coal port. Inside, exhibits include period artifacts, a cannon that is fired daily during summer, and displays on the lives of Indigenous peoples, miners, and traders. The bastion is a National Historic Site and a beloved local landmark.
Don't miss
- Watch the daily cannon firing at noon during July and August, a tradition that dates back to the bastion's original use.
- Climb to the upper floors to see the original wooden construction and the views of the harbor.
- Explore the exhibits on the coal mining industry and the role of the Hudson's Bay Company in Nanaimo's development.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Nanaimo Bastion
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
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