NANAIMO, BC CULTURE
Nanaimo's name is derived from the Coast Salish word "Snuneymuxw",
which means 'great and mighty people.' White settlers adapted the word to
Nanaimo. The Hudson's Bay Company discovered coal deposits in the area in the
mid 1800's. The Company needed workers to mine the rich deposits, and they placed
notices in British newspapers in the spring of 1854. Twenty-four English and Scottish
families responded and traveled to Nanaimo by steamship.
To
protect Nanaimo a Bastion Fort was constructed in Nanaimo's boat basin. "Bastion"
served as storage, defense arsenal and clerk's office for running the township,
with cannons at the ready. The fort has since been renovated and transformed into
a museum, and it gives great insight into the way of life a century ago.
Asian residents were also a big part of the early history of Nanaimo. In 1911 the
Japanese established a settlement on Newcastle Island that included a successful
ship building factory, herring salteries and a cannery. The salted herring was packed
in large pine boxes and shipped across the Pacific. A number of Chinese migrants
created their own community in the heart of the city at the turn of the century.
In 1960, the Chinese community was destroyed by a spectacular and controversial
fire.
By 1938 Nanaimo's mining industry was replaced by logging as the major industry
in the region, and a pulp and paper mill was constructed near Duke Point. Nanaimo
now has a diversified economy which includes fish farming and research facilities,
leading-edge technology industries and Malaspina university-college.
Nanaimo is one of the most beautiful front cities on the West Coast. Nanaimo is
one of the transfer points as there is easy access to Nanaimo from Vancouver via
BC Ferries. Nanaimo has an incredible volume of shopping opportunities. Scenic beauty
can be found along the shoreline and inland surrounding the city. The city is full
of parks and has one of the finest wave pools anywhere. Must sees are the native
petroglyphs, Newcastle Island Provincial Park, the only floating pub in Canada -
Dinghy Dock, the Museum and Bastion (fort) and the Malaspina Galleries on Gabriola
Island. Nanaimo is a launch pad to the rest of beautiful Vancouver Island. Experience
the variety of activities available in Nanaimo or the incredible outdoor opportunities.
Don't bypass this city and all it has to offer.
THINGS TO DO IN NANAIMO, BC
Take
the heritage walking tour that takes you to the buildings and places that have shaped
the city of Nanaimo. Markers, plaques and wall mountings give detailed descriptions
of the historic value of the stops along the way. Explore grant nineteenth century
architecture, railroad and coal connections and more.
The Nanaimo District Museum has superb displays of First Nations artifacts and crafts,
tour through old-time Nanaimo and the short-lived Chinatown and walk through a life-like
replica of a coal mine. Outside is an authentic miner's cottage and railway engine.
Check out the noon-hour cannon firings at the Bastion Fort, the red pagoda memorial
to Nanaimo's Chinese pioneers near Departure Bay ferry terminal and the Vancouver
Island Military Museum in Rutherford Mall.
For something unique try Bungy Jumping at the "Bungy Jumping Zone" just
south of the city on the Nanaimo River or check out the first nation petroglyphs
at Petroglyph Park on the south end of Nanaimo.
Nanaimo has it all: heritage attractions, a burgeoning arts and culture scene and
a myriad of recreational activities to suit every budget. Try diving, kayaking,
sailing, swimming, play tennis, soccer, hockey, enjoy curling, bowling, golfing,
cycling, camping and wild life watching and more.. Nanaimo has numerous parks and
hiking trails around the city. Visit Fisherman's Wharf to buy fresh seafood or shop
in the downtown boutiques. Nanaimo is a vibrant city with lots to do and see.