Local History The Otter in Nanaimo Harbour circa 1890. Nanaimo’s first residents, more than 2,000 years ago, were the Snuneymuxw (Snuh-NAY-moo) Coast Salish people. Along this stretch of sheltered coastline they found natural beauty and abundant resources. But it was the discovery of rich coal deposits here that would put Nanaimo on the map in the mid 1800s. Droves of workers and their families arrived by steamship to work in the mines and build a new life in this Hudson’s Bay Company settlement. Nanaimo’s early residents left behind countless reminders of their daily lives and events. Here’s how to explore that fascinating past. First Nations life – See artifacts and crafts at the new Nanaimo Museum or in galleries and shops on Bastion Street. Find petroglyphs on the rocky terrain of Petroglyph Provincial Park. Coal mining – Touch a seam of coal in the exposed rock face on Cavan Street. See mining artifacts at the new Nanaimo Museum. Settlement beginnings – Tour Nanaimo’s oldest building, the Bastion, and watch the historic cannons fire daily at noon in the summer. Learn about early businesses and heritage homes on a walking tour. Self-guided tour brochures are at the Visitor Centre, downtown and various recreational facilities. Maritime heritage – Climb the harbourfront staircase designed as a replica of the 1854 Princess Royal’s mast, and imagine sailing and steam ships arriving from around the world.Visit Newcastle Island Provincial Park and spot evidence of boat-building and herring salteries. Quarrying & forestry – See the Newcastle Island quarry where 8,000 tons of sandstone were extracted to build the San Francisco Mint. West Coast forestry mills relied on the quarry’s stones to grind woodchips into pulp for paper. Insider’s Tip The only place to see remains of the coal mining industry on Vancouver Island is at Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park – 7 km (4 mi) south of Nanaimo off Hwy. 1 – where a concrete headframe stands. Fast Facts • Nanaimo has had four Chinatowns since the 1860s. • Nanaimo’s last active coal mine closed in 1987. • The Nanaimo Museum celebrates its 40th anniversary as it relocates to the new Vancouver Island Conference Centre this summer. www.tourismnanaimo.com 37