Brief History of Nanaimo

Nanaimo’s history dates back to the early 1800’s as a trading post.  Of course the area had been settled long before then by the Snuneymuxw, but it wasn’t until 1849 that the Hudson’s Bay Company discovered the presence of coal in the area. In 1853 the Company built a fort known as the Nanaimo Bastion – which is still standing today.

One of the more memorable figures in Nanaimo is previous Mayor Frank J. Ney. Frank was infamous for dressing up as a pirate at public events which earned him the nickname “Pirate Frank”. 

Frank was instrumental in organizing the now world famous bathtub races, and a statue of him can be found at Swy-a-Lana lagoon on Nanaimo’s waterfront walkway.

If you would like to know more about Nanaimo’s history, consider taking one of the walking tours offered by www.tracksoutdooradventures.com, and don’t forget to book your room at the Howard Johnson Harbourside hotel which is just moments away from the beautiful waterfront walkway and historical downtown district.