Like many cities, Nanaimo has a rich and layered history, with stories buried beneath the streets and traces of the past woven throughout the city we know today. From historic buildings and heritage sites to city parks, memorials, and even ancient carvings, reminders of those who came before us can be found around every corner. Shaped by generations of Indigenous peoples, early settlers, industry, and community, the region's history runs deep, creating a unique history.

 

In this series, we take a look at Nanaimo’s past following the City of Nanaimo’s curated history tours. These tours are designed to give visitors and locals alike a chance to reflect and understand the story of our city.

 

Take a bike ride through time as we explore some of Nanaimo’s oldest neighbourhoods and city landmarks. With so many stories from the past, we can see how the city has progressed and view tangible reminders of our history as we explore some of Nanaimo’s heritage buildings and sites.

 

Please note that this list includes private residences. Please be respectful of those currently living there.

Two men sitting leaning on a tree with a bike.
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The Old City City covered area.
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Map of the bike ride through time tour.
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Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway Station

Built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1920, this station replaced the original 1886 one built by the E&N Railway. This station is located at 321 Selby Street.

Nob Hill Neighborhood

Nob Hill has a mix of many different types of homes, and many retain their original Victorian and Edwardian-era design

Chinatown

Firmly established in 1911, this community had a population of 1,200. However, by the early 1920s, this area's economic vitality waned until the area was destroyed by a fire in 1960. There is now a public art feature, “Lost Intersections,” installed where Chinatown used to stand.

South End Neighbourhood

One of Nanaimo's oldest neighbourhoods, many people who lived here worked in the No. 1 Mine during the 1860s.

Snuneymuxw First Nation

Nanaimo and the eastern parts of Vancouver Island are the ancestral home of the Snuneymuxw people. Here they gathered and hunted food in the winter and spring before migrating to the mainland in the summer.

Group of people getting ready to perform a drum in front of a large audience.
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Young women with traditional Snuneymuxw regalia, picture taken from behind, woman walking away
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Bastion

Located at 98 Front Street, the Bastion is the only known still-standing Hudson’s Bay Company bastion.

Great National Land Building

Built for the Bank of Commerce and located on 5-17 Church Street, this Classical Revival-style building symbolizes stability during a volatile time.

St. Paul’s Anglican Church

Located on 100 Chapel Street, this is one of the oldest continuously functioning parishes in British Columbia and is the only example of Gothic Revival in Nanaimo.

Industrial Heritage

Now part of Maffeo Sutton Park, the Nanaimo Foundry was established in 1888. The Foundry mainly catered to the marine, mining, and logging industries.

Newcastle Neighbourhood

During the early 20th century, Newcastle was Nanaimo’s most prestigious neighbourhood; many of these homes still stand.

Van Houten Residence

Located on 184 Mount Benson Street, this Craftsman bungalow was built in 1924.

Millstone River Sawmills

Created by the Hudson’s Bay Company in the 1850s, this mill operated until the 1930s.

Old City Neighbourhood

Nanaimo’s oldest residential neighbourhood was created in the 1860s to keep a comfortable distance from the commercial core.

A row of colourful buildings in the old city quarter

Want to Learn More?

Taking a bike ride through Nanaimo shows us the remaining physical history and lives of the people who resided here before us. We can see and learn how the city has changed and grown throughout time.

Want more information on these historic places? Check out the Nanaimo Heritage Walks Through Time list. You can also find more walks to take through historic Nanaimo!