A Historic Walk Through Nanaimo’s Nob Hill and Chinatown

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 walk through time in Nanaimo’s Nob Hill and Chinatown. Here you will find a variety of different historic buildings and sights. Ranging from 1852 to 1949, see how styles come and go on this short walk. 

During the late 19th century, Nob Hill was a prestigious residential area, often home to talented carpenters, coal mine owners, and blacksmiths. Now, this neighbourhood is known for its Victorian and Edwardian houses. A few blocks down, you’ll find the location where Nanaimo’s Third Chinatown used to stand. This was a lively area of Chinese immigrants and Chinese-Canadians before it was burned down in 1960. Now there is a public art feature, “Lost Intersections,” installed where Chinatown used to stand.

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

Nob Hill Park:

Located at 400 Milford Crescent, Nob Hill Park was planned out in 1863. This park remains original to its plan over 150 years later, with an updated playground. 

Provincial Liquor Store

Built in 1949 by the provincial government on 25 Cavan Street, this is one of two known surviving buildings of Architect Lord Wilfred Hargreaves. 

Cavan Street Coal Seam

Located at 95 Cavan Street, this coal seam represents the seams mined from 1852 to 1953 in Nanaimo.

Fire Hall #2

Built in 1893 on 34 Nicol Street, this building is known for its Victorian Italianate style.

McRae Residence

Built by Malcolm McRae in 1901 on 98 Victoria Road, this charming Victorian-era home is one of the earliest homes that remain from this era.

Sullivan Residence

Located at 673 Selby Street, this 1890s residence is a rare surviving Queen-Anne-style building.

Beck Residence

This Craftsman-style bungalow, located on 610 Selby Street, was built in 1921.

Harrison Residence

Built in 1892, this residence is located on 546 Prideaux Street and is an example of Late Victorian Eclectic architecture. This residence was also a maternity hospital.

Jones Residence

This sophisticated Craftsman-style residence was built in 1907 and is located on 639 Prideaux Street

Dykes Residence

Located on 639 Kennedy Street, this tall structure was built in 1904.

Pargeter Residence

Built in 1913, this is a prime example of World War I-era Craftsman bungalow architecture. At the front of this residence, on 536 Kennedy Street, are two of Nanaimo's largest Chilean Pines.

York Residence

Located in Chinatown on 908 Hecate Street, this was the home of Charlie York, a local merchant from Canton, China. This residence was built in 1948 and was influenced by the Streamline Moderne style.

Nanaimo's Chinatown

Firmly established in 1911, this community had a population of 1,500. However, by the early 1920s, this area's economic vitality waned until the area was destroyed by a fire in 1960.

Want to Learn More?

From Nob Hill’s prestigious Victorian homes to the remains of Nanaimo Third Chinatown, there is plenty to see and learn about in this walk through 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!