A Historic Walk Through Nanaimo’s South End

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 Nanaimo’s South End; here you will learn more about the miners who lived here and helped create the city we know today.

The South End of Nanaimo is one of Nanaimo’s oldest neighbourhoods. Plenty of people from all walks of life have lived, worked, and played here. Now this neighbourhood lives in the shadow of the No. 1 Mine and Nanaimo's original industry.

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

Deverill Square / Princess Royal School

Located at 200-262 Irwin Street, this park was named after George Deverill, assistant manager of the Vancouver Coal Mining and Land Company. Princess Royal School was named after the ship that carried some of the earliest settlers to Nanaimo.

Provincial Government Mine Rescue Station

Nanaimo's coal mines were some of the most dangerous in the world. Located on 1009 Farquhar Street, this is where rescue teams received training.

Snuneymuwx Village

Before 1900, traditional cedar longhouses lined the shoreline; now it is the site of the IR#1 Town Reserve.

Rowe Residence

Located at 545 Haliburton Street, this was the house of Mary Ann Rowe, an astute businesswoman.

Hayes Residence

This simple bungalow was built in the early 1920s and is located on 703 Haliburton Street.

Haliburton Street Church

Located at 602 Haliburton Street, this former Methodist church was built in 1891 and still retains its original towers.

Hardcastle Residence

Home of painter Jack Hardcastle, known for his realistic paintings of sailing ships. This residence is at 602 Haliburton Street.

Haliburton Street Miners Cottage

This building, located at 111 Haliburton Street, is one of the earliest surviving examples of a miner's cottage in Nanaimo.

Jones Bevilockway Residence

Located at 55 Haliburton Street, this house is one of the oldest structures in Nanaimo.

Esplanade / Assembly Wharf

What is now an industrial zone was once the harbour and edge of Esplanade. Very little of the original shoreline remains at 9-125 Esplanade.

Young Residence

This late Victorian house, located on 102 Fry Street, was the home of union activity.

Robins Gardens

Located at 1150 Milton Street, this part of town had some of Nanaimo's most elegant homes; now all that remains are the gardens.

No.1 Mine Site and Memorial Plaque

Located at 1151 Milton Street, this plaque remembers the lives of 150 miners who died in the 1887 mine explosion.

Cavalsky House

Born in Denmark, Edward Cavalsky was well-known and loved in the community as an alderman. The Cavalsky house is located at 167 Irwin Street.

Want to Learn More?

This walk through time highlights the founding days of settlers in Nanaimo, their impact on the local community, and how it would shape Nanaimo’s future.

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!