The Nanaimo Bastion est. 1853
The Nanaimo Bastion is arguably the most recognizable symbol of
Nanaimo and one of the oldest buildings in British Columbia.
The Bastion is actually North America’s last original free-standing
Hudson's Bay Company outpost. What's really interesting though is that
it's been moved not once, but twice since it was built. As the
downtown core grew and land was bought and sold, it was decided to
move the sturdy little fort instead of tearing it down.
Most Hudson’s Bay Company Forts were established for fur trading for
the European market, but in Nanaimo the Company built the Bastion to
serve as a company office, arsenal and storage facility, and in the
event of enemy insurgency, a safe haven for miners and their families.
It is the only known Hudson’s Bay Company fort that focused primarily
on coal mining rather than fur trading. Not far from the Bastion is an
authentic cannon that is fired everyday at noon between the Victoria
Day long weekend in May through to Labour Day in September.
