The Bastion, Nanaimo

The Nanaimo Bastion is the most endearing symbol of the Harbour City. It is a well-loved monument to the pioneering spirit of this community and it turned an amazing 150 years old in 2003!

As the guardian of this former Hudson’s Bay Company outpost, built in 1853, Nanaimo District Museum is showcasing a unique celebration that will highlight its prominent place in Nanaimo’s colourful history.

The Year of the Bastion, as proclaimed by Nanaimo City Council in 2003, not only payed tribute to North America’s last free standing, original HBC Bastion, it also recognized the people and organizations that  fought to preserve it.

In a city-wide survey, this symbol of our frontier beginnings was chosen Nanaimo’s most important heritage building and is recognized as a national treasure. It is the oldest building in the city, quite possibly the second oldest building in British Columbia, and the Nanaimo Bastion represents HBC's only real foray into the mining of coal. We hope you’ll come out and enjoy and learn and be entertained as we celebrate this history of the Bastion.