Quick Facts
Location: The Bastion, downtown Nanaimo, BC
Region: Central Vancouver Island
Built: 1853 (Hudson’s Bay Company fort)
Type: Historic landmark and seasonal museum
Time Needed: 30–60 minutes
Admission: Free (donations encouraged)
Best Season: Summer for interior tours; year‑round for exterior views
Info
Parking & Access
- Located at the corner of Bastion Street and Front Street above the Nanaimo waterfront
- Street parking and parkades available throughout downtown Nanaimo
- Easy walk from the Harbourfront Walkway, Port of Nanaimo, and Old City Quarter
Hours & Operation
- Typically open on summer weekends and holidays with guided interpretation
- Operated by the Nanaimo Museum; check their site for current dates and hours
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Bastion?
The Bastion is a three‑storey wooden tower built in 1853 by the Hudson’s Bay Company as part of its fortified trading post in Nanaimo. It is one of the best‑known symbols of the city and a rare surviving example of this style of colonial fortification.
Where is The Bastion located?
You will find The Bastion on Front Street in downtown Nanaimo, at the top of Bastion Street overlooking the harbour. It is steps from the Harbourfront Walkway and within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the Nanaimo Museum.
How do I get there and where can I park?
From Highway 19, follow signs to downtown Nanaimo and the waterfront. Once downtown, look for parking along Front Street, Commercial Street, or in nearby parkades such as Harbour Front Parkade. The Bastion is a short walk from most central parking areas.
When is The Bastion open to visitors?
The interior is generally open during the summer season on weekends and statutory holidays, with staff or volunteers on site to share stories and answer questions. Outside of those dates, you can still view and photograph the exterior year‑round. For the latest schedule, check the Nanaimo Museum’s “Bastion” page.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for 30–60 minutes to explore all three floors when it is open, read the interpretive panels, and talk with staff. If you combine it with the Nanaimo Museum, Harbourfront Walkway, and nearby cafes, expect to spend several hours in the area.
Is there an admission fee?
There is no fixed admission fee; entry is typically by donation. Contributions help maintain the building and support programming.
Is The Bastion accessible for people with mobility challenges?
Because of its age and design, The Bastion has steep interior stairs and no elevator. The ground‑level area and exterior are more accessible, but the upper floors are not suitable for all visitors. If accessibility is a concern, the Nanaimo Museum can offer alternative ways to engage with the site’s history.
What can I see inside?
The interior usually features exhibits on Nanaimo’s early coal mining history, Hudson’s Bay Company trade, and life in the mid‑1800s. You can see structural details of the original construction and displays that place The Bastion in the broader story of the region.
Is the historic cannon still fired?
A noon‑hour cannon firing has long been a summer tradition associated with The Bastion. The schedule and status of cannon firings can change, so check with the Nanaimo Museum or Tourism Nanaimo before planning around it.
What else is nearby to combine with a visit?
Within a short walk you can explore the Harbourfront Walkway, Maffeo Sutton Park, the Nanaimo Museum, the Old City Quarter, and a range of cafes, pubs, and shops—making The Bastion an easy stop in a broader downtown Nanaimo itinerary.
