Mining on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island was built on mineral mining, notably the mining of copper and coal and some gold. The island is home to numerous active claims, he majority of them being in the middle of the island and in the north. Municipalities like Nanaimo, Cumberland, Ladysmith, and Crofton were built almost solely on the mining of …

VI Military History

Military history on Vancouver island is abundant. There are multiple Canadian forces bases on the island from CFB Esquimalt to CFB Comox and Area whisky golf. Vancouver island is of strategic importance to Canada and its allies, the island is a natural barrier to Vancouver and northern Washington state. All navel vessels must pass either …

Nanaimo Bastion

The Nanaimo Bastion is a defence structure that was constructed by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1855. It was built to defend the HBC coal mining operations in the Nanaimo area. Nanaimo had dozens of coal mines producing millions of tonnes of coal for HBC and the commonwealth. Here is a picture of the structure:The …

Hatley Castle

Castle? Yes there is a Castle on Vancouver Island, there are actually a few. These aren't medieval type castles or garrisons of any kind. No, they are colonial residential castles, typically large estate like dwellings. The castle that I would like to introduce you to is Hatley Castle. Hatley castle was built in 1908 in …

Morden Coal Tipple

  Located just 10 minutes from Nanaimo’s downtown, Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park is a lovely, site seeing walk to go on, you’re able to take in the beautiful nature and history of the park. The rich history of the park is centered around the booming coal industry of Nanaimo. Dating back to the early …

Nanaimo Indian Hospital

I am a recent graduate of Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo. I completed a 4 year degree at the Nanaimo campus. While attending post-secondary education here I never knew exactly what was across the road from my history building. In fact most days I could look out my classroom window and see a tall chain …

About Me

Hello, my name is Avery. I live in Nanaimo, British Columbia Canada. I am 23 years old, I recently graduated from Vancouver Island University with a Double Major in Political Science and Canadian History. I enjoy downhill mountain biking, surfing, snowboarding, and all things west coast. I am very passionate about history and all things …

The Flying Dutchman

The Flying Dutchman Yes, that's right the Flying Dutchman! Not to be confused with the boat from the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise. No, the Flying Dutchman, also known as "Henry Wagner" was the leader of a duo of old western type gunslingers and robbers that fled Wyoming, procured a small boat and started …

The Journey Begins

Thanks for joining me! Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton