Nanaimo British Columbia Canada Past and Present

Nanaimo Vancouver Island

"A Jewel In The Pacific"

Interesting Facts Past and Present

This article is intended to be a condensed source of Nanaimo information which many long time residents may be aware of but it is intended to give newcomers and would be newcomers some background facts about our lovely harbour city nestled on Vancouver Island on Canada's scenic west coast.

Nanaimo 'In the Beginning'

The beautiful coastal harbour which we now lovingly call Nanaimo was first occupied by the Coast Salish people whose name was Snuneymuxw (Snuh-NAY-moo).

 

Nanaimo was originally called Colevile Town until 1860 when the name was officially changed to Nanaimo which is an adaptation of Snuneymuxw (Snuh-NATY-moo). In that year the name Colevile Town was stricken from the maps and records.

It was in 1849, that in exchange for developing the territory, the Hudson Bay Company was given the rites to Vancouver Island and that included the monies earned from mining. They would have to resell the Island to the Crown in ten years and would have to use 90% of their gain to develop the colony. The remaining 10% could be kept by the Hudson Bay Company.

The iconic Bastion first built to protect the harbour still stands in downtown Nanaimo today, although this year, it has undergone a major overhaul which saw the entire structure dismantled and repairs made to stem the ravages of rot in some of the timbers. This highly specialized work was performed by a unique company paying particular attention to maintaining the original qualities of this century old building.

A more complete account of early Nanaimo can be found using this Nanaimo Info LINK.

 Nanaimo 'Today"
Nanaimo is situated on the east coast of Vancouver Island approximately 110 km north of the provincial capital of Victoria. The city is accessible from Vancouver via regular ferry service as well as via air to either the Nanaimo Airport or via seaplane to the inner harbour.

Nanaimo which is known as the 'Harbour City' was once also referred to as the 'Hub City' taken from the central location of the city on Vancouver Island making it an excellent central point for the moving of goods and people.

Nanaimo has a population of 78,692 with a median age of 40.4 compared with the provincial average of 38.4. The city has an expansive trading area of approximately 140,000 people.

The economy is in a state of transition as it has been from it's beginning. Once dependent on mining, then forestry and fishing the local economy enjoys considerable diversification including a large retail sector, service sector, tourism, health care, education, construction, manufacturing, technology and government services. The majority of local businesses are small in nature employing fewer than 20 employees. 

Tourism is a sector of the economy Nanaimo hopes to expand upon with the completion of a multi-million dollar cruise ship terminal being built in the inner harbour. Nanaimo is working hard to establish itself as a tourist destination city and not simply someplace you pass through going somewhere else on the island. The city itself has many of the benefits of a larger city, while at the same time offering some of the charm and appeal of smaller communities.


The climate in Nanaimo is one of it's most appealing natural features enjoying a temperate, Mediterranean-like marine climate. An island mountain range protects the city from the weather systems which come in from the Pacific resulting in cool winter temperatures with moderate rainfall and dry sunny conditions during the summer. 

For more information about a 'Jewel in the Pacific' the Harbour City of Nanaimo visit Nanaimo Info by clicking here.