NANAIMO'S BASTION Built by the Hudson Bay Company in 1853 to protect the town which was to become Nanaimo, the Harbour City. Fortified with cannon it would be a formidable defence against any hostile force of the time.

Built with Hand Hewn Timbers and without any Nails! This three storey building is the oldest building in Nanaimo, and perhaps the second oldest in the entire province.

Well Worth a Visit If you are visiting Nanaimo or a long time resident, a visit to the Bastion is time well spent. It is the oldest freestanding Hudson Bay Company fort in all of North America. Constructed entirely by hand, without the aid of power tools and cranes, it is a testimony to the skill of the builders of the day. The timbers were all hand hewn and finished with axe and adse and assembled entirely without nails, this three storey fort would have presented a formidable defense. When you come to visit plan to take some time to explore the bastion itself as well as the artifacts which are on display. Opens Friday, May 18th for Summer Season! Open Daily 10am to 4pm (until Sept.3) Daily Noon Cannon Firing (ceremony starts at 11:45)