Nanaimo - Bastion

Standing on Front Street is a small wooden tower known as the Bastion. The only remaining one of its kind it was built by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1853 as protection for the settlement's pioneer miners in the event of Indian attack. Inside today is a little museum. Every noon throughout July and August soldiers in period uniform fire one of the two cannon with appropriate ceremony. The old town center overlooking the picturesque little small craft harbor (also the seaplane terminal) has been rejuvenated with many restored old buildings, re-cobbled streets and sidewalks, and open-air cafés in which to sit and relax. The walk along Waterfront Promenade, past Georgia Park with its display of authentic Indian canoes and totem poles, to Swy-A-Lana Lagoon is really delightful.