The Bastion at Nanaimo -- a historic structure

The Hudson's Bay Company began building the Bastion on Nanaimo Harbour in 1853. This watch tower stood in place of the customary fort build by the Bay around its trading posts and the homes of its workers.The port of Nanaimo also began to ship the coal mined on the island.

Fort Victoria possessed a similar defensive watching post. Today, it is remembered in the name of Bastion Square, a hub of shopping and other touristic attractions in the downtown area of the provincial capital.

Currently under repair, the Bastion is attached to the city's Museum, and open from 10-3 from spring to fall, when visitors are allowed to climb aloft and scout the harbour, since 1967 home to the famed Nanaimo Bathtub Race.