Nanaimo Museum

The Nanaimo Museum occupies a 16,000-square-foot facility presenting exhibits about local industries, Indigenous heritage, and regional development through artifacts and photographs. The spaces are arranged so visitors can understand the diverse stories of the place and how it has changed over time.

The museum presents permanent displays about the coal mining industry that shaped Nanaimo's development across two centuries. These displays show how mining determined the city's economy, population, and growth.

The displays honor the contributions of Japanese Canadian and First Nations communities through traditional objects, artwork, and documented stories that shape the region's cultural identity. These collections show how different populations helped build the local character.

The facility offers guided tours led by knowledgeable staff and educational programs for school groups to deepen understanding of local history. A gift shop sells products from local artisans and the location is easy to reach.

A special highlight is an interactive coal mine exhibit where visitors can experience the historical working conditions of local miners. This immersive experience gives a direct sense of how difficult work in the mines really was.