Mining & Mischief: Coal Mining

Date/Time
Date(s) - 01/07/2026 - 07/09/2026
10:30 am - 2:30 pm

Dig into Nanaimo’s past this summer on the Mining & Mischief: Coal Mining in Nanaimo Walking Tour! Explore a recreated coal mine exhibit, hear about the deadliest local mine disaster, and take in waterfront views while the antics of an eccentric coal shipping captain cartwheel through your mind.

The Mining & Mischief: Coal Mining in Nanaimo Walking Tour is available for FREE and on demand on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, & Stat holidays from July 1 – Sept 7, 2026. Tours can start anytime between 10:30am and 2:30pm on those days. These tours are geared for ages 12+, and are about 45-60 min long. The route is wheelchair accessible. For larger groups or to guarantee your timeslot, please call in advance.

Group bookings:

If you have a group of 4-20 people visiting Nanaimo on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or Stat and you’d like to ensure you can take this tour, please feel free to email Steph, Program Coordinator ([email protected]) to book your timeslot.

Tour FAQ & Code of Conduct:

The Nanaimo Museum offers historical walking tours in the downtown area of Nanaimo year-round.  The tours are designed to be entertaining and educational and we want all guests to enjoy their tour experience safely.  Here is a summary of the Code of Conduct, and some answers to some Frequently Asked Questions to help you prepare for your upcoming tour:

1. You do not need a physical ticket.  When you bought your ticket, your name was added to the list, and we will have the list with us on the day of your tour.
2. We operate rain or shine so dress for the weather!  Bundle up, wear a sunhat, or bring an umbrella, whatever you need to stay comfortable.
3. We will be walking on pavement so wear appropriate footwear.  If you tour enters the Bastion be prepared for steep stairs and dress comfortably. Please stay with the group and follow the tour guide’s instructions around traffic.  Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times while on the tour.
4. Some tours end at the museum, some do not.  If you’re not sure, ask your tour guide at the beginning of the tour.  Bags or other items can’t be left at the museum during your tour so plan ahead for what you will be carrying.  Bikes, skateboards, or any other large items are not permitted on the tour.
5. Please do not record the tour on a phone or any other recording device.  Photos are fine but avoid taking photos of other guests.  And please turn off your ringer before the tour!
6. Please don’t leave your furry friends in a hot car.  For the enjoyment of all the guests on the tour we ask that all animals, other than service animals, are left at home.
7. The Bastion is not an accessible building, nor can strollers fit inside.  Please contact the museum ahead of your tour if you need any accommodation or have questions about accessibility.
8. Yes, you can snack and drink your coffee while enjoying the outdoor elements of your tour, but not while you’re in the museum or Bastion.  Please do not smoke or vape during your tour.

Guests and staff of the Nanaimo Museum should always feel safe and respected.  Museum staff reserve the right to remove anyone who is violating the law and/or any museum policies or Code of Conduct during any portion of the tour.

Inappropriate conduct on tours includes, but is not limited to:

• Offensive, abusive, threatening, discriminatory, aggressive, hateful behaviour, comments, language, or activities directed at any other person or identifiable group of people, either in attendance or not, for anyreason.
• Illegal or unsafe activities including disruptive behaviour, damaging property, intoxication.
• Interfering with museum staff’s ability to lead and manage public access and movement, and engage in their official duties.
• Interfering in any way with the enjoyment and safety of guests, staff or any person while participating in a tour or program.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Museum for your upcoming tour!

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