Bastion
Bastion
A bastion (also named bulwark, derived from the Dutch name "bolwerk"), is an angular structure projecting outward from the curtain wall of an artillery fortification. The fully developed bastion consists of two faces and two flanks with fire from the flanks being able to protect the curtain wall and also the adjacent bastions. It is one element in the style of fortification dominant from the mid 16th to mid 19th centuries. Bastion fortifications offered a greater degree of passive resistance and more scope for ranged defense in the age of gunpowder artillery compared with the medieval fortifications they replaced.
Long Lake
Long Lake
Long Lake is interesting because it sits like a puddle on the side of rocky hills, yet it is large, especially if you peek around the corner from the highway – driving by, it is easy to underestimate Long Lake, despite its name.
There are facilities here for rowers, swimmers, sunbathers and fishermen, but the lake is most celebrated for its high-end lifestyle opportunities. There is valuable real estate at Long Lake, with waterfront estates and classy bed and breakfasts.
Neck Point Park
Neck Point Park
Neck Point is a destination waterfront park for Nanaimo and the region. The park is recognized as an environmentally sensitive area and is well known in the community for its historic, scenic and natural features. Additional land was aquired in 2009 and the park now provides visitors with 36 acres of a waterfront setting to explore. Visitors will find rugged rock cliffs, with pebble bay beaches, and winding trails through Garry Oak groves. The park is a great location for photographers wanting to capture the essence of Nanaimo and the west coast lifestyle.
The park is also popular with scuba divers as an access road allows for drive up diving. Divers tell tales of an impressive array of sealife off the rocky headlands at the end of the parks namesake 'neck'. There is a deep water rock wall face that is reportedly home to a friendly octopus.
Morrell Nature Sanctuary
Morrell Nature Sanctuary
Located in South Nanaimo near VIU and Colliery Dams Park, Morrell is a lush, forested park with a lot of life in it. There's a small lake where you can feed the birds, a picnic shelter by the lake, a beautiful rocky viewpoint above the forest, and a beaver pond with wooden viewing platforms – surrounded by Douglas firs.
The parkland was donated by William Morrell in 1973, intended for public use and conservation. Last logged in the 1920's, the Sanctuary is a fine example of a preserved 2nd growth forest.
Vancouver Island Military Museum
Vancouver Island Military Museum
The Military Museum has the more than 25 exhibits and displays showcasing Canada's proud Military History and Traditions.
For more than a quarter century, the museum has assembled a truly impressive collection of military memorabilia and artifacts from the War of 1812 right through to Canada's involvement in Afghanistan.
Examine life on the home front and the important work of the Red Cross, St John's Ambulance, the Salvation Army, RCMP and the critical role played by the Merchant Navy in war time.
Follow the evolution of Women in the Armed Forces, from Nursing Sisters during the Boer War to present day operations in all branches of our Armed Forces.
The museum is located in downtown Nanaimo's dynamic waterfront; close to the Port Theatre, the Inner Harbour Boat Basin, Cruise Ship Facility, the Nanaimo Conference Centre, Tourism Office and many Major Hotels.
