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Nanaimo Nanaimo is a small port on the east coast of Vancouver Island, 40 miles due west of Vancouver and 60 miles due northwest of Victoria. It was founded as a coal mining village in 1854. Later, it became the first terminus of the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway, and an important regional centre for the surrounding agricultural district. The commercial part of the city is located on a narrow terrace behind the bay. Saw mills, and ship building yards are located in the harbour area. A large pulp and paper mill has recently begun to operate. Residential districts extend westward from the industrial zone. The population, in 2006 was approximately 79,000. Other Towns on the East Coast of Vancouver Island Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland lie in close proximity, forming a ring of settlement around Comox Bay, 140 miles, by rail, northwest of Victoria. Coal mining, agriculture, trade and tourism are the important activities of the area. Between Nanaimo and Cumberland, Qualicure Beach is a famous resort. Ladysmith, Chemainus and Duncan are the chief centres along the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway. Sidney is a fishing centre on the Saanich Peninsula and has direct car ferry service to Steveston across the strait. Regional Relations Viewing the whole North American scene, most geographers disregard the political boundary which bisects this basin. The landscapes, the economic problems and the people, are similar, on both sides of the border. The relations of each segment as the Pacific outlet of its own country also bear considerable resemblance. Vancouver is Canada's western gateway, through which passes a very active trade. In contrast with this intense activity, there is, in all the towns and cities of the Coastal Trench, a large contingent of retired folk from the Prairie Provinces, Eastern Canada. and even from the British Isles, who find, in this mild climate, an ideal place to spend their declining years. Home