Park Info
Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park protects features of Vancouver Island’s rich coal mining history. This small, undeveloped day-use park contains the only remaining coal tipple on the Island. This concrete tipple was built in the early 1900s by the Pacific Coal Company, and was the first of its kind in the region. The tipple is all that remains of the Morden Coal Mine, which once thrived here. The first sod was turned at this mine in 1912; in its first year of operation the mine produced 76,000 tonnes of coal. To learn more about conservation efforts to preserve the values in this park, click here to view a non-government website.
The Regional District of Nanaimo maintains a trail that runs through the park to the Nanaimo River along a historic railway right-of-way.
Park Size: 4 hectares
General Visitor Information
- The area around the coal tipple is fenced off for public safety. Access inside the fenced area is prohibited .
Location
Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park is located 7 km south of Nanaimo on southern Vancouver Island. Access to the park is off Hwy 1 on Morden Road. The parking lot for Morden Colliery is also used as the trailhead for the regional district.
Nature & Culture
- History - Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park, established in 1972, contains the only remaining coal tipple on Vancouver Island. This concrete tipple was built in the early 1900s by the Pacific Coal Company, and was the first of its kind in the region. The tipple is all that remains of the Morden Coal Mine, which once thrived here. The first sod was turned at this mine in 1912; in its first year of operation the mine produced 76,000 tonnes of coal. A historic railway right-of-way also runs through the park.
- General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information
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Activities Available At This Park
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| Cycling |
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Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
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| Hiking |
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There are no developed trails within Morden Colliery Historic Park, however the Regional District of Nanaimo maintains a trail that runs through the park to the Nanaimo River. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
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| Pets on Leash |
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Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
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| Wildlife Viewing |
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There is no viewing platform but this park contains the only remaining coal tipple on Vancouver Island - evidence of the area's rich coal mining history. This concrete tipple was built in the early 1900s by the Pacific Coal Company, and was the first of its kind in the region. The tipple is all that remains of the Morden Coal Mine, which once thrived here. The first sod was turned at this mine in 1912; in its first year of operation the mine produced 76,000 tonnes of coal. Interpretive signage at the parking lot offers more information about the mine site. To learn more about conservation efforts to preserve the values in this park, click here to view a non-government website.
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Facilities Available At This Park
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| Picnic Areas |
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There is a day-use/picnicking area at this park.
