Central Island · Arrowsmith
Morden Colliery Historic Park
About this Park
Morden Colliery Historic 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.
Visit the Friends of the Morden Mine site to learn more about conservation efforts to preserve the values in this park.
The Regional District of Nanaimo maintains a trail that runs through the park to the Nanaimo River along a historic railway right-of-way.
Safety information
- The area around the coal tipple is fenced off for public safety. Access inside the fenced area is prohibited.
Location notes
Morden Colliery Historic Park is located 7 km south of Nanaimo on southern Vancouver Island. Access to the park is off Highway 1 on Morden Road. The parking lot for Morden Colliery is also used as the trailhead for the regional district.
Activities
- 231:Hiking 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.
- 231:Wildlife viewing 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.
- 231:Pets on leash Pets and 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.
- 231:Cycling Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Morden Colliery Historic Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
Facilities
- 231:Picnic areas There is a day-use and picnicking area at this park.
- 231:Accessibility information Accessibility information is available for this park.
Location
49.09592, -123.87193 · Arrowsmith