This small Provincial Park in south Nanaimo is full of history and gives you access to the only remaining coal tipple on Vancouver Island. Morden Colliery Park is a great place to make a quick stop, especially for those eager to learn more about the history of Nanaimo. It's also not well-known, so it can easily be considered a Vancouver Island hidden gem.
- Features: Historic site and artifacts; access to the Nanaimo River
- Park Size: 4 hectares
- Trails: 1.2 km of developed trails
- Suitability: Accessible by all
- Hazards: None (although mosquitos can be bad in this area).
- Bike Trails: no designated biking trails
- Camping: none
- Washrooms: none
- Pets: As this is a Provincial Park, dogs must remain on a leash at all times
A Bit of History
Between 1852 and 1938, coal mining was the main economic driver for many small towns on Vancouver Island. Nanaimo, Ladysmith and Cumberland were built because of it. But it's a very dangerous job.
An estimated 1000 miners were killed on the job, with 600 in the Greater Nanaimo area and 3, in particular, at the Morden mine. These unfortunate workplace deaths do not include those who died of industry-related illnesses, such as black lung, of which there were many.
So, while the last remaining coal tipple is a wonder to view, please know that the area is also a Miners' Memorial site and should be respected.
The Morden Mine
Pacific Coast Coal Mines, Ltd. began developing Morden Mine in 1912, but operations were soon disrupted by a miners' strike from 1913 to 1914. During this time, a 74.5-foot reinforced concrete head-frame, the first in the district, was constructed. After the strike ended, underground work resumed, but the mine struggled with poor air quality, causing frequent illnesses among the miners.
Despite modern equipment and investment, Morden Mine never succeeded and was closed by 1922. Briefly reopened in 1930, it failed again. Today, the remaining concrete head-frame stands as a rare monument to Vancouver Island's coal mining history.
The Last Remaining Coal Tipple at Morden Colliery Park
A tipple is a structure that loads coal into rail cars, much like a grain elevator unloads grain. Until the construction of the concrete Morden-Mine tipple in 1913, tipples were usually made of wood. So, while it was the first of its kind in North America, ironically, it's also one of only two left standing. (The other is in Illinois).
In its first year of operation, the Morden Mine produced 76,000 tonnes of coal. However, the mine was not as successful as investors had hoped. Between union strikes and unfavourable economic conditions, production stopped in 1921. Consequently, this closure caused the Pacific Coast Coal Mining Co (PCCM) to go bankrupt the following year.
In 1930, the Canadian Coal and Iron Co. rehabilitated the mine, but production didn't even last a full year, and the mine officially closed in 1931.
The tipple, coal deposits and other concrete structures were left behind and degraded over time.
Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park
In 1972, the area was turned into a Provincial Park and recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada. The park's primary role is to protect and preserve remnants of the Nanaimo region's coal mining history. The remains provide a rare surviving monument to the natural resource that gave life to the region for nearly a century.
Despite the designation, little was done to preserve the remaining structures. In 2003, a group of concerned citizens, calling themselves ‘Friends of Morden Mine,' got together to try to save the remains.
Finally, in 2019, the Government committed $1.4 million to restore the concrete headframe and tipple structure at Morden Colliery Park, and consequently, park improvements were made at the same time.
The RDN Trail
A 1.2 km trail, developed by the RDN, leads from Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park to the Nanaimo River. This trail follows the old rail grade used to move coal at the mine. While walking this wide, fully accessible gravel path, keep looking for historical remains. There are also plenty of signs to guide you.
Eventually, the RDN hopes to build a bridge connecting Morden Colliery Park with Hemer Provincial Park in Cedar. Currently, one must cross the river on foot (getting wet in the process). The trail from both parks heads down to a quiet and tame section of the Nanaimo River.
Insider tip: Locals love to park their chairs and cool off in this spot. So, if you visit during the summer, make sure to bring lawn chairs too!
Getting There
Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park is located 7 km south of Nanaimo. It is accessible off Hwy 1 on Morden Road.
Why Morden Colliery Provincial Park Deserves a Visit
Morden Colliery Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Vancouver Island’s history or those simply looking for a peaceful outdoor escape. Its historical significance and the area's natural beauty make it a unique spot to explore.
Whether you’re interested in learning more about the coal mining industry that once powered the local economy or enjoying a scenic walk in the woods, this park offers a rare opportunity to reflect on the past while enjoying the present.
For visitors to Vancouver Island and locals alike, Morden Colliery Provincial Park offers a tranquil and educational experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Other Coal Mining Remains
If you are interested in viewing other Vancouver Island coal structures and remains, check out the following hidden gems. (Please note that these articles are part of our membership and only accessible to paying members.)
Have you been to this historic provincial park? Let us know your thoughts about the area in the comment section below. To save this article for future use, please pin this image on Pinterest:
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