Black Track Tour of Nanaimo Area Coal Mining Sites

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Sunday, May 27th, 2012
10:00 AM to 2:30 PM

Tom Paterson, well-known Vancouver Island historian, writer, and activist, is noted for his hosting of "Black Track" tours of Morden Colliery and other old Nanaimo area coal mining sites and rail lines. With his extensive knowledge of coal mining history and his engaging and dynamic delivery, he has a special ability to recreate the spirit of early coal mining days.

To reserve contact [email protected] or phone 250-713-8800.  Tickets are $30.00 for one person; $25.00 each for two or more in a party. Tour length is typically about 4 to 4.5 hours and requires only a low to moderate level of fitness. The usual itinerary is Morden Colliery, South Wellington No. 5,; Alexandria/Richardson/Fiddick Slopes; PCCM; Fiddicks' Junction; South Wellington No. 10, Granby.  South Wellington miners played a significant role in opening up the Nanaimo Coalfield and the Black Track tour is a unique opportunity for participants to learn about the coal mining industry in that area.   Granby, built in 1918, earned much praise as a model mining community; early railway lines were essential in transporting newly mined coal to suitable markets. 

Tours assemble at 10:00 a.m. in front of the 102 year old  headframe at Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park.   Each participant is asked to bring water or juice, a packed lunch/snacks sufficient to sustain them for the length of the tour, typically about four to four and half hours. Hats, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, and clothing suitable for forecast weather, are recommended. Transportation will be pooled to drive participants to various mine sites, but participants are asked to provide their own to and from the park.

Participants are reminded that to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all tour members, they should refrain from wandering off by themselves or engaging in conversations that impede the ability of others to hear the commentary.

Notes: "Black Track" refers to those South Wellington area railway lines informally used by miners and residents as a "public thoroughfare" or walking track. Coal dust so thickly coated the lines that they became known locally as the "Black Track." Morden's 1913 headframe and tipple were innovative in their use of reinforced concrete and are the only such remaining above-ground structures on Vancouver Island, the earliest of two still standing such structures in North America.  Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park has been named as an Historic Place by Parks Canada.

See www.mordenmine.com for maps showing location of Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park.