I took a hike on the Coal Works Trail into Whytes Bay on Comox Lake. I wanted to see the remains of the old coal works that are located there. The trail was pleasant and when we saw the coal ruins, it was so amazing. The art that has been added over the years was pretty awesome and did not take from the beauty of the area, but did indeed, add to it. The beach in Whytes Bay was beautiful.
The ruins were part of the No.4 mine site, a coal mine. The trail follows the rail line that has now become a packed trail. It runs past the tipple, another of the ruins of the mine. There are signs of many more structures hiding in the undergrowth of the forest. I want to go back to see what more can be seen.
The mine was opened in 1890 by the Union Colliery Company headquartered in the community of Union. It very quickly became the most productive coal mine in the area. The Japanese and black townsites were built to house the many men needed to support the operation of the mine. The mine ran until it was closed in 1935. Coal mining played a major role in the development of Union. By 1897 the mine was producing 700-1000 tons per day employed over 700 men. Minning supported a town of 3000. with an additional 2000 Chinese workers that lived in Chinatown, located about 1/2 mile from Union.
The community had already booming with construction by 1888 and now with the new coal mine in operation, the town grew quite fast, in 1891 the township of Union was renamed Cumberland. In 1898 it was incorporated as a city.
Cumberland was a well-laid-out town and the people made every effort to keep it clean and beautiful, it still is a very pretty town. I have always enjoyed visiting here, it’s a great spot to stop and do some shopping before heading out to hike any of the local trails. Comox Lake is just down the road and there is some pretty awesome fishing to be had in its deep waters, many rivers, waterfalls, and campgrounds can be found in proximity to Cumberland and the shops are bursting with local art from the many artists and crafters who live here.
So if you want to see one of the island’s oldest but well-looked-after towns and all that the surrounding wilderness has to offer, you must visit Cumberland, you will be amazed and pleased you visited. Please remember to bring your camera as you will want to take home memories of your journey.