1951 Comox Lake Rd #1888, Cumberland, BC V0R 1S0

Explore the rich history of Cumberland’s Japanese and Chinese Communities

Join us for a unique and immersive tour that delves into the intertwined histories of Cumberland’s Chinese and Japanese communities. This special tour, guided by local historian Dawn Copeman, combines the poignant stories of two once-thriving neighbourhoods. 

Cumberland’s Chinatown: Begin your journey at Jumbo’s cabin, the last standing structure from Cumberland’s historic Chinatown. Walk through the main streets of Hai Gai and Low Gai, where, from 1888 to 1968, a vibrant community flourished with shops, churches, factories, clubhouses, bakeries, theatres, and family-run farms. Dawn will recount the lives of the ordinary and extraordinary people who made Chinatown a self-contained and thriving community nestled in the wetlands.

Japanese Community of No. 1 Town: Next, you will visit the site where thirty-one cherry trees stand as a tribute to the last families who lived in No. 1 Town. Here, you will see the remnants of old cement pillars, all that remains of a bustling Japanese Canadian community that came to work in the Dunsmuir coal mines. Despite facing unsafe working conditions and poor pay, these families found ways to thrive until their forcible removal in 1942, an event that forever altered the fabric of Cumberland. Dawn will share her extensive work with the families and descendants of this community, bringing their stories to life.

This comprehensive tour will take place on Sunday, August 18th, at 1 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with Cumberland’s rich cultural heritage through Dawn Copeman’s engaging stories and historical insights.

Reserve your spot today and step back in time to explore the enduring legacies of Cumberland’s Japanese and Chinese communities.