Welcome to Cumberland, BC

Nestled in the heart of Vancouver Island’s Comox Valley, the Village of Cumberland has a history as rich and diverse as the forests and mountains that surround it. Today, it is celebrated for its thriving arts scene, outdoor recreation, and strong sense of community. Yet, Cumberland’s story begins in the late 1800s with coal, immigrant labor, and the rise of a bustling mining town that would eventually transform into the vibrant community we know today.

Long before Cumberland was founded as a coal town, the region was home to the K’ómoks First Nation and their ancestors, who have lived in the Comox Valley for millennia. The area’s rivers, lakes, and forests provided abundant resources—salmon, shellfish, game, berries, and cedar—sustaining a rich culture deeply connected to the land and sea. Seasonal rounds of fishing, hunting, and gathering reflected an intimate understanding of local ecosystems, while village sites and sacred places held social and spiritual importance.

Cumberland lies within the traditional territory of the K’ómoks people, who were part of the larger Coast Salish cultural network. Their history is reflected in oral traditions, petroglyphs, and archeological evidence that shows how the valley was both a permanent home and a hub of trade and cultural exchange. Longhouses stood as gathering places for extended families, and potlatches marked important events, reinforcing values of community and reciprocity.

The arrival of European settlers and industrial coal mining dramatically altered this landscape. Access to land and resources was restricted, and First Nations communities were displaced or marginalized. Despite these hardships, the K’ómoks people remain central to the region’s story today, carrying forward traditions, revitalizing language and culture, and contributing to the stewardship of the Comox Valley.

Cumberland’s origins as a town date back to 1888, when coal baron Robert Dunsmuir established the Union Coal Company to capitalize on the rich coal deposits in the area. The settlement was originally called Union, after the company, and quickly grew into one of the largest coal-mining communities on Vancouver Island. In 1891, the name was changed to Cumberland, after the English county, reflecting the strong British ties of its founders.

Coal fueled industrial progress, and Cumberland became a hub of economic activity. At its height, the mines employed thousands of workers and attracted families from across Canada, Europe, and Asia. The town grew rapidly, with bustling streets lined with stores, boarding houses, schools, and churches. Despite its remote setting, Cumberland was a place of opportunity, drawing people who were willing to endure tough and dangerous work for the promise of steady wages.

What made Cumberland unique was not just its industry but its extraordinary diversity. Immigrants from Japan, China, and Europe settled here, forming distinct yet interconnected neighborhoods.

The Chinese community was among the largest, and by the early 1900s, Cumberland’s Chinatown was one of the largest on Vancouver Island. It had its own shops, temples, and social organizations, providing cultural continuity and support for workers facing discrimination and harsh labor conditions. Tragically, many Chinese miners were given the most dangerous jobs underground, reflecting the inequalities of the time.

Similarly, the Japanese community built homes, businesses, and a vibrant social network in “Japantown.” Families contributed to both the mining economy and to agriculture in the fertile lands nearby. Despite enduring racism and the hardships of the Second World War—including the forced internment of Japanese Canadians—their legacy remains an important part of Cumberland’s cultural fabric.

European immigrants, particularly from Italy, Eastern Europe, and Britain, also left their mark. Together, these communities wove a complex cultural tapestry that continues to shape Cumberland’s identity today.

Coal mining in Cumberland was notoriously dangerous. Explosions, cave-ins, and poor ventilation claimed the lives of many workers. Families lived with the constant fear that their loved ones might not return from a shift underground.

Out of these harsh realities grew a strong tradition of labor activism. Cumberland became a focal point for union organization in British Columbia. Workers demanded safer conditions, fair wages, and better treatment. The struggles culminated in significant strikes during the early 20th century, including the landmark 1912–1914 coal strike, one of the longest and most bitter in Canadian history.

Labor leaders like Ginger Goodwin, a miner and union organizer, became symbols of resistance. Goodwin’s death in 1918, shot by police under controversial circumstances, sparked outrage and solidarity across the labor movement. To this day, he is remembered as a working-class hero, and his legacy is honored annually during Miners Memorial Weekend in Cumberland.

By the mid-20th century, demand for coal dwindled as oil and hydroelectric power took its place. Mines closed, and many families left in search of work elsewhere. Cumberland’s population shrank dramatically, and the once-bustling town quieted to a small village. Buildings were abandoned, and the community’s future looked uncertain.

Yet, rather than fading away, Cumberland reinvented itself. The same natural beauty that had once been a backdrop to coal mining became the village’s greatest asset. The forests, lakes, and mountains drew outdoor enthusiasts, while the affordable housing and unique character of the town attracted artists, musicians, and young families seeking a different pace of life.

Cumberland embraced its past while building a new future. The Cumberland Museum and Archives was established to preserve the stories of miners, immigrants, and families who shaped the village. Heritage buildings along Dunsmuir Avenue were restored, and walking tours highlighted the remnants of Chinatown, Japantown, and mining operations.

Community pride grew around commemorating history while celebrating modern creativity. Festivals and events began to flourish, many of which honored both heritage and the present. The Miners Memorial Weekend, for example, not only remembers those who lost their lives in the mines but also champions social justice and workers’ rights.

Today, Cumberland is a thriving village of around 4,000 people, known for its unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure. Its streets still carry the echoes of miners and immigrants, but its energy is decidedly forward-looking.

Artists, entrepreneurs, and families have transformed Cumberland into a destination where creativity and community thrive. The once-abandoned trails carved by miners are now world-renowned for mountain biking and hiking. Local breweries, cafés, and music venues draw visitors year-round. Events like Cumberland Wild, Moonlight & Magic, and the Cumberland Forest celebrations showcase the community’s flair for gathering and storytelling.

What sets Cumberland apart is its ability to carry history into the present. It is not a museum town; it is a living, breathing community that respects its past while continually reinventing itself. The resilience, diversity, and creativity that sustained it through hardship now fuel its bright future.

Cumberland’s history is one of transformation—from a coal town built on immigrant labor to a modern hub of culture, recreation, and community spirit. Its past is marked by struggle, resilience, and diversity, while its present is defined by creativity, inclusivity, and connection to the land.

For visitors, Cumberland offers more than scenic trails and cozy cafés; it offers a chance to walk through history, to learn about the sacrifices and dreams of those who came before, and to see how a community can reinvent itself while honoring its roots.

From coal dust to culture, from hardship to harmony, Cumberland’s story is a testament to the enduring strength of community.