Once known as Port Augusta, the protected waters of Comox Harbour played an important role in the
maritime history of British Columbia. Used by the Royal Navy in the mid-1800s, the worth of this deep
water bay and protective sandy spit proved invaluable.

When James Robb arrived in 1862, he saw the potential for a future shipping site on this location,
and pre-empted the land with the vision of building a wharf. He hoped to sell the town lots and secure
his family's fortune, but the land was heavily timbered, and required years of backbreaking labour to clear the slope.

Part of the gallery: Vancouver Island

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