From Oilery to Swim Spot in Coal Harbour | Vancouver News

From herring oil factories to public swim spots, Vancouver’s Coal Harbour reveals a wild waterfront history. In the 1870s, Joseph Spratt’s floating cannery—where dynamite may have scared off fish—dominated the inlet before shutting down in 1884, possibly due to pollution. By 1889, the same buildings became The West End Swimming Baths, charging just 25 cents for a dip—and even offering boat rentals. Open only two years, the baths faded as locals flocked to English Bay, while their owners moved on to lighthouses and city halls. A quirky, fast-changing slice of early Vancouver’s coastal life. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a1543350a21ba54b