Port Augusta was located in the Comox Harbour, although it does not go by that name
today. Before European arrival, the territory belonged to the K'omoks.1
The port was known as an anchorage for vessels engaged in trade, exploration, and
surveillance along the west coast of British Columbia. The well-known Beaver ship was one of the first exploration ships to come to Port Augusta. In 1868, the screw steamer James Douglas commenced regular service to Port Augusta. And by 1871, the “Maude” connected Port Augusta to mail service.2
Throughout the late 1800s, the Royals Navy often anchored at Port Augusta; and in
the late 1890s, J.B. Holmes built the “Port Augusta Hotel,” located just off the actual port. The
hotel served as a store and occasionally a church.3