Cedar is a small community in the Canadian province of British Columbia. It is located near the east coast of Vancouver Island — about 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) south-east of Nanaimo — along the banks of the Nanaimo River. Its geographical coordinates are 49°07′N 123°51′W / 49.117°N 123.850°W.[1]
The village was so named because of the profusion of Thuja plicata trees in its vicinity, known as the Western Red Cedar. Cedar as a locality existed prior to 1888, as on April 1, that year, a post office was opened.[2]
To the north of Cedar, three Snuneymuxw First Nation Indian reserves, Nanaimo River 2, 3, and 4, border the community.
Nearby parks include Nanaimo River Regional Park, Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park, and Hemer Provincial Park.