About Nanaimo


Nanaimo, the Island’s second largest city, has evolved into a lively urban center with its smartly restored downtown and walkable harbor front. Many visitors arrive in Nanaimo via its ferry terminals (click here for scheduled sailings and more information), floatplane services (learn more about the worlds largest seaplane airline here), cruise ship terminal and revitalized airport. Great hiking and cycling trails, kayaking and boating opportunities, ziplines, and even a bungy jump zone are within walking distance of downtown. Explore the Old City Quarter before catching a passenger ferry to Protection Island for a pint at Canada’s only floating pub and restaurant.

Outdoor pursuits are available wherever you’re based on the Island. Milner Gardens and Woodland is one of Vancouver Island’s favorite public gardens. Scuba divers can explore artificial reefs in Nanaimo’s harbour. Meet locals and their canine companions on beachside promenades. Golfers can roam between 19 courses in the region while their non-golfing partners opt for whatever pleases them: shopping, culinary tours, birdwatching and kid-friendly outings to wildlife and barnyard petting zoos.

About Brechin Hill

The Brechin Hill area is a neighborhood primarily looking over the ocean with views of Departure Bay and Newcastle Island. This neighborhood is walking distance to downtown Nanaimo with lots of restaurants, shopping and pubs.

This area features an assortment of homes from older homes that have been renovated while others are still in their original state.

The average single family home in Brechin Hill area sold for $487,658 in 2018.

Schools Near Brechin Hill

  • Brechin Elementary
  • Ecole Quarterway Elementary
  • Cilaire Elementary
  • Woodlands Secondary School

About Cedar

Cedar is a small community located about 8 kilometers from South Nanaimo. The community was so named because of the profusion of Thuja plicata trees in its vicinity, known as the Western Red Cedar. Homebuyers can find a wide variety homes including single-family homes, a few condo buildings, farms, acreages. Cedar by the Sea is a more popular area in Cedar for vacation home buyers. You can find few waterfront condo buildings, which make great weekend getaways.

The average single-family home in Cedar sold for $519,968 in 2018.

Schools Near Cedar

  • North Cedar intermediate
  • Woodbank Primary
  • Cedar Community Secondary

About Central Nanaimo

This Nanaimo neighborhood is central within 5-15 minutes of just about any point in the city, including Several Shopping Malls, Hospital, golfing, Airport and so much more. The variety of homes for sale is what makes this area so desirable by any homebuyers. First-time homebuyers can find a number of different options to choose from including condos, older bungalows, and fixer-uppers. Rental properties are also in high demand in this area, meaning lots of potential for the right investor. Most homes in Central Nanaimo were built 70s-80s, and feature larger lots, varied architectural styles and mature landscaping.

The average single-family home in Central Nanaimo sold for $445,343 in 2018.

Schools Near Central Nanaimo

  • Claire Elementary
  • Quarterway Elementary
  • Brechin Elementary
  • Forest Park Elementary
  • Woodlands Secondary

About Chase River

Chase River is a quiet, semi-rural area with a few old farmhouses as well as new subdivisions. This is an excellent area for young families and is fairly affordable. A lot of the homes in the area have great views due to the high slopes of the valley. It’s a short drive to Southgate Mall, Country Grocer and RONA. The Nanaimo Parkway can be accessed easily to offer residents easy access to all north Nanaimo’s amenities.

The average single-family home in Chase River sold for $545,343 in 2018.

Schools Near Chase River

  • Chase River Elementary
  • Cinnabar Valley Elementary
  • South Wellington Elementary
  • Cedar Community Secondary

About Departure Bay

Departure Bay real estate is located on a hill surrounding Departure Bay Beach. Many homes in this area have full or partial ocean views of, Newcastle Island, the mainland and The Departure Bay Ferry Terminal. Departure Bay Beach spans the length of the bay and has facilities available to the public including playgrounds, fields, tennis courts and even a Water Park.

The average single-family home in Departure Bay sold for $611,300 in 2018.

Schools Near Departure Bay

  • Departure Bay Elementary
  • Rock City Elementary
  • Cilaire Elementary
  • Wellington Secondary

About Diver Lake

Diver’s Lake is one of the more established areas in Nanaimo. This neighborhood is on average more affordable with homes that are fairly established. Many homes were built in the 1970’s and later, some feature larger lots. The central location makes for an ideal place for investment properties. Students attending Vancouver Island University have direct access to campus with public transit.

Beban Park is close by with lots of recreation available like playgrounds, hockey rinks and swimming pools.

The average single-family home in Diver’s Lake sold for $508,601 in 2018.

Schools Near Divers Lake

  • Mount Benson Elementary
  • Coal Tyee Elementary
  • Wellington Secondary

About Extension

Extension is a quiet, rural neighborhood only 10 minutes from downtown Nanaimo. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the many hiking and biking trails of Extension, as well as its proximity to Nanaimo River. The Nanaimo Parkway which can be accessed easily from Extension offers residents easy access to north or south with all of Nanaimo’s amenities.

The average single-family home in Extension sold for $444,763 in 2018.

Schools Near Extension

  • Chase River Elementary
  • Cinnabar Valley Elementary
  • South Wellington Elementary
  • Cedar Community Secondary

About Hammond Bay

Hammond Bay runs along the coastline in between Dover Bay and Departure Bay. Hammond Bay offers a wide variety of homes ranging from million dollar homes with unobstructed views of the ocean to condos.

The average single-family home in Hammond Bay sold for $711,234 in 2018.

Schools Near Hammond Bay

  • Departure Bay Elementary
  • Hammond Bay Elementary
  • Frank J. Ney Elementary
  • Dover Bay Secondary

About Jingle Pot (North and South)

The Jingle Pot Area of Nanaimo is a windy road that stretches from North Nanaimo to South Nanaimo. Homes in the Jingle Pot area are rural and come in a variety of styles including luxury farm homes to modern split-levels. Even though the Jingle Pot area is a long and windy road you are within minutes of the larger, shopping amenities of North Nanaimo and South Nanaimo.

The average single-family home in North Jingle Pot Area sold for $786,098 in 2018.

The average single-family home in South Jingle Pot Area sold for $536,204 in 2018.

Schools Near Jingle Pot

  • Fairview Elementary
  • Mountain View Elementary
  • Nanaimo Christian School
  • John Barsby Secondary
  • Nanaimo District Secondary School

About Lantzville (Upper and Lower)

Lantzville is a coastal community on the east side of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada along the western shore of the Strait of Georgia and immediately north of the City of Nanaimo.

The District of Lantzville was incorporated on June 25, 2003. It covers an area of 27.87 square kilometers and has a population of 3,807. The district is almost completely residential, with some commercial buildings on Lantzville Road (formerly part of the Island Highway).

The 4.5 km long beach in the heart of Lantzville is a must see! There are access points to the beach almost every block with privacy to for an afternoon picnic. Lantzville also offers a number of useful and attractive neighborhood parks including Copley, Huddlestone and Rotary Parks. These parks provide an opportunity for visitors and residents to enjoy the surroundings of this community. Parks are located in both Upper and Lower Lantzville.

The average single-family home in Upper Lantzville sold for $562,184 in 2018.

The average single-family home in Lower Lantzville sold for $630,380 in 2018.

Schools Near Lantzville

  • Seaview Elementary School
  • Aspengrove
  • Dover Bay Secondary School

About North Nanaimo

North Nanaimo offers some of the best ocean views in the City. The homes in the area have been built in the last 25 years. Some of the properties in the area feature luxury waterfront homes. You will enjoy lots of nearby shopping in addition to dining, parks, and public beach access.

The average single-family home in North Nanaimo sold for $695,058 in 2018.

Schools Near North Nanaimo

  • McGirr Elementary
  • Hammond Bay Elementary
  • Randerson Ridge Elementary
  • Aspengrove
  • Dover Bay Secondary School

About Old City Quarter

A short walk from the harbor brings you to the Old City Quarter, a key heritage area of the city. Some of the buildings in the area date back as far as the 1800’s and have been beautifully restored. In addition to older homes and buildings, you will find lovely newer condos along the seawall as well as new condo development starting in 2018.

The area is well-known for its excellent dining scene, local shops, galleries and nightclubs.

The average single-family home in The Old City Quarter sold for $448,179 in 2018.

Schools Near Old City Quarter

  • Fairview Elementary
  • Brechin Elementary
  • Nanaimo Montessori School
  • Nanaimo District Secondary School
  • John Barsby Secondary

About Pleasant Valley

Pleasant Valley is a beautiful corner of North Nanaimo close to Brannen Lake and all the larger shopping amenities Nanaimo has to offer. Homes in Pleasant Valley range from brand new residential to mobile home neighborhoods. Many of the homes in this area have a view of Mount Benson with some having a view of Brannen Lake.

The average single-family home in Pleasant Valley area sold for $582,783 in 2018.

Schools Near Pleasant Valley

  • Pleasant Valley Elementary
  • Uplands Park Elementary
  • Aspengrove School
  • Dover Bay Secondary

About South Nanaimo

In South Nanaimo, you will find a place to get more house for your dollar. This is an area perfect for a good investment property. The area has plenty of affordable housing options like condos, townhouses, duplexes, single-family homes, apartments, luxury homes, mobile home parks and acreages. This neighborhood does have an affordable home for every lifestyle! South Nanaimo is in close proximity to everything Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and Nanaimo Ice Centre, University Village Mall and Port Place Mall. Also a number of community parks, including Colliery Dam Park and Petroglyph Provincial Park.

The average single-family home in South Nanaimo sold for $441,602 in 2018.

Schools Near South Nanaimo

  • Bayview Elementary
  • Park Avenue Elementary
  • Georgia Avenue Elementary
  • John Barsby Secondary School

About Uplands

Uplands is one of the more established areas in the north end of Nanaimo. The neighborhood is on average more affordable with homes that are fairly established. Many homes were built in the 1970’s and later, some feature larger lots. Uplands also has a number of condos, subdivisions and new development. Long Lake is a major attraction for this area, which is a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, fishing and other various watersports.

The average single-family home in Uplands Area sold for $503,705 in 2018.

Schools Near Uplands

  • Rock City Elementary
  • Randerson Ridge Elementary
  • Uplands Park Elementary
  • Wellington Secondary

About The University District

The University District is one of Nanaimo’s more desirable areas due to its close proximity to Vancouver Island University (VIU), downtown nightlife, and recreation. It is appealing to students, families, and young professionals alike. As the area continues to be revitalized, there are several new condo developments, single-family properties, and remodeled single-family homes. The Nanaimo Parkway which can be accessed easily in the University District offers residents easy access to north or south with all of Nanaimo’s amenities.

The average single-family home in The University District sold for $502,062 in 2018.

Schools Near The University District

  • Mountain View Elementary
  • Georgia Avenue Elementary
  • Park Avenue Elementary
  • Fairview Elementary
  • Nanaimo District Secondary School
  • John Barsby Secondary

For more information on schools in the Nanaimo area please visit www.sd68.bc.ca