Vancouver Island and Nanaimo Real Estate
What Nanaimo neighbourhoods suits your lifestyle?
Nestled happily between mountains and ocean, Nanaimo, the Harbour City, graces the east side of Vancouver Island, off the southwest coast of British Columbia. Spanning approximately 500 km long and 200 km wide, Vancouver Island stands as the largest North American island in the Pacific Ocean, boasting diverse and impressive coastlines. During late fall and early winter, these shores become the haven for thousands of sea lions. With a population base of 775,347 (2016), Vancouver Island ranges from quaint rural communities to bustling urban centers like Nanaimo, its economic nucleus. Accessible by sea or air to the Lower Mainland and the Pacific Northwest, the Nanaimo region serves as Vancouver Island’s economic heart.
Renowned for its breathtaking beauty, coveted lifestyle, skilled workforce, and top-notch infrastructure, the Nanaimo region magnetizes newcomers and businesses alike each year. With a mild climate boasting over 1,800 hours of sunshine annually, coupled with the island’s unparalleled quality of life, individuals from across Canada are drawn here. Over half of the region’s new residents hail from other provinces, encompassing working-aged families with young children, empty nesters, and pre-retirees. Construction buzzes with activity, driving residential and commercial growth, while Nanaimo’s economy flourishes. Surprisingly, at one-third of Vancouver’s cost and about half of Victoria’s, potential buyers often marvel at the cost efficiencies of conducting business and owning property in Nanaimo. Featuring a diverse array of housing options, most boasting sensational ocean and mountain vistas, Nanaimo presents abundant real estate value in its varied neighborhoods. Explore the charm and allure of Nanaimo’s neighborhoods now!
Outside Nanaimo South
Parks and Recreation
Nanaimo offers a host of recreational activities. Residents enjoy the use of 63 playgrounds, 4 public beaches, 20 picnic areas, 3 pools, 4 indoor ice rinks, 3 golf courses, and a staggering number of parks, 200 of them in fact. Once such park, which was recently acquired by the City of Nanaimo, is located in the Linley Valley area; it is a 5.8-hectare undeveloped park that contains many old growth trees, open meadows and wetlands. Residents enjoy the informal walking trails, the beautiful scenery and the abundance of wildlife, including bald eagles that frequent our skies throughout the year. In addition, strolls along the waterfront sea wall, challenging hikes up Mount Benson, exploring the boundless trail system at waterfront Neck Point Park, and picnicking at Newcastle Island, a charming provincial park just off the shores of downtown Nanaimo; are just a few of the popular outdoor activities afforded to locals and visitors alike. On those rainy coastal days, Nanaimo has three branches of the Vancouver Island Regional Library to get comfortable in. Available at each branch or through interbranch request services, is about 1 million books, magazines, videos, and newspapers. Each branch also offers access to the Internet and other electronic information sources.
Education
Nanaimo’s public schools are administered by District 68 School Board which serves Nanaimo and Ladysmith. There are currently 29 elementary schools (kindergarten to grade 7), and six secondary schools (grades 8 to 12). French immersion programs are offered at four elementary schools and two secondary school. The District offers a number of special programs, including an outstanding music program, work experience and career preparation, a modern languages program which includes French and Japanese. Nanaimo is also home to three private schools offering elementary and high school programs. Nanaimo Christian School, Aspengrove School and Nanaimo Montessori School. The Nanaimo region is home to a well-trained, highly motivated, and educated workforce. Helping to build the future of the island is Vancouver Island University (VIU); located in Nanaimo, VIU is a leader in contract training for business and industry and is influential in producing many of the Island’s most qualified and desirable recruits. VIU provides training in academic, vocational, and technical fields.
Transportation Hub
Nanaimo has a modern and efficient transportation network, one airport, two float plane terminals, two ferry terminals, a recently updated highway system, and a public transit system. Nanaimo is easily accessible to the mainland by ferry, air, and to other Island destinations by road. It is a 20 minute flight to downtown Vancouver or a 95 minute ferry ride to West Vancouver.
BC Ferries
Water transportation services provide an important link between Vancouver Island and the mainland. Regularly scheduled ferry service is available between Nanaimo and Vancouver. There are two main ferry terminals in Nanaimo, operated by the British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. The Departure Bay terminal serves the Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay route, while the Duke Point terminal in the city’s south end serves the Nanaimo to Tsawwassen route.
Nanaimo Airport
Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is located 18 km (9 miles) south of the city in Cassidy. Nanaimo Airport has seen steady growth in the last decade as key investments since 2006 have transformed YCD into a trusted transportation partner. Nanaimo Airport is serviced by Air Canada Jazz, WestJet Encore and Island Express.
Nanaimo Seaplane Terminal
The Nanaimo Seaplane Terminal operated by the Nanaimo Port Authority, provides facilities for seaplane flights from downtown Nanaimo. Regularly scheduled flights to downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport are available through Harbour Air, and Seair Seaplanes; flight time is 20 minutes. Harbour Air flies to 9 destinations in British Columbia with frequent service between Nanaimo and the Lower Mainland. Sunshine Coast Air provides flight service between Nanaimo and Sechelt as well as Victoria. Helijet provides 14 scheduled flights between 7 am and 7 pm weekdays from Nanaimo and the Cruise ship welcome centre in downtown Vancouver. Helijet is equipped to operate in daylight, after dark and in most inclement weather.
Distances from Nanaimo to
Vancouver, BC 81 km 50 miles |Victoria, BC 113 km 70 miles| Tofino, BC 207 km 128 miles Courtenay, BC 107 km 66 miles |Campbell River, BC 153 km 95 miles| Port Hardy, BC 391 km 242 miles Seattle, WA 217 km 135 miles| Calgary, AB 983 km 609 miles | New York City, NY 4889 km 3,038 miles.
*Source Nanaimo Region Economic Profile