Nanaimo & surroundings · An area guide
Extension
Woodland and a village history.
Extension sits southwest of Nanaimo, with a rural setting and a history distinct from the city’s newer subdivisions. Trees, open space and a less urban pattern of roads shape the experience. For buyers drawn to a home with some separation around it, the area invites a slower look.
01 · Beyond the front door
Living in Extension
Extension is a rural community southwest of Nanaimo, reached by Extension Road. Older homes, wooded lots and acreages reflect its village history and its connection to the surrounding countryside.
An area guide from Gillette & Associates, Derek Gillette’s Nanaimo real estate practice.
01Village history and larger properties
Established homes and some much older buildings sit within a less densely developed setting. Extension’s appeal comes partly from that difference in pace and scale. Walk the village roads as well as the property to understand how the setting would fit your day.
A larger lot can offer privacy and room for projects, but its usefulness depends on terrain, access and services. Ask about outbuildings, driveway maintenance and the land beyond the landscaped portion. An acreage is more than the rooms inside the house.
02Extension Road and the wider area
Extension Road connects the community towards Nanaimo’s south end. The broader Nanaimo River area is another landmark in this rural search. Check access and current conditions with the responsible park or land manager before planning an outing.
Compare Extension with Cedar and Chase River if you are balancing countryside with city errands. Establish the actual route to shopping, work and school from each address. Try the journey at the time you would normally travel.
A closer look · Local map data
Around the neighbourhood
A few places to explore around Extension. Distances are approximate straight lines from our reference point on Minto Ave; walking and driving routes will be longer.
Parks & outdoors
- Porter Road ParkPark≈ 2.1 km
- Richards Marsh ParkPond≈ 2.1 km
- Healy Road ParkPark≈ 2.1 km
- Cinnabar Valley Park (Stacey)Recreation≈ 2.6 km
More nearby places
- Roberta Road ParkPark≈ 2.7 km
- Elaine Hamilton ParkPark≈ 2.7 km
- Greenaway ParkPark≈ 2.7 km
- Ranchview ParkPark≈ 2.8 km
- Country Hills ParkPark≈ 3.0 km
- Flagstone ParkPark≈ 3.0 km
- Hosanna ParkPark≈ 3.1 km
- Wexford ParkPark≈ 3.4 km
Schools nearby
- Cinnabar Valley ElementaryElementary≈ 2.8 km
- Cedar SecondarySecondary≈ 3.0 km
- Cedar ElementaryElementary≈ 3.1 km
- Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh Community SchoolElementary≈ 3.3 km
More nearby places
- Chase River ElementaryElementary≈ 3.4 km
- Fulford Community ElementaryElementary≈ 5.0 km
Proximity does not establish a catchment or admission. Check a home’s school assignment with SD68 ↗
The everyday stops
- Limbros Food Services IncFood & drink≈ 4.1 km
- Country GrocerGroceries≈ 4.1 km
- SubwayFood & drink≈ 4.2 km
- Pizza Mia LtdCoffee≈ 4.3 km
More nearby places
- Rexall #7191Everyday services≈ 4.3 km
- Bold Knight RestaurantFood & drink≈ 4.6 km
- Calico Cat Tea HouseFood & drink≈ 4.8 km
Changes around you
Permits & proposals
Our City permit source does not cover this reference point. The Regional District publishes its own planning applications and maps.
A file marked active can be under review or already issued. It does not confirm that construction has started.
RDN development applications ↗Regional permit records are not included in this snapshot. This does not mean there are no applications or projects in the area.
Checked Oct 7, 2026 · Selected places and files around one reference point, not a complete neighbourhood inventory.
Sources: City of Nanaimo and BC school data. Contains information licenced under the Open Government Licence – Nanaimo.
What to look for
The homes here
Detached houses and larger properties make up much of the area’s character. Buildings, access and land vary from one address to the next, so a broad description is only a starting point. The practical demands of a property deserve as much attention as its setting.
When comparing a house with a townhouse or apartment, consider outdoor maintenance, parking and ownership responsibilities as well as the rooms.
02 · The local market
Every neighbourhood keeps its own time
A market has a pulse the way a movement has a beat, and it differs street by street. The numbers below are read straight from the MLS® record — counted, not estimated — and refreshed through the day.
LIVE — THE HANDS KEEP NANAIMO TIME · THE INSTRUMENTS READ THE MARKET
03 · Find your place
Extension homes for sale
If Extension feels like your kind of place, start with a closer look at the homes.
Gillette & Associates
Our featured homes
From the wider market
More homes on the MLS®
Active MLS® listings · Courtesy of VIREB members · Availability can change
Find your place in Extension.
Explore all current listings and narrow the search to what matters to you.
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