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Old City Parks and Beaches Nearby

• Maffeo Sutton Park
  

  • Amenities & Features: Nanaimo’s signature waterfront park with a large playground, water park (seasonal), walking paths, picnic tables, open grassy areas, and excellent views of Nanaimo Harbour. Hosts community events and festivals.
  • Directions: Walk or drive north from Old City along Front Street. The park is directly adjacent to the downtown waterfront, just past Port Place Mall and the Bastion, beside the waterfront walkway.

• Departure Bay Beach & Kinsmen Park
  

  • Amenities & Features: Nanaimo’s largest sandy beach, playground, grassy fields, picnic tables, swimming area with a dock, tidal pools, and a seawall pathway. Coffee shops and local businesses are across the street. Totem poles by the Snuneymuxw First Nation are present in Kinsmen Park.
  • Directions: From Old City, take Terminal Avenue north, then turn right onto Departure Bay Road. The beach and park are at the intersection with Kinsmen Park, near the ferry terminal and across from the Church of the Nazarene.

• Beach Estates Park
  

  • Amenities & Features: Shady forest trails, wooden boardwalks, a scenic waterfall, and access to a quiet beach with views of the Departure Bay ferries. Great for dog walking and birdwatching.
  • Directions: Head north on Terminal Avenue, then right onto Departure Bay Road. Access the park from the top near the Church of the Nazarene for the quickest route to the waterfall, or from the bottom at Beach Drive in Brechin Hill for beach access. Look for parking at 2150 Departure Bay Rd or at the end of Beach Drive.

• Neck Point Park
  

  • Amenities & Features: 36 acres of rugged waterfront with pebble bay beaches, rocky cliffs, Garry oak groves, tidal pools, and wildlife viewing (sea lions, otters, orcas). Popular for photography, hiking, and scuba diving. Multiple small beaches (Sunset, Finn, Last, and Indian Beach), interpretive signs, and scenic viewpoints.
  • Directions: From Old City, drive north on Terminal Avenue, continue onto Stewart Avenue, then left onto Hammond Bay Road. Turn right onto Morningside Drive to the park entrance and parking lot.

• Pipers Lagoon Park
  

  • Amenities & Features: 9-acre waterfront park with a lagoon, sandy and rocky beaches, tidal pools, wildlife viewing (waterfowl, sea life), grassy picnic areas, and walking trails. Noted for sunset views and kayaking opportunities.
  • Directions: From Old City, take Terminal Avenue north, left onto Hammond Bay Road, then right onto Lagoon Drive. The park is at the end of Lagoon Drive, with parking available.

• Blueback Beach
  

  • Amenities & Features: Secluded sandy beach with a sandbar, ideal for swimming, wading, and floating. Accessed via a long staircase (approx. 300 steps), with rocky shorelines and sand at low tide. Limited parking.
  • Directions: From Old City, drive north on Terminal Avenue, continue onto Hammond Bay Road, then left onto Blueback Road in the Dover Bay area. Parking is at the end of Blueback Road; access the beach via the wooden staircase.

• Jack Point & Biggs Park
  

  • Amenities & Features: Oceanside trails through arbutus and Douglas fir forest, sandstone bluffs, wildlife viewing (sea lions, otters, eagles, orcas), and panoramic views of Nanaimo Harbour. The first 300 metres of trail are wheelchair accessible.
  • Directions: From Old City, take the highway towards the Duke Point Ferry Terminal. Before reaching the terminal, turn right onto MacMillan Road (which becomes Maughan Road). Look for the small parking area beside the highway, then walk through the underpass to the park.

Old City Schools Nearby

• Elementary School: École Pauline Haarer Elementary
  

  • Address: 400 Campbell Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 3G7
  • Phone: 250-753-5621
  • Grades: K-7
  • French Immersion program available

• Elementary School: Georgia Avenue Community School
  

  • Address: 625 Georgia Avenue, Nanaimo, BC V9R 3V9
  • Phone: 250-753-6891
  • Grades: K-7
  • Community school with various support programs

• Secondary School: Nanaimo District Secondary School (NDSS)
  

  • Address: 355 Wakesiah Avenue, Nanaimo, BC V9R 3K5
  • Phone: 250-740-2000
  • Grades: 8-12
  • Offers French Immersion, Advanced Placement, and a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs

• Alternative Programs: Island ConnectEd K-12
  

  • Address: 4355 Jingle Pot Road, Nanaimo, BC V9T 5P7
  • Phone: 250-756-9901
  • Flexible online and blended learning options for K-12 students

• School District Contact
  

  • School District 68 (Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools)
  • Address: 395 Wakesiah Avenue, Nanaimo, BC V9R 3K6
  • Phone: 250-754-5521
  • Email: [email protected]

Location and Accessibility of Old City of Nanaimo, BC

Location

The Old City of Nanaimo, often referred to as the Old City Quarter, is centrally located in downtown Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The area is generally bounded by the harbourfront to the east, with the neighbourhood extending up the sloping terrain westward, encompassing historic streets such as Fitzwilliam Street and Victoria Crescent. Notable landmarks include the Bastion, Nanaimo’s oldest building, and Nob Hill, which offers views over the harbour.

• Address for Old City Quarter Association: 418B Fitzwilliam St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 3A1
• Coordinates: 49.16417°N, 123.93639°W

For more details, visit the Old City Quarter official website.

Accessibility

The Old City is highly accessible by various modes of transportation:

• By Car: Easily reached via the Island Highway (Highway 1), with several parking options in and around the downtown core.
• By Ferry: BC Ferries connects Nanaimo to Vancouver via the Departure Bay and Duke Point terminals. The Old City is a short drive or transit ride from both terminals.
• By Public Transit: Nanaimo’s public bus system offers multiple routes serving the downtown and Old City area, with stops near Fitzwilliam Street and the harbourfront.
• By Foot or Bicycle: The Old City is pedestrian-friendly, with sidewalks and crosswalks throughout. Recent city projects have improved curb ramps, tactile warning surfaces, and street lighting to enhance accessibility for those with mobility challenges.
• By Air: Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is located south of the city, with taxi and shuttle services available to downtown.

For updates on mobility and accessibility improvements, see the City of Nanaimo Mobility & Accessibility Projects page.

Neighbourhood Features

• Historic Architecture: The Old City features late 19th and early 20th-century buildings, including character homes and commercial heritage sites.
• Mixed-Use Area: The neighbourhood includes residential homes, condos, shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
• Community Amenities: Parks such as Nob Hill Park, local markets, and proximity to the waterfront and downtown events.

Explore more about the neighbourhood at Nanaimo Information: Old City.

Additional Resources

• Nanaimo on Wikipedia
• Old City Quarter on TripAdvisor
• The Bastion (Historic Places Canada)

Scenic Views from the Old City of Nanaimo, BC

Historic Streetscapes and Urban Vistas

The Old City Quarter is perched on sloping terrain, offering unique vantage points over Nanaimo’s historic downtown and harbour. Walking through the area, you’ll encounter a blend of heritage architecture, colourful storefronts, and mature trees, all set against the backdrop of the city’s bustling core. The streets themselves provide picturesque views, especially where the elevation changes, allowing glimpses of the waterfront and the distant coastal mountains.

For a virtual stroll through the Old City Quarter and its views, explore this walking tour of Nanaimo’s Old Quarter.

Harbour and Waterfront Panoramas

Just steps from the Old City Quarter, the Harbourfront Walkway stretches along the water, offering panoramic views of Nanaimo’s harbour, marinas, and the nearby islands. From elevated spots in the Old City, you can look out over the busy harbour, watching ferries, sailboats, and floatplanes come and go. The view is especially striking at sunset, when the sky reflects off the water and the city lights begin to twinkle.

Learn more about the walkway and its scenic views at the Old City Quarter TripAdvisor page.

Heritage and Green Spaces

The Old City is dotted with small parks and green spaces, such as the Garden Memorial to Chinese Pioneers, which provide peaceful spots to relax and take in the surroundings. Mature landscaping and historic cemeteries add to the tranquil, scenic atmosphere, with some locations offering quiet contemplation and views of the city’s layered history.

Nearby Natural Lookouts

• Mount Benson: For sweeping, elevated views of the entire city, harbour, and beyond, a hike up Mount Benson (just outside the Old City) is a top choice. The summit provides a panoramic perspective of Nanaimo, the Strait of Georgia, and the mainland mountains. Details on the hike and views can be found here.
• Newcastle Island: A short ferry ride from downtown, this island offers coastal trails and viewpoints back toward the city, with the Old City Quarter visible among the historic skyline. More information is available on VancouverIsland.com.

Atmosphere and Experience

The Old City’s scenic appeal is as much about its atmosphere as its vistas: cobblestone streets, restored brick buildings, and eclectic shops create a vibrant yet historic setting. Outdoor patios and benches invite visitors to sit and enjoy the view, people-watch, or simply soak in the charm of Nanaimo’s most storied neighbourhood.

Discover more about the character and experiences in the Old City Quarter at the official Old City Quarter website.

Shopping Experiences Near Nanaimo’s Old City

Old City Quarter: The Heart of Local Shopping

The Old City Quarter is Nanaimo’s premier shopping destination, featuring a vibrant collection of independent boutiques, specialty shops, and artisan retailers nestled among historic buildings and cobblestone walkways. This pedestrian-friendly district offers a unique blend of heritage charm and modern flair.

Featured Shops in Old City Quarter

• Aura Arcana Wellbeing Co. – Holistic wellness products and metaphysical treasures
• Bellamy Home Studio – Home décor and creative design
• Crispin Shoe Store – Footwear for all ages
• Damsels Fashions – Boutique women’s clothing
• Good Going Vintage – Curated vintage clothing and accessories
• Mad About Ewe – Yarn and knitting supplies
• McLean’s Specialty Foods – Gourmet foods and imported delicacies
• Peacock Jewellers Studio – Custom jewellery and repairs
• Pumpkin Pie Kids – Children’s clothing, shoes, and toys
• Windowseat Books – Independent bookstore with local and international titles
• Yours & Mine Consignment – Quality consignment clothing and goods

Specialty Experiences

• Kitties & Cream Cat Café – Enjoy coffee and pastries while mingling with adoptable cats
• VI Refillery – Eco-friendly refillery for household and personal care products
• Board Game House – Board game café and retail shop

Local Food, Cafés, and Treats

• Bocca Café – Local art, specialty coffees, and Nanaimo Bar lattes
• La Stella Trattoria – Italian cuisine with wood-fired pizza
• Bistro Taiyo – Japanese fare and sushi
• Real Food Fast Café – Healthy fast food and Nanaimo Bar-inspired treats
• A Wee Cupcakery – Cupcakes, including Nanaimo Bar varieties
• Waffle Magic – Fresh waffles topped with Nanaimo Bar fixings

Nearby Shopping Districts and Markets

• Downtown Nanaimo – Commercial Street and Port Place Mall for additional boutiques and national retailers
• Woodgrove Centre – The largest shopping mall in Nanaimo, located north of downtown
• Nanaimo North Town Centre – Shopping centre with a mix of local and chain stores
• Island Roots Farmers’ Market – Local produce, artisanal foods, and crafts
• Cedar Farmers Market – Fresh local goods just southeast of Nanaimo

Unique Shopping Highlights

• Nanaimo Bar Trail – Sample the city’s iconic dessert at bakeries and cafés throughout the Old City and beyond
• Art Galleries & Studios – Explore local art at galleries and studios within the Old City Quarter
• Consignment & Vintage – Discover unique finds at consignment shops and vintage boutiques

More Resources

• Old City Quarter Official Site
• Downtown Nanaimo Shopping Directory