University District Real Estate

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University District Parks and Beaches Nearby

• Neck Point Park
  

  • Amenities & Features: 36-acre oceanfront park with sandy beaches, rugged shorelines, scenic viewpoints, accessible and well-maintained trails, picnic areas, wildlife viewing (eagles, otters, sea lions, orcas), fairy doors for children, dog-friendly (on leash, pets not permitted on beach May–September), and photo opportunities.
  • Directions: From University District, take Hammond Bay Road northeast along the ocean, turn onto Morningside Drive (passing Hammond Bay Elementary). Enter through the gate (locks at night) and descend to the gravel parking lot. The park is well signed and easy to find once on Hammond Bay Road. Local landmark: Hammond Bay Elementary.

• Pipers Lagoon Park
  

  • Amenities & Features: Oceanfront park with scenic trails, multiple seaside lookouts, birdwatching (herons, grebes, loons, kingfishers), beachcombing, grassy picnic areas, kite flying, swimming (for experienced swimmers), and views of Shack Island and Neck Point Park.
  • Directions: From University District, follow Hammond Bay Road north, turn right onto Lagoon Drive. The park entrance and parking lot are at the end of Lagoon Drive. Local landmark: Hammond Bay Road and Lagoon Drive intersection.

• Departure Bay Beach & Kinsmen Park
  

  • Amenities & Features: Large sandy beach, tidal pools, driftwood, playground, grassy field, picnic tables, swimming area with dock, coffee shop across the street, and Snuneymuxw First Nation totems. Ideal for families, casual walks, and beachcombing.
  • Directions: From University District, take Departure Bay Road northeast. The beach and park are located at the intersection of Departure Bay Road and Wingrove Street. Park at the lot near the beach. Local landmark: Departure Bay ferry terminal nearby.

• Westwood Lake Park
  

  • Amenities & Features: Freshwater swimming beach, long sandy shoreline, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing dock, shaded playground, extensive walking and biking trails, picnic areas, and forested surroundings at the foot of Mount Benson.
  • Directions: From University District, follow Westwood Road west to the end. The parking lot is at the park entrance. Local landmark: Westwood Road and Jingle Pot Road intersection.

• Buttertubs Marsh Park
  

  • Amenities & Features: Bird and wildlife sanctuary, 2 km loop trail around the marsh, birdwatching (waterfowl, songbirds), nature viewing, and peaceful walking paths.
  • Directions: From University District, head north on Wakesiah Avenue, turn left onto Buttertubs Drive. The main entrance and parking are off Buttertubs Drive. Local landmark: Nanaimo Ice Centre nearby.

• Beban Park
  

  • Amenities & Features: Large recreation campus with indoor pool, ice rinks, playgrounds, sports fields, BMX track, walking trails, picnic areas, and open green spaces. Hosts community events and festivals.
  • Directions: From University District, take Bowen Road north. The park entrance is at the intersection of Bowen Road and Beban Park Road. Local landmark: Nanaimo Golf Club across the street.

• Blueback Beach (Dover Bay area)
  

  • Amenities & Features: Expansive sandy beach at low tide, gentle slope into water, 300-step wooden staircase access, secluded coves, ideal for swimming and sunbathing, scenic views northward across the gulf.
  • Directions: From University District, take Hammond Bay Road north, turn onto Blueback Road in Dover Bay. Parking lot is at the end of Blueback Road; descend the staircase to the beach. Local landmark: Dover Bay Secondary School nearby.

• Jack Point & Biggs Park
  

  • Amenities & Features: Oceanside trails with sandstone bluffs, Garry oaks and arbutus trees, wheelchair accessible first 300m, stunning harbour and estuary views, wildlife viewing (sea lions, eagles, otters), sunset watching, and quiet natural setting.
  • Directions: From University District, follow the highway toward Duke Point Ferry Terminal, turn right onto MacMillan Road before reaching the terminal (becomes Maughan Road). Park in the small lot beside the highway and use the underpass to reach the trail. Local landmark: Duke Point Ferry Terminal.

University District Schools Nearby

• Elementary School
  

  • École Pauline Haarer Elementary

    Address: 400 Campbell Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 3G7

    Phone: 250-753-6331

    Grades: K-7

    French Immersion program available

  • Georgia Avenue Community School

    Address: 625 Georgia Avenue, Nanaimo, BC V9R 3V9

    Phone: 250-753-6891

    Grades: K-7

    Offers StrongStart Early Learning Centre

• 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 variety of academic and extracurricular programs

• Post-Secondary
  

  • Vancouver Island University (VIU)

    Address: 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5

    Phone: 250-753-3245

    Offers undergraduate, graduate, and trades programs

Location and Accessibility of University District, Nanaimo, BC

Location

The University District is located in the south-central part of Nanaimo, British Columbia, centred around Vancouver Island University (VIU). The neighbourhood is bordered by downtown Nanaimo to the north and the Trans Canada Highway to the east, providing quick access to the city core and major transportation routes.

Key streets in the district include Wakesiah Avenue, Fourth Street, and Fifth Street. The area is also adjacent to College Heights, which offers scenic views of downtown Nanaimo, Departure Bay, and the surrounding natural landscape.

Accessibility

• Transit and Transportation: The University District is well-served by public transit, with bus routes connecting residents and students to downtown Nanaimo, the ferry terminal, and other city neighbourhoods. The Nanaimo Parkway and Trans Canada Highway are easily accessible for drivers.
• Pedestrian and Cyclist Access: The area is pedestrian-friendly, with sidewalks and crosswalks connecting the university, residential zones, and amenities. Cycling routes and trails also link the district to parks and other parts of Nanaimo.
• Campus Accessibility: VIU’s Nanaimo campus is situated on a steep slope, which presents challenges for mobility. However, the university has invested in accessibility improvements, including stair-free routes, accessible entrances, and universally accessible washrooms. For detailed accessibility maps and resources, visit the VIU Universal Access Map.
• Amenities: The University Village Mall and nearby commercial areas provide essential services such as grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and postal services within walking distance.
• Recreation and Parks: Residents have access to parks like Buttertubs Marsh, Westwood Lake Park, and Colliery Dam Park, all of which offer accessible walking trails and outdoor facilities.

Additional Resources

• City of Nanaimo Transportation
• BC Transit Nanaimo
• VIU Accessibility Services

Scenic Views from the University District, Nanaimo, BC

College Heights & Elevated Vistas

The upper area of the University District, known as College Heights, offers some of the most impressive panoramic views in Nanaimo. From here, you can look out over downtown Nanaimo, Departure Bay, and the Georgia Strait. On clear days, you can watch BC Ferries crossing the bay and see the cityscape framed by coastal mountains and ocean horizons.

• Expansive ocean and coastal views
• Overlooks downtown Nanaimo and Departure Bay
• Views of ferry traffic and distant mountain ranges

Westwood Lake & Mount Benson

Bordering the University District, Westwood Lake Park provides tranquil lake views surrounded by forested hills. The park’s trails lead up to Mount Benson, where hikers are rewarded with sweeping vistas of the city, the Strait of Georgia, and Vancouver Island’s rugged interior.

• Serene lake and forest scenery
• Mountain trails with panoramic lookouts
• Popular for walking, running, and nature photography

Buttertubs Marsh & Urban Nature

Just north of the University District, Buttertubs Marsh offers a unique urban wetland experience. The marsh’s walking trails provide peaceful views of water, reeds, and abundant birdlife, with the city skyline and mountains in the background.

• Birdwatching and tranquil water views
• Contrasts natural beauty with urban surroundings

Nearby Parks & Green Spaces

• Bowen Park: Gardens, forested trails, and river views within minutes of the University District.
• Colliery Dam Park: Lakes, waterfalls, and wooded paths for scenic walks and relaxation.
• Beach Estates Park: Waterfall, lush trails, and access to pebbly beaches with ocean views.

Atmosphere & Lifestyle

The University District is surrounded by natural beauty, blending urban amenities with easy access to outdoor recreation. Residents and visitors enjoy a lively yet peaceful environment, with scenic lookouts, forested parks, and waterfronts all within a short walk or drive.

Explore More

• City of Nanaimo Parks
• Vancouver Island University
• Top Nanaimo Attractions

Shopping Experiences Near the University District, Nanaimo, BC

University Village Shopping Centre

• Location: 530 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 1P1
• Features: Pharmacy, grocery store, post office, dining options, and essential retail services
• University Village Shopping Centre Facebook Page

Nearby Shopping Centres

• Nanaimo North Town Centre – Over 50 shops and services, including Canadian Tire, London Drugs, and Lowes.

  Nanaimo North Town Centre Directory

• Woodgrove Centre – The largest mall on Vancouver Island, featuring 150+ stores such as The Bay, Walmart, Chapters, Winners, and Old Navy.

  Woodgrove Centre

• Country Club Centre – Over 50 shops and services, including Save On Foods, JYSK, Best Buy, and Shoppers Drug Mart.

  Country Club Centre

• Port Place Shopping Centre – Located downtown with 30+ shops, including Thrifty Foods, London Drugs, and a liquor store.

  Port Place Shopping Centre

Specialty and Local Shopping

• Old City Quarter – Unique boutiques, local businesses, cafes, and heritage shopping in a historic setting.

  Old City Quarter

• Downtown Nanaimo Arts District – Art galleries, studios, and artisan shops centred around Commercial Street.
• Farmers Markets – Fresh produce and handmade goods at Cedar Farmers Market, Bowen Road Farmers Market, and Nanaimo Downtown Farmers Market.

Other Notable Shopping Spots

• Rock City Centre – A mix of chain and independent retailers, eateries, and services.
• Brooks Landing Mall – Sports shops, office supplies, and local services.
• Waryam Plaza – Convenient for a variety of needs.

Big Box Stores and Grocers

• Real Canadian Superstore
• Costco Wholesale
• The Home Depot
• Walmart

EV Charging and Accessibility

• University Village Mall offers free Level 2 EV charging stations for shoppers.
• Most shopping centres are accessible by public transit and have ample parking.