Central Nanaimo Real Estate

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Central Nanaimo Parks and Beaches Nearby

• Departure Bay Beach & Kinsman Park
  

  • Amenities & Features: Sandy and shingle beach, raised pedestrian walkway, playground, picnic tables, washrooms, food trucks, coffee shops, children’s play area, family-friendly, great for swimming, tide pools, and watching ferries.
  • Directions: Located off Departure Bay Road, adjacent to the BC Ferries terminal. From Central Nanaimo, take Bowen Road north, turn onto Departure Bay Road, and follow signs to the beach. Landmarks include Kinsman Park and Snuneymuxw First Nation Totems.

• Neck Point Park
  

  • Amenities & Features: Rocky beaches, forest trails, wildlife viewing (seals, sea lions, orcas), picnic tables, benches, scenic lookouts, accessible beach mats at Finn Beach, seawall, Garry oak groves, family-friendly loop trail (2.9 km), swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving.
  • Directions: From Central Nanaimo, take the Island Highway north, exit onto Hammond Bay Road, and follow signs to the park. Bus routes 20 and 30 also serve the area.
  • Landmarks: Look for the entrance on Hammond Bay Road, near Pipers Lagoon Park.

• Pipers Lagoon Park
  

  • Amenities & Features: Sandy and rocky beaches, tidal lagoon, walking trails, grassy picnic areas, birdwatching, scenic views, hidden coves, and outcrops for privacy.
  • Directions: Take Hammond Bay Road from Central Nanaimo, turn onto Please Road, and follow to the park entrance. Parking is limited, so arrive early.
  • Landmarks: Located just east of Neck Point Park.

• Westwood Lake Park
  

  • Amenities & Features: Freshwater sandy beach, swimming area with lifeguards (summer), picnic tables, benches, washrooms, playground, 5.5 km trail around the lake, fishing dock, dog-friendly areas, no powered boats allowed.
  • Directions: From Central Nanaimo, take Bowen Road to Westwood Road and follow to the park entrance. Parking is available near the Westwood Lake Tennis Club.
  • Landmarks: At the foot of Mount Benson, look for signs to Westwood Lake Park.

• Long Lake (Loudon Park)
  

  • Amenities & Features: Freshwater swimming, sandy beach, boardwalk, canoe and kayak launch, fishing dock, playground, picnic areas, power boats permitted, popular for water sports.
  • Directions: Take the Island Highway (Highway 19) north, exit at Rutherford Road, and follow signs to Loudon Park and Long Lake. Parking is available near the public beach.
  • Landmarks: Near Country Club Centre shopping mall.

• Blueback Beach
  

  • Amenities & Features: Secluded tidal beach, sandy at low tide, rocky sections, clear water, good for swimming, popular workout stairs (approx. 300 steps), scenic views, limited parking.
  • Directions: From Central Nanaimo, take Hammond Bay Road north, turn onto Blueback Road and follow to the end. Access the beach via the staircase.
  • Landmarks: Located in the Dover Bay neighbourhood.

• Brannen Lake Beach
  

  • Amenities & Features: Freshwater swimming, small sandy beach, fishing dock, boating (power boats allowed), picnic spots, playground.
  • Directions: Take Mostar Road or Dunster Road from Central Nanaimo, follow signs to Brannen Lake. The beach is near the Pleasant Valley neighbourhood.
  • Landmarks: Look for Brannen Lake Boat Launch.

• Beach Estates Park
  

  • Amenities & Features: Shady, tranquil walking trail, stairs, follows Northfield Creek, connects Departure Bay Road to the beach near the ferry terminal, hidden gem, not wheelchair accessible.
  • Directions: Enter at 2140 Departure Bay Road. The trail descends to the beach near the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal.
  • Landmarks: Located in the Brechin Hill neighbourhood.

• Friar Tuck Beach Access
  

  • Amenities & Features: Small beach access point, natural setting, not wheelchair accessible.
  • Directions: Located at the intersection of Hammond Bay Road and Friar Tuck Way. From Central Nanaimo, take Hammond Bay Road north and look for Friar Tuck Way.
  • Landmarks: In the Hammond Bay area.

• Beban Park
  

  • Amenities & Features: Large recreation campus (130 acres), indoor pools, ice rinks, sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, walking trails, dog park, community gardens, open green spaces, event facilities.
  • Directions: From Central Nanaimo, take Bowen Road north and follow signs to Beban Park. Main entrance is near the intersection with Labieux Road.
  • Landmarks: Look for the Beban Park Recreation Centre and Altrusa Playground.

Central Nanaimo Schools Nearby

• Elementary Schools
  

  • École Quarterway Elementary

    Address: 1632 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, BC V9S 1G5

    Phone: 250-754-6845

    Grades: K-7

    French Immersion available

  • Forest Park Elementary

    Address: 2050 Latimer Road, Nanaimo, BC V9S 2W2

    Phone: 250-758-6892

    Grades: K-7

  • Departure Bay Eco-School

    Address: 3004 Departure Bay Road, Nanaimo, BC V9S 3X1

    Phone: 250-758-7547

    Grades: K-7

    Eco-School program

  • Rutherford Elementary School (Re-opening September 2025)

    Address: 5840 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo, BC V9T 5N9

    Phone: 250-758-6332

    Grades: K-7

• Secondary Schools
  

  • Nanaimo District Secondary School (NDSS)

    Address: 355 Wakesiah Avenue, Nanaimo, BC V9R 3K5

    Phone: 250-740-2000

    Grades: 8-12

  • John Barsby Community School

    Address: 550 Seventh Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 3Z2

    Phone: 250-753-8211

    Grades: 8-12

• School District Contact

  Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (SD68)

  Address: 395 Wakesiah Avenue, Nanaimo, BC V9R 3K5

  Phone: 250-754-5521

  Email: [email protected]

Central Nanaimo Location

Central Nanaimo is a neighbourhood in Nanaimo, British Columbia, located on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Despite its name, it isn’t actually the geographic centre of the city but is closer to the Old City and south end than the north end.

Boundaries

The general borders of Central Nanaimo, as recognized by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board, are:

• Northfield Road in the South
• Bowen Road to the end of Bowen Park in the South
• Island Highway in the East
• The Parkway in the West

Proximity to Key Locations

Central Nanaimo offers convenient access to:

• Nanaimo Regional Hospital
• Shopping malls
• Schools
• Old City area

Accessibility Features

Parks and Recreation

Central Nanaimo is home to several accessible parks and recreational facilities:

Beban Park

A multifaceted park featuring:

• Indoor swimming pool
• Arena
• Social centre
• Soccer fields
• Tennis and pickleball courts
• Dog off-leash area
• Fitness circuit
• Community gardens

Bowen Park

A wooded park near the Millstone River with:

• Outdoor swimming pool (summer)
• Sports fields
• Tennis courts
• Nature trails along the Millstone River
• Playgrounds
• Outdoor amphitheatre

Transportation and Mobility

The area is well-served by:

• Public transit routes
• Walkable areas near shopping and recreation
• Proximity to major roadways including Island Highway

City-Wide Accessibility Initiatives

The City of Nanaimo has implemented several accessibility improvements:

• Mobi-Mats at beaches including Neck Point Park, Loudon Park, Colliery Dam, and Departure Bay Beach
• Wheelchair-friendly surfaces and grades in parks
• Tapping trails for visitors with visual or balance impairments
• Audio narrations accessible via QR codes on interpretive signs

Housing Accessibility

Central Nanaimo offers diverse housing options:

• Older single-family homes
• Newer condos and townhouses (primarily on Meredith Road and Dufferin Crescent)
• Housing options suitable for first-time buyers, investors, singles, and couples
• Varied lot sizes including higher density areas and larger, older properties

Accessibility Planning

Nanaimo’s City Plan and Accessibility and Inclusion Plan focus on:

• Identifying, removing, and preventing barriers
• Creating environments accessible to people of all ages, genders, abilities, and income levels
• Applying equity, gender, diversity, and inclusion lens in City initiatives
• Ensuring multiple ways for people to move freely throughout the city without barriers

Visit the City of Nanaimo website for more information about accessibility initiatives.

Scenic Views from Central Nanaimo, BC

Panoramic Ocean and Mountain Vistas

Central Nanaimo offers a blend of urban convenience and access to some of Vancouver Island’s most breathtaking scenery. From various vantage points, you can take in sweeping views of the Salish Sea, snow-capped Coast Mountains, and the city’s bustling harbour. The area is known for its proximity to both forested parks and coastal lookouts, making it easy to enjoy nature’s beauty without leaving the city.

Top Scenic Spots Near Central Nanaimo

• Neck Point Park – Famous for its rugged coastline, scenic trails, and some of the best sunset views in Nanaimo. The park’s lookouts provide expansive views over the Salish Sea, with opportunities to spot marine wildlife like orcas and sea lions.

  Learn more about Neck Point Park

• Pipers Lagoon Park – Offers crescent beaches and raised walkways with panoramic ocean vistas. From here, you can gaze across to the mainland mountains and watch ferries and boats pass by.

  Explore Pipers Lagoon Park

• Sugarloaf Mountain – A short climb rewards you with a bird’s-eye view of Departure Bay, the ferry terminal, and the distant Coastal Mountains. This spot is especially popular for watching ferries and enjoying city and ocean views.

  Discover Sugarloaf Mountain

• Harbourfront Walkway – Stroll along the waterfront for stunning views of Nanaimo’s harbour, marinas, and the city skyline. The walkway is lined with cafes and shops, perfect for relaxing while taking in the scenery.

  Visit the Harbourfront Walkway

• Mount Benson – For those seeking a more challenging adventure, hiking Mount Benson provides a phenomenal panoramic view of Nanaimo, the Strait of Georgia, and the surrounding mountain ranges.

  Hiking Mount Benson

• Westwood Lake Park – Features forested trails and elevated viewpoints overlooking the lake, with reflections of the mountains and trees creating a tranquil setting.

  See Westwood Lake Park

What Makes the Views Unique?

• Combination of ocean, city, and mountain landscapes in a single panorama.
• Frequent sightings of marine wildlife and passing ferries.
• Accessible parks and lookouts suitable for all ages and abilities.
• Sunsets that illuminate both the water and distant peaks, creating memorable photo opportunities.

Additional Resources

• City of Nanaimo: Scenic Viewing Parks
• Living with Scenic Views in Nanaimo

Shopping Experiences Near Central Nanaimo, BC

Major Shopping Centres

• Woodgrove Centre

  Vancouver Island’s largest shopping centre with over 140 stores and services, including Walmart, Hudson’s Bay, Old Navy, Chapters, Sport Chek, and Save-On-Foods. Located on the north end of Nanaimo, it offers a wide variety of fashion, electronics, and dining options.

• Nanaimo North Town Centre

  Features leading national and local retailers such as Canadian Tire, Lowe’s, Galaxy Theatres, Fairway Market, and Fit4Less. Conveniently accessible by public transit and major roadways, it serves as a central shopping hub for the community.

• Port Place Shopping Centre

  Located in downtown Nanaimo, this centre offers a full range of shops, services, and restaurants. It is pedestrian-friendly, with both interior and exterior shopping, and is close to the waterfront and cultural attractions.

• Brooks Landing Shopping Centre

  Anchored by Staples and Save-On-Foods, this centre provides a mix of retail, grocery, dining, and essential services. Its location near the ferry terminal and major roads makes it easily accessible.

Neighbourhood Plazas and Centres

• Beban Plaza – 2220 Bowen Road: Offers grocery, pharmacy, and local services.
• Country Club Centre – 3200 North Island Highway: Features a variety of retailers and services.
• Rock City Plaza – 2980 Island Highway: Provides shopping and dining options close to Central Nanaimo.
• Longwood Station – 5765 Turner Road: Includes specialty shops, restaurants, and services.
• Terminal Park Mall – 3200 Island Highway: Houses grocery, banking, and retail stores.

Specialty and Local Shopping

• Cedar Farmers Market: Seasonal market offering local produce, crafts, and artisanal goods.
• Nanaimo Art Gallery: Shop for local art and unique gifts.
• Downtown Nanaimo: Explore boutique shops, galleries, and independent retailers along Commercial Street and the Old City Quarter.

Map of Shopping Plazas in Central Nanaimo

• Beban Plaza – 2220 Bowen Road
• Bowen Centre – 1925 Bowen Road
• Park Place – 2124 Bowen Road
• Westhill Centre – 1808 Bowen Road
• Madsen Centre – 1801 Bowen Road
• Green Rock – Bowen Road and Dufferin Crescent

Quick Access to Essentials

• Grocery: Save-On-Foods, Fairway Market, Country Grocer
• Pharmacies: Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs
• Fitness: Fit4Less, GoodLife Fitness
• Entertainment: Galaxy Theatres, Landmark Cinemas