Pleasant Valley Real Estate
About The Pleasant Valley Neighbourhood in Nanaimo, BC
Pleasant Valley in Nanaimo offers a mix of older homes on large lots along Metral Drive and newer builds in subdivisions near Dunster Road and Doumont Road. The neighbourhood is anchored by Brannen Lake, accessible via Dunster Road, featuring a public boat launch, swimming area, and dock. Pleasant Valley Park on Doumont Road provides soccer and baseball fields, basketball hoops, and bleachers for community use. Families benefit from proximity to Pleasant Valley Elementary on Dunbar Road, as well as nearby schools like Dover Bay Secondary on McGirr Road and Uplands Park Elementary on Stronach Drive. Residents enjoy shopping and dining at Woodgrove Centre on Aulds Road and can relax at the Black Bear Pub near Lakeside Estates. The area is known for its family-friendly environment, diverse housing options including townhomes and manufactured home parks, and easy access to parks, trails, and essential amenities.
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Pleasant Valley Parks and Beaches Nearby
- Pleasant Valley Park (6150 Doumont Rd)
- Amenities & Features: Soccer and baseball fields (with lighting and bleachers), basketball hoops, partially wheelchair accessible, walking and running trails, lush green space, and a tranquil setting for casual recreation.
- Directions: Located in the heart of Pleasant Valley on Doumont Road, just north of the intersection with Metral Drive and near Pleasant Valley Elementary. Look for the sports fields and park signage.
- Brannen Lake Beach (off Dunster Road)
- Amenities & Features: Small sandy beach, shaded by tall trees, new dock for swimming and lounging, picnic tables, west-facing for afternoon sun, popular for swimming, picnics, and boating.
- Directions: From Pleasant Valley, head west on Dunster Road (off Metral Drive). The beach access and parking area are at the end of Dunster, just past the Brannen Lake RV Park.
- Pipers Lagoon Park (off Hammond Bay Road)
- Amenities & Features: Scenic oceanfront park with sandy and rocky beaches, lagoon, nature trails, birdwatching, grassy picnic areas, and stunning coastal views.
- Directions: Take Hammond Bay Road east, turn onto Lagoon Drive. The park entrance and parking are at the end of the road, near the lagoon and oceanfront.
- Departure Bay Beach & Kinsmen Park (Departure Bay Road)
- Amenities & Features: Large sandy beach, playground, grassy areas, picnic tables, swimming area with dock, tidal pools, washrooms, and coffee shops nearby. Great for families and swimming.
- Directions: Head south on the Island Highway, turn left onto Departure Bay Road. The beach and park are located across from the Departure Bay ferry terminal, with parking and playground visible from the road.
- Blueback Beach (end of Blueback Road, Dover Bay)
- Amenities & Features: Expansive sandy beach at low tide, 300-step wooden staircase access, excellent for beachcombing, birdwatching, and scenic walks. Quiet and natural setting.
- Directions: From Pleasant Valley, take Dover Road to Blueback Road and follow it to the end. Parking is at the top of the staircase; be prepared for the descent and climb back up.
- Beach Estates Park (2150 Departure Bay Rd)
- Amenities & Features: Wooded trails, waterfalls, lush greenery, and a small pebbly beach at the ocean. Ideal for a short nature walk and enjoying waterfalls before reaching the shore.
- Directions: Take Departure Bay Road east, park at 2150 Departure Bay Road. Trailheads are marked, and the path leads down to the beach with waterfalls along the way.
- Westwood Lake Park (Westwood Road)
- Amenities & Features: Large freshwater lake with two beaches, cordoned-off swimming areas, docks, extensive walking and biking trails (5.5 km loop), playground, washrooms, and picnic areas. No motorized boats allowed; excellent for swimming, paddling, and family outings.
- Directions: From Pleasant Valley, take the Island Highway south, exit onto Jingle Pot Road, then turn right onto Westwood Road. The park entrance and large parking lot are at the end of Westwood Road.
- Long Lake Beach (Loudon Park) (off Victoria Avenue)
- Amenities & Features: Sandy freshwater beach, gradual entry, swimming area with dock, picnic tables, shaded park area, and a small fishing pier. Home to the Nanaimo Canoe and Kayak Club.
- Directions: From Pleasant Valley, take Rutherford Road to Uplands Drive, then turn onto Victoria Avenue. The park and beach are at the end of Victoria Avenue, with parking available.
Pleasant Valley Schools Nearby
- Pleasant Valley Elementary School
Address: 6201 Dunbar Road, Nanaimo, BC V9T 2P2
Phone: 250-390-4027
Fax: 250-751-3450
Email: [email protected]
Principal: Sara Tyson
Vice Principal: Sandra Shahi
Secretary: Lynn Hughes
Grades: Kindergarten to Grade 7
Student Population: Approximately 413 students
- Secondary School Catchment
Most Pleasant Valley neighbourhood residents are within the catchment for Dover Bay Secondary School.
(For confirmation, please consult the School District 68 catchment map or contact the district directly, as boundaries can change.)
- School District Contact
Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (School District 68)
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Pleasant Valley, Nanaimo, BC: Location and Accessibility
Location
Pleasant Valley is located in the northern part of Nanaimo, British Columbia. The neighbourhood is situated near the tranquil shores of Brannen Lake and is bordered by key areas such as Uplands and Long Lake. Its proximity to major shopping centres, including Woodgrove Centre (to the north) and Nanaimo North Town Centre (to the east), provides residents with convenient access to retail and services. The main community hub, Pleasant Valley Hall, is located at 6100 Doumont Road, Nanaimo, BC V9T 6E7.
Neighbourhood Accessibility
- Road Access: Pleasant Valley is easily accessible by car via the Island Highway (Highway 19), which runs along its western edge. The area is well-connected to the rest of Nanaimo and Vancouver Island.
- Public Transit: The neighbourhood is served by Nanaimo’s public transit system, offering routes to major destinations, shopping centres, and downtown Nanaimo. For schedules and routes, visit BC Transit Nanaimo.
- Active Transportation: Pleasant Valley features sidewalks and walking paths, making it pedestrian-friendly. Cycling is also a practical option, with bike-friendly routes connecting to nearby parks and amenities.
Pleasant Valley Park Accessibility
Pleasant Valley Park, located at 6150 Doumont Road, is a central recreational space in the neighbourhood. The park is partially wheelchair accessible and offers:
- Walking paths and open spaces suitable for walkers, runners, and mobility aids
- Sports fields for soccer and baseball, with public access outside of league play
- Basketball hoops and bleachers
- Comfortable environment for people of all ages and abilities
For more details, see the City of Nanaimo’s Pleasant Valley Park page.
Community Facilities
- Pleasant Valley Hall: A historic community centre at 6100 Doumont Road, available for events and gatherings. The hall is accessible from both directions and offers ample parking. Learn more or book the hall at the Pleasant Valley Hall website.
- Schools: The neighbourhood is home to Pleasant Valley Elementary School (6201 Dunbar Road), as well as nearby secondary and elementary schools.
Nearby Parks and Natural Areas
- Brannen Lake: Offers a boat dock and public swimming area, easily accessible from Pleasant Valley.
- Regional Parks: The Regional District of Nanaimo has made recent improvements to parks in the area, enhancing accessibility with wheelchair-friendly surfaces, improved trails, and accessible amenities. For more information, visit the RDN Parks Services page.
Summary Table: Key Accessibility Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Road Access | Direct via Island Highway (Hwy 19) |
| Public Transit | Served by Nanaimo transit routes |
| Pedestrian Paths | Sidewalks and walking trails throughout neighbourhood and parks |
| Wheelchair Accessibility | Partially accessible park facilities; recent upgrades to regional parks |
| Community Facilities | Pleasant Valley Hall, schools, sports fields |
| Shopping & Services | Close to Woodgrove Centre and Nanaimo North Town Centre |
Scenic Views from Pleasant Valley, Nanaimo, BC
Brannen Lake: Lakeside Serenity
Pleasant Valley is renowned for its proximity to Brannen Lake, a picturesque freshwater lake offering tranquil views of calm waters framed by tall evergreens and the foothills of Mount Benson. The western-facing shoreline is a favourite spot for catching vibrant sunsets reflected on the lake’s surface. The public beach and picnic areas provide shaded spots under towering trees, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the natural scenery. Motorboats are common on the lake, adding a lively touch to the otherwise peaceful atmosphere.
- Sunsets over the mountains
- Shaded picnic areas beneath mature trees
- Boat activity and reflections on the water
Learn more about Brannen Lake at Brannen Lake RV Park & Campsite.
Nearby Parks and Lookouts
- Pipers Lagoon Park: Just a short drive from Pleasant Valley, this waterfront park features rocky shorelines, tidal pools, and sweeping ocean vistas toward the mainland mountains. The raised walkways and loop trails offer panoramic views of the Salish Sea, passing ferries, and local wildlife.
- Neck Point Park: Known for its rugged coastline and secluded coves, Neck Point Park provides expansive views across the Salish Sea to the mainland. The wooden viewing platforms and forested trails are ideal for spotting orcas, sea lions, and seals.
- Westwood Lake Park: Nestled at the base of Mount Benson, this park offers forested trails and elevated viewpoints over the lake, with the mountain’s silhouette providing a dramatic backdrop—especially at sunset.
Mountain and City Vistas
- Mount Benson: For those seeking a panoramic adventure, hiking up Mount Benson rewards with sweeping views over Nanaimo, the Gulf Islands, and the distant mainland mountains. The summit is a prime spot for sunrise and sunset photography.
- Sugarloaf Mountain: A short climb leads to a lookout over Departure Bay, the ferry terminal, and the city’s original neighbourhoods, with Mount Benson in the distance.
Highlights of Pleasant Valley’s Scenic Experience
- Lakeside sunsets and mountain reflections at Brannen Lake
- Ocean panoramas and wildlife at Pipers Lagoon and Neck Point
- Forest trails and elevated lookouts at Westwood Lake
- Expansive city and coastal views from Mount Benson and Sugarloaf Mountain
Additional Resources
Shopping Experiences Near Pleasant Valley, Nanaimo, BC
Major Shopping Centres
- Woodgrove Centre
Vancouver Island’s largest shopping centre, located just minutes from Pleasant Valley. Features over 140 stores and services including Walmart, Hudson’s Bay, Old Navy, Chapters, Sport Chek, and Save-On-Foods.
- Nanaimo North Town Centre
A large mall with over 600,000 square feet of shops and services. Anchors include Canadian Tire, Lowe’s, Galaxy Theatres, and Fairway Market. Conveniently accessible by public transit.
- Brooks Landing Shopping Centre
Located near the ferry terminal, this centre features retailers like Staples, Save-On-Foods, Home Hardware, and The Landing Liquor Store, along with dining options such as Tim Hortons.
- Port Place Shopping Centre
Situated in downtown Nanaimo, Port Place offers a mix of shops, services, and restaurants, including Thrifty Foods and London Drugs, with ample free parking.
- Woodgrove Centre (Central Walk)
The central retail hub for the region, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Big Box Stores and Grocers
- Superstore
- Costco
- Home Depot
- Save-On-Foods
- Fairway Market
Specialty Shopping & Local Experiences
- Downtown Nanaimo
Explore the Arts District for galleries and studios, the Old City Quarter for boutique shopping and dining, and the Waterfront for souvenir shops and local boutiques.
- Farmers Markets
Seasonal markets such as the Lantzville Farmers Market, Cedar Farmers Market, Bowen Road Farmers Market, and Nanaimo Downtown Farmers Market offer fresh produce and handmade goods.
Dining & Services
- Browns Social House
- Kasira Thai
- Longwood Station
- Tim Hortons (Brooks Landing)
Accessibility
- Most shopping centres and big box stores are within a short drive or walking distance from Pleasant Valley.
- Public transit routes connect Pleasant Valley with major shopping destinations.
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