Uplands Real Estate
About The Uplands Neighbourhood in Nanaimo, BC
Uplands in Nanaimo offers a diverse range of homes for sale, from single-family residences and condos to lakefront properties in Long Lake Heights along Summit Drive and Rutherford Road. The neighbourhood is known for its picturesque setting on rocky hills and ravines, with many homes featuring panoramic views of Long Lake, Mount Benson, and the ocean. Families enjoy proximity to Uplands Park Elementary on Stronach Drive, Randerson Ridge Elementary on Nelson Road, and Rock City Elementary on Mexicana Road. Residents have easy access to Oliver Woods Community Centre and Park on Oliver Road, Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park, and Beban Park on Bowen Road for recreation and community events. Shopping and amenities are conveniently located at Country Club Centre on Departure Bay Road and Nanaimo North Town Centre on Rutherford Road. Uplands is a family-friendly, well-established neighbourhood with mature trees, walking trails, and a strong sense of community.
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Uplands Parks and Beaches Nearby

- Loudon Park & Long Lake Beach
- Amenities & Features: Sandy beach with gentle slope, swimming area with dock, fishing pier, playground shaded by trees, picnic tables, and access to the Nanaimo Canoe and Kayak Club. Great for families and swimming, with beautiful sunset views.
- Directions: Located in the Uplands neighbourhood. Access via Victoria Avenue; the beach and park are at the end of Victoria Avenue. Look for the Loudon Park sign and playground as landmarks.
- Departure Bay Beach & Kinsmen Park
- Amenities & Features: Large sandy beach, playground, grassy park area, picnic tables, washrooms, tidal pools at low tide, swimming area with dock, totem poles, and coffee shops nearby. Excellent for families, swimming, and watching ferries and seaplanes.
- Directions: Head south on Departure Bay Road. The beach is in front of Kinsmen Park, near the BC Ferries terminal. Landmarks include the Snuneymuxw totems and the playground.
- Neck Point Park
- Amenities & Features: 36 acres of waterfront with rugged rock cliffs, pebble bay beaches, Garry Oak groves, scenic trails, wildlife viewing (orca, sea lions, otters), scuba diving access, and panoramic views. Popular for photography, hiking, and beachcombing.
- Directions: Take Hammond Bay Road north and turn onto Morningside Drive. The park entrance and parking are at the end of Morningside Drive, just past Pipers Lagoon Park.
- Pipers Lagoon Park
- Amenities & Features: Scenic waterfront park with walking trails, ocean viewpoints, lagoon, pebble beaches, birdwatching, and picnic areas. Peaceful and popular for after-work walks and dog-friendly outings.
- Directions: Follow Hammond Bay Road and turn onto Lagoon Drive. The main entrance and parking lot are at the end of Lagoon Drive, close to the lagoon itself.
- Blueback Beach
- Amenities & Features: Secluded sandy and pebbly beach, clear calm water ideal for swimming, natural setting, and peaceful atmosphere. Note: Access involves a steep path and stairs.
- Directions: Go north on Hammond Bay Road, turn onto Blueback Road, and follow to the end. Park on residential streets and take the trail down to the beach.
- Westwood Lake Park
- Amenities & Features: Large freshwater lake with sandy beach, swimming area, 6 km walking trail around the lake, picnic tables, benches, fishing, boating (no wakes), and mountain views. Family-friendly with lots of shade and forested surroundings.
- Directions: Take the Island Highway south, turn onto Jingle Pot Road, then Westwood Road. The park entrance and main parking lot are at the end of Westwood Road, near the tennis club.
- Maffeo Sutton Park & Swy-a-Lana Lagoon
- Amenities & Features: Downtown waterfront park with grassy areas, playground, lagoon, small beach, picnic spots, washrooms, harbourfront walkway, and views of Newcastle Island and the Coast Mountains. Great for walking, jogging, biking, and water access for kayaking or paddleboarding.
- Directions: Located downtown at 10 Comox Road. Easily accessible by car, bike, or public transit. Landmarks include the lagoon, playground, and proximity to the downtown core and harbour.
- Brannen Lake Beach
- Amenities & Features: Small sandy freshwater beach, new dock, picnic tables, shaded by tall trees, and boat launch. Good for swimming, fishing, and boating. Faces west for afternoon sun.
- Directions: Head north on Mostar Road, turn onto Dunster Road, and follow signs to Brannen Lake Beach and Boat Launch. Parking is near the lake.
Uplands Schools Nearby

- Uplands Park Elementary School
Address: 3821 Stronach Drive, Nanaimo, BC V9T 3X4
Phone: 250-758-4637
Grades: Kindergarten to Grade 7
Catchment: Serves students residing in the Uplands neighbourhood
School District: Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (SD68)
- Wellington Secondary School
Address: 3135 Mexicana Road, Nanaimo, BC V9T 2W8
Phone: 250-758-9191
Grades: 8 to 12
Catchment: Receives secondary students from Uplands Park Elementary and surrounding areas
School District: Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (SD68)
- District Contact for Catchment Information
Email: [email protected]
For up-to-date catchment boundaries and further inquiries, contact the district office.
Note: Catchment boundaries are subject to change, especially with ongoing consultations and upcoming adjustments in the north Nanaimo area. For the most current information, consult the Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools district office.
Uplands of Nanaimo, BC: Location and Accessibility
Location
Uplands is a prominent neighbourhood in the north-central part of Nanaimo, British Columbia. It is situated on the hillside overlooking Long Lake, with boundaries that encompass both residential and commercial areas. The neighbourhood is adjacent to Linley Valley and is close to major thoroughfares, including the Island Highway, providing quick access to downtown Nanaimo and other city regions.
Key addresses in Uplands include:
- Uplands Drive, Nanaimo, BC
- 3425 Uplands Drive (affordable and accessible housing)
- 4551 Uplands Drive (apartment rentals)
- 6117 Uplands Drive (Uplands Terrace Apartments)
View on MapQuest
Accessibility
- Walkability: Uplands Drive and the Dover Road & Uplands Drive intersection have Walk Scores of 63 and 74, respectively, indicating that the area is somewhat to very walkable. Many errands can be accomplished on foot, especially near commercial centres.
- Transit: The neighbourhood is served by several bus routes, including the 1 Woodgrove, 2 Hammond Bay, 12 Dover, 40 VIU Express, and others. These provide connections to shopping centres, downtown Nanaimo, and Vancouver Island University.
- Biking: The area has minimal bike infrastructure, but some routes are accessible for cyclists.
- Proximity to Amenities: Uplands is near major shopping destinations such as Woodgrove Centre, Nanaimo North Town Centre, and Country Club Mall. It is also close to schools, parks, and recreational facilities.
- Accessible and Affordable Housing: Recent developments at 3425 Uplands Drive offer accessible rental homes for people with developmental disabilities and affordable housing for low-income residents. Uplands Walk at 6025 Uplands Drive provides supportive housing for those at risk of homelessness, with 24/7 on-site support.
- Senior and Mature Living: Uplands Terrace Apartments at 6117 Uplands Drive cater to a mature rental lifestyle, offering amenities such as in-suite laundry, EV charging, and social lounges.
Nearby Parks and Recreation
- Long Lake and Long Lake Heights: Waterfront access and scenic views
- Linley Valley: Extensive trails and natural spaces
- Beach Estates Park, Beban Park, Beaufort Park, Colliery Dam Park, Westwood Lake: Various recreational facilities, trails, and beaches
External Resources
Scenic Views from Uplands of Nanaimo, BC
Long Lake and Mount Benson Vistas
Uplands is renowned for its elevated position, offering expansive views over Long Lake and the forested slopes of Mount Benson. Many homes, especially those in the Long Lake Heights area, enjoy panoramic lakefront and mountain scenery, with the water reflecting the changing skies and the mountains providing a dramatic backdrop.
Rocky Hillsides and Natural Landscapes
The neighbourhood features rocky outcrops and lush greenery, blending urban living with the beauty of Vancouver Island’s natural environment. Tree-lined streets and hillside vantage points allow residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the diverse landscape.
Glimpses of the Pacific Ocean
In select spots within Uplands, there are sightlines that extend to the Salish Sea and the distant Coastal Mountains on the mainland. These ocean views are especially striking at sunrise and sunset, when the light plays across the water and mountain peaks.
Nearby Parks and Lookouts
- Neck Point Park: Offers sweeping views of the Salish Sea, with opportunities to spot marine wildlife and enjoy rugged coastal scenery.
- Pipers Lagoon Park: Features ocean vistas, beach walks, and views of passing ferries and distant islands.
- Sugarloaf Mountain: A short climb rewards with a bird’s-eye view over Departure Bay, the city, and the surrounding mountains.
- Westwood Lake Park: Nestled at the base of Mount Benson, this park provides tranquil lake views and forested trails.
Photo Opportunities and Outdoor Enjoyment
Uplands’ scenic lookouts are ideal for photography, quiet reflection, and outdoor activities. The blend of water, forest, and mountain views makes this neighbourhood a picturesque and sought-after area for those who appreciate natural beauty and easy access to parks and trails.
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Shopping Experiences Near Uplands, Nanaimo, BC
Nanaimo North Town Centre
Located just minutes from Uplands, Nanaimo North Town Centre is a major shopping destination featuring a wide range of retailers. Find stores like Canadian Tire, London Drugs, Lowe’s, Mark’s, Fairway Market, and a Cineplex Galaxy Theatres. The centre also offers fitness options and various dining choices.
Woodgrove Centre
Woodgrove Centre is Vancouver Island’s largest shopping mall, located a short drive north of Uplands. With over 140 stores and services, including The Bay, Walmart, Chapters, Old Navy, and SportChek, it’s a hub for fashion, electronics, and family shopping.
Country Club Centre
Country Club Centre offers more than 50 shops and services, including Save-On-Foods, Best Buy, Shoppers Drug Mart, JYSK, and CIBC. It’s conveniently located along the Old Island Highway and caters to a variety of everyday needs.
Port Place Shopping Centre
In downtown Nanaimo, Port Place Shopping Centre features over 30 shops, including Thrifty Foods, London Drugs, and a liquor store. The centre is ideal for combining shopping with a stroll along the waterfront.
Rock City Centre
Rock City Centre is a smaller shopping plaza near Uplands, offering a mix of eateries, independent retailers, and essential services. It’s a convenient spot for quick errands and local dining.
Brooks Landing Mall
Brooks Landing Mall provides additional shopping options, including Staples and Cascadia Sports. It’s a practical choice for office supplies and specialty shops.
Downtown Nanaimo Shopping Districts
- Old City Quarter: Known for its heritage buildings, boutique shops, local artisans, and unique dining experiences. Explore local fashion, books, and specialty items.
- Arts District: Features galleries, studios, and artist cooperatives, perfect for discovering local art and handmade goods.
- Waterfront: Offers souvenir shops, boutiques, and scenic views along the harbourfront walkway.
Farmers Markets
- Cedar Farmers Market: Fresh produce, crafts, and local goods.
- Bowen Road Farmers Market: Seasonal produce and artisanal products.
- Nanaimo Downtown Farmers Market: Local foods and handmade items in the heart of downtown.
Specialty and Furniture Shopping
- Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress at 4900 Uplands Drive: A local option for home furnishings and mattresses, located right in the Uplands area.
Reviews for Our Realtor Services in Uplands and Surrounding Areas
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