At over 90sqkm in size and with a population of over 100,000 people – and growing fast – Nanaimo is made up of several distinct areas, or neighbourhoods, which all have something unique to offer visitors.
While the exact boundaries and names of each neighbourhood may be debated (by locals mostly), we have created a quick guide to help you navigate your way around all the areas of Nanaimo.
To help make locating each neighbourhood a bit easier we’ve divided our list into three general areas: North, Central and South Nanaimo.
Nanaimo’s northernmost neighbourhood, lower Lantzville is rimmed by easily accessible beaches which are popular for walking and exploring year-round.
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North Nanaimo is a perfect blend of homes, stores and the great outdoors.
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Though this smaller residential neighbourhood offers plenty of life services, it shines thanks to its outdoor offerings.
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Rural acreages and modern estates blend seamlessly into this neighbourhood at the foothills of Mount Benson.
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An established community neighbourhood, the Uplands area is home to Nanaimo’s premier watersports lake.
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The views from this part of Nanaimo are not to be missed.
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Named after the large sandy bay which welcomes BC Ferries passengers into the heart of Nanaimo, this neighbourhood is a blend of classic west-coast residences and year-round waterfront living.
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This neighbourhood overlooks the Newcastle Channel which teems with on-water life. From sailboats and yachts to kayaks and seaplanes. The water is never still for long.
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The central Nanaimo neighbourhood covers a large area around both Bowen and Northfield Roads.
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Home to the Vancouver Island University campus and Nanaimo’s stadium district – this is the place to come to catch a game.
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Nanaimo’s downtown is a thriving, lively location where uniqueness and local influence are celebrated.
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This established neighbourhood which blends urban and rural is home to Nanaimo’s jewel in the crown Westwood Lake.
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South Nanaimo is where residential Nanaimo first grew. With a blend of original and modern homes, this eclectic neighbourhood has lots of green space and fun places to explore.
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These rural communities in south Nanaimo have lots of open space to explore.
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The small village-like community of Cedar and its more rural neighbour Yellowpoint offer pastoral scenery, popular markets and enjoyable walks that end at the ocean.
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