Welcome to Departure Bay
Offering some of the best ocean views in Nanaimo, Departure Bay is a family-friendly neighbourhood where two hills meet above the bay and beach. This area offers a mix of newer and older homes in various styles and price points. Homes in this neighbourhood are near tons of amenities including Country Club Shopping Center. Locals are drawn to the golf course, Sugarloaf Mountain Park, Pipers Lagoon, and of course, Departure Bay Beach.
This centrally located neighbourhood features all types of homes, from condos and modest split-levels to luxury homes perched on the rocky bluffs. Some of the residences back onto the Nanaimo Golf Course where tall evergreens, willows, and maple trees frame picture-perfect views. This neighborhood is conveniently located with schools, parks, and shopping malls all just a quick drive away.
Some of the best ocean views in Nanaimo are on sunny days when there is a slight breeze. The entire bay glistens as the sunlight dances off of the ripples in the water. These views can be enjoyed by many of the ocean view neighborhoods that surround the bay including Cilaire to the south, ‘Lynburn’ to the east, Stephenson Point, and Glen Oaks to the North. Shopping is not too far away with big box stores in North Nanaimo and boutique shopping in the Old City.
Bathtub Races
The Nanaimo “Great” INTERNATIONAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BATHTUB RACE & four-day Nanaimo Marine Festival has evolved. You can easily watch the race in mid-July from many areas of the beach. Where once a select band of tubbers were the highlight, they now share the spotlight with many other land and water events which are interesting and often spectacular to watch.

AREA SCHOOLS:
Elementary:
Cilaire Elementary– 25 Cilaire Drive, Nanaimo V9S 3C9 – 250 758-7941
Departure Bay Elementary– 3004 Departure Bay Rd., Nanaimo V9T 1B4 – 250 758-6541
Learn@home K-7– 3004 Departure Bay Road, Nanaimo V9T 1B4 – 250 751-2197; toll-free 1-866-740-2037
Rock City Elementary– 3741 Departure Bay Rd., Nanaimo V9T 1C5 – 250 758-2434
Secondary:
Wellington Secondary– 3135 Mexicana Rd., Nanaimo V9T 2W8 – 250 758-9191
French Immersion:
Ecole Quarterway Elementary School – 1632 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo V9S 1G6 – 250 754-6845
The Conseil scolaire francophone has 38 schools across the province. (250) 714-0761 1951 Estevan Rd
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