NANAIMO, Vancouver Island, British Columbia Real Estate COMMUNITY Nanaimo is the second largest city on Vancouver Island. Located on the central east coast of Vancouver Island, and 111 km north of Victoria, Nanaimo has one of the longest shorelines and one of the most beautiful waterfronts in all of Canada. This bustling port city offers a quality lifestyle to fit everyone.  Nanaimo is a classic west coast community in that the natural beauty abounds at every turn. The beautiful beaches, inland lakes, and surrounding mountain forests create a backdrop of endless activity for residents and visitors.
HISTORY Nanaimo which is the third oldest city in British Columbia was once a village of five separate native villages that came together. It was given its name, which means “a great mighty people.” This intriguing history has been well preserved in not only museums and still standing buildings, but also in bustling community shops, restaurants and activities. Take a stroll through Old City Quarter to view the re-creation of “old times”, or perhaps visit the Bastion, a fortified tower built on the waterfront in 1853. It is North America’s oldest remaining structure of its type. No matter where you visit or live in Nanaimo, you can feel the history of “a great mighty people.” CLIMATE The sunny summers and a temperate climate make Nanaimo a bustling center of activity for year-round active lifestyles in a beautiful natural environment. THINGS TO DO  As a port town boasting one of the longest shorelines in Canada, water activities abound in Nanaimo. Swimming, sailing, fishing, boating and scuba diving are popular in this port town. The mountain forests provide a great backdrop for mountain bikers and hikers, and Westwood Lake’s 6 mile trail attracts joggers and walkers.
Nanaimo's island coastal setting makes it a great place to spend the day outdoors. Here you can hike a rainforest mountain, take panoramic pictures of Georgia Strait, and cool off in a river canyon all in the same day. There are also several great ocean swimming and snorkeling spots along the city's waterfront, including Departure Bay, Neck Point, Jack Point, and Snake Island. For the more adventurous types, there are activities such as bungee jumping, zip-lining, and ATV-ing. For deep water enthusiasts, the ocean floor just outside Nanaimo Harbour has a number of popular scuba diving spots. The area is home to three artificial diving reefs made from sunken ships, including the retired Canadian Supply Ship HMCS Cape Breton, the largest upright man-made diving reef in the world. The city's biggest party happens in late July during the annual Marine Festival and World Championship Bathtub Race, which dates back to 1967. Canada Day on July 1 is also a big draw, offering hours of live music downtown, a Show 'n' Shine car show, and dazzling fireworks at Parksville Beach just north of the city. Nanaimo also hosts a Dragon Boat Festival in early July, a community radio street party in late June, and a Friday farmer's market and craft fair, from April to October, on the waterfront. NANAIMO HOMES FOR SALE The real estate in Nanaimo is as diverse as its environment. This port town offers urban living, unique architecture and waterfront homes in all sizes. Families flock to the single family homes near shopping, services, recreation, restaurants and parks. If you are looking for homes in Nanaimo, take advantage of our local knowledge to make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. Call us at 250-951-6200 or 250-954-8817, or send an email. We'll respond as quickly as possible! The Glen McPherson Group |