The Departure Bay area is a beautiful oceanside neighbourhood, a bowl-shaped valley rising from a large beach. It is a highly desirable area owing to its spectacular ocean views, large swimming beach and park, well-kept homes, and central location. Almost anyone who's been to Nanaimo will be familiar with Departure Bay as the large bay where the ferry arrives from Vancouver. (But the ferry terminal is not in the residential area referred to as Departure Bay - it's in the Brechin Hill neighbourhood.)
There are luxury waterfront houses down by the beach of course, but as you go uphill you'll notice a mix of modest "BC boxes" as well as a lot of older and newer custom homes. The southern half of the region (Cilaire and Beach Estates, and the area around the Nanaimo Golf Club - see my map below) features larger parcels with homes built in the 1950s-1970s. The northern part of Departure Bay is more rocky and has 1960s-80s homes built in the peaks and ravines - it's called "Sherwood Forest" and the streets are named accordingly (Prince John Way, Marion Way, Bowstring Close). Of course, development continues - especially higher up on the bluffs.
Need help buying or selling in Departure Bay? Contact me.
Single Family Detached
1666 Sheriff Way, Nanaimo, BC
MLS® #855142
This One-of-a-kind Luxury Estate Sits High Above Departure Bay And Boasts Panoramic Ocean Views Spanning From Vancouver, Over The Gulf Islands, Over Greater Nanaimo, And All The Way To Mount Arrowsmith. The Gorgeous Landscaped Grounds Include Lawns, Mature ...
Single Family Detached
1326 Ivy Lane, Nanaimo, BC
MLS® #860379
Breathtaking Views And Classic Elegance Define This World Class Property In The Departure Bay. In One Of The Most Desirable Locations In The Bay Area, This Home, Custom Built, Offers Luxury Living, Spectacular Vistas And Grand Outdoor Entertaining Spaces. E...
Single Family Detached
2745 Departure Bay Rd, Nanaimo, BC
MLS® #854695
Live Across From Nanaimo's Departure Bay Beach!! Behind The Blue Door Of This Beach-facing 4 Bdrm, 4 Bath Home - Including A 1-bdrm Lower Suite - You'll Find Wall-to-wall Light, Smart Design, And Beautiful Interiors. Priceless Ocean And Mountain Views, Deck...
Single Family Detached
300 Cottle Pl, Nanaimo, BC
MLS® #841474
This Gorgeous Quality Built Executive Style 6 Bed/5 Bath Residence Is Situated On A 15,499 Sq Ft Beautifully Landscaped Lot. A Southern Exposure On One Side Of The Property, Open Large Deck. All Fenced, 3 Car Garage, Sprinkler System. As Soon As You Enter Y...
Single Family Detached
261 Blairgowrie Pl, Nanaimo, BC
MLS® #858405
New Price For This Golfer’s Paradise With A Mortgage Helper! Backing Onto The 3rd Hole Of The Nanaimo Golf Club, This 5 Bed 4 Bath Home Sits On A 1/4 Acre And Has Been Extensively Updated And Meticulously Cared For. As You Step Into The Home You’ll Be Greet...
Single Family Detached
Lt D Manzanita Pl, Nanaimo, BC
MLS® #836799
Welcome To This Prestigious Development Of Only 3 Remaining Exclusive Residences Offering For Pre-sale In Rockwood Heights Departure Bay. The West Coast Contemporary Architecture Of This Area Is Cohesive And Impressive. These Luxury Builds Will Include Engi...
Single Family Detached
478 Nottingham Dr, Nanaimo, BC
MLS® #859778
Stunning Home With 5 Bdms/5 Bathrooms, 3375sf And Beautifully Manicured Yard. The Island Kitchen Has Granite Counters, Breakfast Bar, Crown-molded Cabinets, Quality Appliances, And Pantry. Picture Windows And Classy Wood Floors Flow Through To Nook, Dining...
Single Family Detached
128 Amphion Terr, Nanaimo, BC
MLS® #858398
Luxury Is The Word That Will Come To Mind When You See 128 Amphion Terrace. The Exterior Of The Home Features Sleek Clean Lines, A Beautiful Contrast In Colour, Glass Railings, And A Custom Tiffany Blue Door. Entering The Foyer You Walk Up A Beautifully Des...
Single Family Detached
Lt A Manzanita Pl, Nanaimo, BC
MLS® #836789
Welcome To This Prestigious Development Of Only 3 Remaining Exclusive Residences Offering For Pre-sale In Rockwood Heights Departure Bay. The West Coast Contemporary Architecture Of This Area Is Cohesive And Impressive. These Luxury Builds Will Include Engi...
Single Family Detached
Lt B Manzanita Pl, Nanaimo, BC
MLS® #836793
Welcome To This Prestigious Development Of Only 3 Remaining Exclusive Residences Offering For Pre-sale In Rockwood Heights Departure Bay. The West Coast Contemporary Architecture Of This Area Is Cohesive And Impressive. These Luxury Builds Will Include Engi...
Single Family Detached
3217 Shearwater Dr, Nanaimo, BC
MLS® #859638
Waiting For Your Final Touches, Welcome To The Best Area In Nanaimo. Walking Distance To The Beach And Public Transit If So Desired. Surround By Oceanview Custom Homes In A Mature Subdivision. Built In The 90's And Planned Specifically For The Land It Sits....
Single Family Detached
2715 Departure Bay Rd, Nanaimo, BC
MLS® #856923
Calling All Beach Lovers! 2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom Bright Home On 10000+ Sf Lot Located On Departure Bay Road Across From The Park And Beach, Short Walk To School. This Home Offers A Lot For Your Beach Loving Family To Enjoy. ** Tenant Occupied! Please Do N...
The first telephone line in British Columbia was installed here in the 1880s - it ran from the wharves at Departure Bay up to the coal town of Wellington (now part of Nanaimo, between Diver Lake and Long Lake). One of the mining engineers assembled the telephone system based on instructions he saw in a science magazine.
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