Departure Bay offers West Coast living at its best. The jewel of this well established neighbourhood is Departure Bay/Kin Park, an oceanfront beach park that invites visitors and residents to stroll, beachcomb or just sit in the warmth of the sun and watch the ferries motor by or the sailboats skim past. The park offers what is arguably Nanaimo’s best beach as well as a delightful playground for children and all sorts of picnicking opportunities. As for swimming, it’s not only a fine place for a summer dip, this is also the home of Nanaimo’s annual Polar Bear Swim. For more strenuous activity a hike up Sugar Loaf Mountain will reward you with wonderful views of the city, the ocean and, on a clear bay, Mount Baker in the far distance. The neighbourhood is also home to the beautiful Nanaimo Golf Club and the nearby Country Club Centre featuring stores such as Jysk and Future Shop. Residential areas here are generally well established with winding, tree-shaded streets and an abundance of green spaces. These include Sherwood Forest with whimsical street names such as Nottingham Drive and Prince John Way. Stephenson Point pushes out into the ocean and is home to the world-renowned Pacific Biological Station. Cilaire is another well-established neighbourhood that terraces down to the bay and offers pretty ocean views. The neighbourhood around Country Club is known for its quiet streets and pleasant mix of single family homes and small multi-family complexes.

SCHOOLS
Cilaire Elementary
25 Cilaire Drive Phone: 250-758-7941Departure Bay Elementary
3004 Departure Bay Road Phone: 250-158-6541Rock City Elementary
3741 Departure Bay Road Phone: 250-758-2424Wellington Secondary
3135 Mexicana Road Phone 250-758-9191