Have you been exploring areas of your potential new home in Nanaimo and wondered what the major differences are between the North and the South sides of the city? Whether you're planning to move here or just curious about the area this video will break down everything you need to know from Parks and Recreation to crime rates and nightlife, so let's dive in!
Nanaimo is a coastal city with great Waterfront access spanning its length. Parks and beaches were a major factor in our decision to relocate here, so let's explore what each area offers. North Nanaimo is home to several large Parks like Neck Point Park which is one of the best places to watch the sunrise and Piper’s Lagoon offering beautiful ocean views hiking trails and picnic areas these parks are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families. North Nanaimo is also where you'll find some of the most gorgeous tidal beaches I have been to, starting with Blue Back Beach and down the coast that meets up with Neck Point Park. Along this route you'll come across Invermere Dog Beach- a personal favorite! The access points to these beaches aren't walk-on however, so be prepared to get your steps in up and down these lengthy stairs!
In South Nanaimo you'll find smaller Community Parks like Harewood Centennial Park and the Colliery Dam Park, which offers a quieter experience with playgrounds and swimming spots. For beaches you'll find easy walk-on Waterfront access at spots like Departure Bay Beach, where you can also grab a coffee at Drip, and Jackpoint and Biggs Park which is a lovely hike! And since I mentioned dog access in North Nanaimo, Cable Bay also has a great offleash Trail.
North and South Nanaimo each have their own recreation centers with the South having the larger facilities like the Nanaimo Aquatic Center and Ice Arena which are located directly across the street from one another.
North Nanaimo has Oliver Woods Rec Center which is great for birthday parties, sports and camps and is a beautiful facility. Whether you decide to live in the North or South side of the city, you’ll have easy access to another great recreation complex called Beban Park. It has two ice rinks (where you can catch a Clipper’s game, which is Nanaimo’s Junior ice hockey team!) and a swimming pool and is located right in the center of the city!
When it comes to schools, North Nanaimo generally has newer schools with modern facilities catering to growing families in the area. Schools are well regarded like Dover Bay secondary, (which had a 3 million Improvement to its classrooms and fitness center in 2023, and is the second largest in the city of Nanaimo) as well as McGirr Elementary. South Nanaimo on the other hand, features older schools with a strong sense of community such as John Barsby secondary. Cilaire Elementary recently reopened after being closed for an entire school year due to an $1 million seismic upgrade and more. If school quality is your priority North Nanaimo might be more appealing but both regions offer solid educational options.
Now let's talk about dining! North Nanaimo is known for its variety of chain restaurants and a few high-end dining options making it convenient for families and those looking for diverse Cuisine. You'll find popular spots like Brown’s, Cactus Club Cafe, Montana's and Boston Pizza. A few of my favorite spots are found North as well like Sushi Nori and Wa Ku Ramen which used to only be in the South but due to popularity opened a second North Nanaimo location earlier this year.
South Nanaimo offers a more eclectic dining experience with a focus on local independent eateries. A few that I can name that are so good are Gabriel's Cafe downtown, Astera's Greek Taverna in Old City quarter and also located here is Bistro Tayo- which you'll want to try for its authentic and amazing Japanese food and ramen! I also can't recommend Mahle House restaurant in Cedar enough it's a fine dining restaurant that does not disappoint!
Shopping in North Nanaimo is all about convenience, with major shopping centers like Woodgrove center and Northtown Center. Residents have easy access to everything from groceries to clothing stores. South Nanaimo is more about Boutique shopping and local markets. It doesn't have large malls like North Nanaimo boasts, but if you prefer a more laid-back shopping experience South Nanaimo has plenty to offer!
Because I know this is going to be mentioned, I thought it would be important to talk about crime rates. North Nanaimo is generally considered safer with lower crime rates and newer developments that attract families and retirees. South Nanaimo has seen higher crime rates, particularly in certain neighborhoods which is something to keep in mind if safety is a top concern. This does have an effect on the housing market here as well and if you'd like to know more about the differences in home prices I'd highly recommend watching my blog post on the cost of living in Nanaimo where I feature this topic.
North Nanaimo is quieter with fewer options for late night activities making it better suited for those looking for a peaceful evening at home South Nanaimo offers a more vibrant night life with local pubs bars and live music venues. So, if you're into socializing and enjoying the local scene, South Nanaimo might be more up your alley!
