Departure Bay

Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

Market snapshot

As of August 12, 2026, the median asking price in Departure Bay, Nanaimo is $949,900, across 23 active MLS® listings.

Those listings have been on the market an average of 58 days.

4 new listings came to market in Departure Bay in the last 30 days.

Asking prices work out to about $475 per square foot, based on the 21 listings that report floor area.

Detached homes in Departure Bay are listed at an average of $1,435,913 across 15 active listings.

Ferry Lights, Beach Days, Quiet Streets

About Departure Bay

Departure Bay is Nanaimo’s north-side classic: a crescent of sheltered water, a sandy beach that actually gets used, and a hillside of older homes built for the view. The ferry terminal gives the neighbourhood its pulse—headlights at dawn, weekend lineups in summer—yet just a few blocks up, it’s all broad lawns, tall firs, and the everyday calm of a place that’s been lived-in for decades.

Housing here reads like a timeline. Post-war bungalows and split-levels sit alongside 1970s–90s view homes and a scattering of low-rise condos and townhomes closer to the bay and along major corridors. Many properties trade on the “lookout” factor—ocean, islands, and passing ferries—while quieter interior streets appeal to buyers who want a residential feel without leaving city services behind.

People choose Departure Bay for stability and convenience more than walkability (the day-to-day errands are typically a short drive). Long-time owners remain a defining presence, with professionals commuting across Nanaimo, retirees who prioritize views and low-maintenance living, and students or faculty tied to Vancouver Island University adding steady rental demand. The market tends to reward move-in-ready homes and well-maintained condos, with view lots and updated interiors commanding a clear premium.

Market pulse

Departure Bay currently has 24 active for-sale listings with a median asking price of $900,850 and an average of $490 per square foot, pointing to a relatively tight, higher-value coastal submarket. Homes are averaging 54 days on market, suggesting measured demand rather than rapid turnover, while 8 new listings in the past 30 days adds some fresh choice for buyers and signals steady activity for investors watching pricing and absorption.

Getting around

Walk Score 6 · Transit Score 33 · Bike Score 27

Frequently asked questions about Departure Bay

What is the average home price in Departure Bay?

The median asking price in Departure Bay, Nanaimo is $949,900, across 23 active MLS® listings as of August 12, 2026. The average asking price is $1,211,843. These are list prices on homes currently for sale, not sale prices.

How many homes are for sale in Departure Bay?

There are 23 active MLS® listings in Departure Bay, Nanaimo as of August 12, 2026. 4 of them came to market in the last 30 days.

How long do homes stay on the market in Departure Bay?

Homes currently listed in Departure Bay, Nanaimo have been on the market an average of 58 days as of August 12, 2026. This measures how long active listings have been available so far, not how long they take to sell.

What types of homes are for sale in Departure Bay?

Of the 23 homes currently listed in Departure Bay, Nanaimo, 65% detached houses, 13% condos, 9% townhouses, 9% vacant land.

Is Departure Bay walkable?

Departure Bay has a Walk Score of 6 out of 100, which Walk Score classifies as Car-Dependent — almost all errands require a car. Transit Score is 33. Bike Score is 27.

Explore

How these figures are calculated