Uplands, Nanaimo: Lake Life in the Middle of the City

Most people don't expect a swimming lake in the middle of Nanaimo.

Uplands has one.

You can go from errands on the Island Highway to a swim at Long Lake in a few minutes. Here's what living in Uplands looks like, what's close by, and what I'd want you to know before you buy.

Where Is Uplands?

Uplands is a sub-area in north-central Nanaimo that takes in Long Lake. On the VIREB sub-area map, which is how listings get grouped and compared, it sits between Departure Bay to the east, Diver Lake to the south, Pleasant Valley to the west and North Nanaimo to the north.

Uplands Drive and the Island Highway both run through it, so you're close to the rest of the city in every direction. The Departure Bay ferry terminal is a short drive away.

One thing to know: the name gets used loosely online. Depending on the website, a home on Uplands Drive might be labelled Uplands, North Nanaimo or Long Lake. If you're comparing prices, make sure you're comparing homes from the same sub-area.

Long Lake Is the Main Event

Long Lake is the reason a lot of people fall for this neighbourhood.

It's big enough for power boats, and it's used for swimming, paddling, rowing and fishing.

Loudon Park

Loudon Park, on the south shore, is the hub. There's a sandy beach, a swimming float, a playground, picnic spots and a walking trail that follows the shoreline.

It's also home base for the Nanaimo Rowing Club and the Nanaimo Canoe & Kayak Club, so you'll often see boats out on the water.

More Ways Onto the Water

There's a boat launch on the southwest side of the lake. Lakeview Park, a steep wooded path down to the shoreline, is another way to reach the water.

What's Next for Loudon Park

This summer, the City broke ground on a new Loudon Park Activity Centre. The plans include a community room the public can book, boat storage and training space for the clubs, accessible washrooms and change rooms, a new dock and improved trails.

That's a real upgrade coming to the neighbourhood's main park.

Everyday Errands Close to Home

Uplands is convenient. Nanaimo North Town Centre, at Rutherford Road and the Island Highway, and Country Club Centre keep most errands a few minutes from home.

When you need a bigger shop, Woodgrove Centre, Vancouver Island's largest shopping centre, is a short drive north.

Staying Active Beyond the Lake

Oliver Woods Community Centre in north Nanaimo has two gyms, a fitness studio, drop-in pickleball and badminton, a playground and walking trails.

For a longer walk in the trees, Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park has forested trails a short drive away.

What the Homes Are Like

Uplands is established. Most homes are detached, many sit up on rocky hillsides or tucked into ravines, and some look out over Long Lake toward Mount Benson. You'll also find larger treed lots, lakefront properties and newer condos near Nanaimo North Town Centre.

Established means age and condition vary a lot from street to street. I've renovated three homes of my own, so when I walk through an older Uplands house, I'm looking at the layout and the bones as much as the finishes. A dated kitchen is easy to see. What matters more is whether the layout works, and what it would take to fix it if it doesn't.

If you're looking at a hillside or ravine lot, slope, drainage, retaining walls and driveway grade are worth a closer look. On lakefront, docks and shoreline work can need approvals, so talk to the City and the right specialists early.

You can see what's for sale right now on our Uplands neighbourhood page.

The Trade-Off

Uplands doesn't overlook the ocean, and the streets closest to the Island Highway and the shopping centres are busier. Loudon Park also draws a crowd on hot summer days.

What you get instead is a lake you can swim in, trails nearby, and most errands only a few minutes away.

Thinking About Uplands?

Every pocket here feels a little different, from lake views to big treed lots to newer condos near Rutherford Road.

If you're trying to figure out which one fits you, or you want to know which sub-area a home is in, send me a message or give me a call at 250.668.8339 and let's talk.

Uplands FAQ

Can you swim in Long Lake?

Yes. Loudon Park on the south shore has a sandy beach and a swimming float, and the lake is also popular for paddling, rowing and fishing.

What shopping is near Uplands?

Nanaimo North Town Centre and Country Club Centre are both on the Island Highway close to the neighbourhood, and Woodgrove Centre, Vancouver Island's largest shopping centre, is a short drive north.

Is Uplands the same as North Nanaimo?

No. On the VIREB sub-area map, Uplands and North Nanaimo are separate sub-areas, with North Nanaimo directly to the north. Some websites label Uplands Drive homes as North Nanaimo, so it's worth checking the sub-area on any listing you're comparing.