Extension
Just beyond Chase River at the south end of Nanaimo is the rural Extension Road area, marked by the ridges and gentle slope of the Cinnabar Valley. It’s a small community of residents who live in subdivisions or own large lots with beautiful views over vast swaths of undeveloped land. Many families can trace their roots to the coal miners that once worked here.
Extension Road leads to the Nanaimo River, a popular area with swimming holes and endless wilderness hiking trails. From Extension Road and the Cinnabar Valley neighbourhood it’s only a 10-minute drive to downtown but the area’s Southgate Shopping Centre has most of the essential shops and services Extensioners need.
Schools
Cinnabar Valley Elementary
Chase River Elementary
Park Avenue Elementary
Cedar Elementary School
Cedar Secondary School
Parks & Recreation
Extension Ridge – earthquake fissure and “The Abyss” mountain bike trails
Nanaimo River – swimming, fishing, salmon spawning in fall
Richards Marsh Park – nature trail and bird watching
Elaine Hamilton Park – sports fields and fieldhouse
Chase River Estuary Park – boardwalk trails over tidal marshes
Hemer Provincial Park – forested hiking trails and lake
Shops & Services
Southgate Shopping Centre – Country Grocer
Rona
Buckerfields
Pharmasave
Emerald Medical Clinic
Coastal Community Credit Union
Library – downtown branch
Drive Times
Hospital: 15 min.
Downtown: 10 min.
North end: 22 min.
