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Carly Carey

Realtor®

space to breathe

Cinnabar Valley Real Estate

A beautiful, green-sloped valley between two ridges, the friendly community of Cinnabar Valley sits between Chase River and Extension, about ten minutes south of downtown Nanaimo. This is the perfect place to settle down for residents who wish to work in Nanaimo, yet also enjoy a more rural lifestyle.  Despite being a small community, there is also a bus route that runs between Cinnabar Valley and Nanaimo, with buses about every hour or so. Contact the Carly Carey Real Estate Team today to start your home search, or click to learn more about Cinnebar Valley real estate.

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Family Homes
Semi-Rural Properties

Cinnabar Valley Real Estate Statistics

Average Home Price $1.4M
Lowest Priced Home $425K
Highest Listing Price $4.4M
Total Property Listings 13
Avg. Days On Market 82
Avg. Price/SQFT $475

Property Types (active listings)

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Cinnabar Valley wooded area
breathtaking valley views

Cinnabar Valley Overview

True to its name. many of the homes for sale in the Cinnabar Valley community boast stunning views, as properties in this community are often situated high on the slope of the area's western ridge (Extension Road). Residents enjoy the numerous outdoor recreational activities that Central Vancouver Island has to offer, including its many parks (Extension Ridge, Morden Colliery Park). One of Nanaimo’s summertime hotspots, the Nanaimo River, is only minutes away from Cinnabar Valley. 

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Valley Views
Nanaimo River Location
Forest trail typical of Cinnabar Valley, BC Camera Icon
Tranquil Living

Cinnabar Valley Real Estate Highlights

  • 01
    A quiet community just south of Nanaimo
  • 02
    A mix of larger homes on ample lots, acreages and farms
  • 03
    Direct access to the Nanaimo River & Nanaimo Lakes
  • 04
    Located just off Highway 1, minutes from downtown & the Nanaimo Regional Airport
Life In Cinnabar Valley The Nanaimo River boasts beautiful swimming holes and rocks to sunbathe on. Cinnabar Valley locals will argue passionately about which spot is best.
heading further south

Cinnabar Valley Real Estate

What was once a booming mining town is now a selection of small communities, but now, of course, the lots are larger and there's a wide variety of properties for sale. From farmhouses to picturesque cottages, and even empty lots for your dream home, any buyer can find a home or property for sale that suits their needs.

Cinnabar Valley real estate is characterized by charming, traditional style homes that have typically older construction dates.  That being said, there are some new developments in the north end, closer to Chase River. 

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Mining Past
Large Lots
A well-established heritage

A Historic Past

The area in and around Cinnabar Valley has been known by many different names over its long history, but the exact borders of these small communities (Chase River, Extension, Cinnabar Valley) are often disputed. Whatever label you prefer, these South Nanaimo communities are linked to a storied past, tied to long-closed mines, early settlers, and dark histories. 

Ask any long-time resident and they'd be happy to regale you with stories and legends of the past, as well as the tales behind each of these names. 

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Community Spirit
Minutes To Downtown

Top Cinnabar Valley Attractions & Amenities

Cinnabar Valley, Extension, and Chase River have a long history. In terms of amenities, Cinnabar Valley is home to a few local businesses and a fire hall. It's also located nearby numerous hiking trails, parks, and the shores of the Nanaimo River.

Richards Marsh Park is a Cinnabar Valley highlight. This green space is situated between two residential neighbourhoods, and with its boardwalk, presents a lovely, natural escape into the marshlands. On early mornings, this is a great place for a walk or for bird watching. Other community parks and playgrounds include Ranchview Park, Country Hills Park, Cinnabar Valley Park, and Elaine Hamilton Park—the latter of which has large athletic fields where local camps and sports teams come to practice.

There is one school in the neighbourhood: Cinnabar Valley Elementary School. Other area schools include Chase River Elementary School, and Cedar Community Secondary School. 

Nanaimo River near Cinnabar Valley, BC

Cinnabar Valley Real Estate Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did Cinnabar Valley get its name?

A: It is a common misconception that Cinnabar Valley got its name from red-orange soil deposits, but this area was actually named after the Cinnabar Moth, which was introduced by farmers as a natural herbicide.

Q: Does Cinnabar Valley have public transit?

A: Yes, there is a bus route in Cinnabar Valley that connects to the Nanaimo Harbour ferry terminal.

Q: Are there any things to do around Cinnabar Valley in the summer?

A: Cinnabar Valley residents enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking and camping. This community is also positioned just a short distance away from the swimming holes on the Nanaimo River.

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Boardwalk trail leading through Nanaimo, BC area marsh and swamp
Carly Carey
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If you would like to discuss your central Vancouver Island real estate questions from Lake Cowichan through Qualicum and everywhere in between, please reach out. I love talking about Naniamo real estate and I can’t wait to meet you to discuss your next home with you.