Departure bay has been a place of commerce for what historians say for about 2000 years. Nanaimo Harbour and Departure Bay were named "Bocas de Winthuysen" by a Spanish naval officer, Francisco de Eliza, in 1791. It was a place of trade for the Snuneymuxw nation until Robert Dunsmuir developed it as coal wharves for the shipment of coal from the Wellington Mine. Today Departure bay is home to a B.C. ferry terminal and sees nearly 1,600,000 passengers coming thru its waters each year. The area boasts recreation amenities such as a waterfront walk way, children’s park, activity center known as the Kin hut and a favourite hiking spike amongst the locals called sugarloaf mountain which features beautiful views over the departure bay harbour.
The homes located in the departure Bay Area are mostly mid century and many feature ocean views on large lots. Schools in the area include 2 schools, Cilaire and Departure bay elementary schools. As well there is a high school, Wellington Secondary servicing the area.