How To Get Here - Tourism Nanaimo

Planning your transportation to and from Nanaimo is easily tailored to the type of experience you’re looking for on Vancouver Island. Whether you’re flying in to the Nanaimo Airport or cruising across on BC ferries, Nanaimo is an accessible west coast destination.

Nanaimo Airport

Connect to Nanaimo from anywhere in the world. This busy modern airport is home to three air carriers - Air Canada, WestJet and Island Express and offers 7 daily flights to Vancouver, 4 daily non-stop flights to Calgary and twice daily service to Abbotsford, Vancouver South Terminal, Boundary Bay and Victoria. Located just 18km south of downtown Nanaimo, the airport offers shuttles, taxis, rental car kiosks, as well as short and long-term parking.

Ferry

Nanaimo is your gateway to Vancouver Island, with two ferry terminals offering service from the Vancouver area. Depart Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver and arrive 1 hour 40 min later to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay. Depart Tsawwassen and arrive in Duke Point, 15 minutes south of Nanaimo just 2 hours later. We recommend reservations as traffic, in particular during the summer high season and holiday weekends, can be high. Onboard enjoy food, shopping and a playroom for kids.

Looking for Suggestions?

Get a headstart on your visit by exploring our fun, engaging and adventurous itineraries.

Start Planning

Budget Rent A Car

Budget Car & Truck Rentals, open every day with special daily, weekly and weekend rates. Vancouver Island's largest and most respected car & truck rental agency. We rent pickups, panel vans, moving vans and all types of 4x4 trucks.

Explore

GERTIE – Gabriola’s Community Bus

GERTIE is Gabriola’s Community Bus, which enables visitors to make self-guided tours of the Island, sans car!

Explore

Helijet

The newest way to get to Nanaimo is via Helijet! Daily flights to and from Nanaimo and over to Vancouver.

Explore

Harbour Air Seaplanes

Flying the coast since 1982, Harbour Air Seaplanes offers scheduled flights, scenic tours and private flights. Connect between Nanaimo Harbour and downtown Vancouver, South Vancouver (YVR) and Sechelt. Let’s fly!

Explore

Sunshine Coast Air

The Plane is waiting to take you on a spectacular Flightseeing adventure. Soar over stunning coastline + islands. Explore glacier lakes, majestic waterfalls + snowcapped mountains.

Explore

Nanaimo Airport

Nanaimo Airport is located 18km south of Nanaimo. With 340,000 passengers thru our terminal last year and 98% weather reliability we are a gateway to Vancouver Island.

Explore