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.

Float Plane

Regularly scheduled flights to downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport South Terminal are available through Harbour Air Seaplanes, Sunshine Coast Air, and Seair Seaplanes. Flight time is approximately 20 minutes.

Helijet

Nanaimo’s newest way to travel is via Helijet. Daily flights to and from Vancouver’s helipad and Nanaimo’s Cruise Ship Terminal location are easily booked online or over the phone.

Road

Driving on Vancouver Island is easy and congestion-free with two-lane highways connecting most communities. Many Vancouver Island destinations are within a short drive making Nanaimo your gateway to explore the Island. Travelling without a vehicle? Both National and Budget offer rental car options in Nanaimo including convenient customer pick up at Seaplane or Ferry terminals.

Boat

Are you a boater planning a trip to a coastal area of BC, such as Nanaimo? Cruising into Nanaimo at your own pace lets you create your own experience and see the city from a different view! Check out AHOYBC, a valuable resource for trip planning.

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Helijet

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

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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!

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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.

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GERTIE – Gabriola’s Community Bus

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

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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.

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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.

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