Nanaimo is Vancouver Island’s main gateway from Vancouver to the island, so transportation to and from the island is easy and there are many options. If you are in a hurry, the seaplanes are one of your best options. Catch the 17 minuteHarbour Air or West Coast Air Seaplanes from Nanaimo’s downtown waterfront for a scenic and quick ride over to the mainland. Numerous flights depart and return daily with your choice of landing in either downtown Vancouver or the Richmond Terminal YVR (with a complimentary shuttle to Vancouver Airport).
For a more leisurely route, hop on one of the easily accessible BC Ferries with two main terminals located in Nanaimo; Departure Bay and Duke Point. With ferries leaving almost hourly, the BC Ferries is a convenient and affordable way to get to and from the mainland in 2 hours or less. The BC Ferry Service is North America`s largest ferry service and each vessel is well equipped with all essential amenities.
Nanaimo`s airport is located just fifteen minutes south of the downtown core and offers daily flights within BC. The airport is currently under a runway and terminal expansion plan to better service the needs of Nanaimo`s growing population. For quick and easy international transfers, Nanaimo Airportis your main connection to Vancouver Airport (YVR) with 6 daily flights to YVR of only about ten minutes in duration.
Nanaimo is located just 111km north of BC`s capital, Victoria. The drive from Nanaimo to Victoria is one of the island`s best. Take in the winding roads between the mountains, with a view of the ocean beside you as you drive up the Malahat into Victoria. Driving on the island is relatively easy with minimal traffic and convenient highways connecting Nanaimo to most of the islands more popular destinations.
In addition, Via Rail Canada and Greyhound Bus Services operate out of Nanaimo. Daily departures to the island`s most popular destinations make it convenient to get around the island.
Public transit in Nanaimo is comprehensive with buses running daily between 6:40am and 11:00pm.
As Vancouver’s main gateway to Vancouver Island, Nanaimo’s transportation system is comprehensive, accessible and convenient fitting all of your transportation needs.