How to Get to Nanaimo

Nanaimo is on Vancouver Island.

You must either fly or take a ferry to get here.

<aside>

Coming from the USA? Here are Tod and Jocelyn’s recommendations:

✈️ Flying Fly directly to Nanaimo through Vancouver (or whatever Canadian airport your airline routes you through). You will likely want to book a rental car to explore the island.
🚙 Driving Book a reservation on B.C. Ferries from Tsawwassen to Duke Point. </aside>

✈︎ By Air

Serviced by Vancouver, Calgary, and other main Canadian airports. (Airlines: Air Canada, WestJet and Pacific Coastal.)
It’s a 20-minute drive from downtown Nanaimo
There are taxis and rental car kiosks there
It is not an international airport, so you will not be able to fly directly from the US to Nanaimo.

Harbour Air — Flights between Nanaimo Harbour and downtown Vancouver and Vancouver airport. Multiple daily departures. Between $50 and $289 depending on fare class and flight time.
Seair Seaplanes — Scheduled flights between Nanaimo (Departure Bay terminal) and YVR/Richmond.
Kenmore Air — U.S.-based carrier flying between Seattle and Nanaimo.
**Helijet** — usually a smoother ride than the floatplanes, but a little bit more expensive. Goes from YVR and downtown to Nanaimo.

Connects Tsawwassen (south of Vancouver) and Horseshoe Bay (north of Vancouver) with terminals near Nanaimo.

Reservations required for Horseshoe Bay terminal and strongly recommended for Tsawwassen terminal).
One car and two adults: $132 + $20 reservation fee (cheaper for early morning or late night sailings)
Takes cars and vehicles of every size. Yes, even your huge RV.
Crossing is 1 hr 40 min (from Horseshoe Bay) or 2 hours (from Tsawwassen)