Nanaimo Harbour

Nanaimo Harbour Water Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true landmark and a gateway to the world of scenic hydro-aviation. Located right in the heart of the city harbour, it offers travellers a unique opportunity to land on the calm waters of the bay, enjoying breathtaking views of the mountains and ocean instead of the usual concrete runways. The terminal is within walking distance of the central streets, making it an ideal choice for those who value their time and wish to begin exploring Vancouver Island immediately after stepping off the plane. The hum of seaplane engines and the salty sea breeze create a unique atmosphere of travel romance.

Airport Features and Advantages:

The main advantage of Nanaimo Harbour is its location. Passengers arrive directly in Downtown Nanaimo, at the Pioneer Waterfront Plaza, from where hotels, restaurants, and shops can be reached on foot in mere minutes. This eliminates the need to spend time and money on transfers from a remote airport.

Flying from here turns into a genuine sightseeing tour. Flights to Vancouver take only about 20 minutes, passing over the picturesque Strait of Georgia and the Gulf Islands. The low flying altitude of the seaplanes allows you to see the beauty of the British Columbia coastline in great detail, making the flight a memorable part of your holiday.

The terminal is notable for its compactness and speed of service. There are no long queues for security checks or complex navigation typical of large hubs. Flight check-in is quick, and waiting for boarding with a view of the busy harbour, full of yachts and ships, becomes a pleasant relaxation before the flight.

• Official Airport Website: npa.ca (Port Authority site)
• Help Desk Phone: +1 250-753-4146 (Nanaimo Port Authority)
• Airport Address: Nanaimo Seaplane Terminal, 10 Wharf Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 2X3, Canada
• Email: info@npa.ca
• Airport Social Media: Official pages of Nanaimo Port Authority on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
• Lost Luggage Information: There is no centralized lost and found office in the terminal. Regarding forgotten items, please contact the airline that operated the flight directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For prompt resolution of issues, it is recommended to contact the carriers: Harbour Air (+1 800 665 0212), Seair Seaplanes (+1 800 447 3247).

Getting to Nanaimo Harbour Water Airport is incredibly simple, as it boasts one of the most convenient locations among all air harbours in the world. The terminal is located directly in the city centre (Downtown Nanaimo), on the waterfront. For most tourists staying in central hotels, the journey to the check-in counter will take just a few minutes of leisurely walking.

However, if you are travelling from remote areas or suburbs, there are several convenient transport options.

Public Transport

Nanaimo has a developed bus network operated by BC Transit. Since the water airport is in the very heart of the city, it is perfectly integrated into the transport system.

• Buses: You need to get to the city's main bus station — Downtown Exchange. It is located literally a 5–7 minute walk from the seaplane terminal. Routes from all over the city and surrounding areas arrive here (for example, routes No. 1, No. 20, No. 30, No. 40, and others).
• Cost: A single trip around the city costs about 2.50 CAD. Payment can be made in cash (exact change) upon entry or using travel passes.
• Trains and Metro: There is no metro in Nanaimo, and passenger rail service on Vancouver Island is currently suspended, so the bus remains the main mode of public transport.

Taxi and Transfer

A taxi is the most comfortable way to get to the terminal if you have heavy luggage. Taxis can drop passengers off right at the terminal building entrance on Wharf Street.

• Popular Services: Companies such as Nanaimo Taxi, AC Taxi, and Yellow Cab operate in the city. Ride-hailing apps like Uber are also available in British Columbia.
• Travel Time and Cost:
  • From North Nanaimo: 15–20 minutes, cost approximately 30–40 CAD.
  • From Departure Bay Ferry Terminal: about 10 minutes, cost 15–20 CAD.
  • From Duke Point Ferry Terminal: 20–25 minutes, cost 45–55 CAD.

Car Rental and Parking

Many travellers rent cars to explore Vancouver Island. Offices of major rental companies (Budget, National, Enterprise) are located in the city centre, within walking distance of the harbour, however, there may not be rental counters directly in the small water airport terminal itself — it is better to book a car in advance with delivery to the city or check for drop-off options near the port.

Parking:

Since the terminal is in the centre, it does not have its own large long-term parking lot, but there are many city parking lots nearby.

• Short-term Drop-off: There is a zone for quick passenger drop-off at the terminal.
• Long-term Parking: It is recommended to use paid city parking lots, for example, the multi-level Bastion Street Parkade or open lots on Front Street. The cost varies but averages from 0.75 to 1.50 CAD per hour or about 9–15 CAD per day.

Connection with Other Airports

It is important not to confuse the water airport with the city's main land-based airport. If your itinerary involves a transfer to traditional airlines, you may need to get to other air hubs in the region:

• Nanaimo Airport (YCD): This is the main "land" airport of the city, accepting wheeled aircraft. It is located approximately 14–18 km south of the centre. You can get there from the water airport by taxi (about 20 minutes) or by the special Nanaimo Airporter shuttle.
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR): The main hub of the region. Seaplanes from Nanaimo often fly to the terminal on the Fraser River, located near YVR, which ensures convenient connections.
• Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre (CXH): This is the main destination for flights from Nanaimo Harbour. It is located in the very centre of Vancouver, and the flight takes only 20 minutes.
• Victoria International Airport (YYJ) and Comox Airport (YQQ): Located at a significant distance (about 1–1.5 hours by car) and used as alternative departure points from the island.

Expert Recommendation: Arrive at the terminal at least 20–30 minutes before departure. Although procedures here are fast, this time is better spent enjoying a cup of coffee in the café overlooking the harbour, watching the seaplanes take off and land — the sight is worth it!

Unlike huge international hubs, the structure of Nanaimo Harbour Airport (ZNA) is characterized by its boutique atmosphere and extreme convenience. The entire airport complex is represented by a single modern terminal (Nanaimo Seaplane Terminal), which serves all hydro-aviation flights. This beautiful two-story building made of glass and wood, harmoniously blended into the coastline, was opened quite recently and is considered one of the most comfortable terminals for seaplanes in the world.

Terminal Layout and Navigation

It is impossible to get lost here. Navigation is intuitive even for those flying for the first time:

• Street Level: Here are the entrances from the street. Upon entering, you immediately see the check-in counters of all airlines (Harbour Air, Seair Seaplanes, Sunshine Coast Air). They are located next to each other in the main hall. The waiting area and café are also located here.
• Dock Level (Water Level): This is a system of floating docks and ramps leading directly to the aircraft. Access to them is through exits located immediately behind the waiting area.

Departure and Arrival Zones

There is no complex gate system at Nanaimo Harbour. The entire process is organized as simply as possible:

• Departure Zone: After check-in, passengers wait for the boarding call in a common hall with panoramic windows. Boarding announcements are made by staff via voice. When your flight is ready, the pilot or ground service staff escorts the group of passengers down the ramp directly to the plane.
• Arrival Zone: After landing on the water, the plane moors to the dock. Passengers step onto the pontoon and walk up the ramp into the terminal building or go straight to the waterfront if they do not have luggage requiring collection.

Terminal Features and Services

Despite its compact size, the terminal offers everything necessary for a comfortable short wait:

• Panoramic View: One of the main "highlights" of the building is the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, through which you can watch take-offs and landings against the backdrop of the Strait of Georgia.
• Café and Dining: Inside, there is a small café (usually Wirltuun Coffee or a similar establishment), where you can buy fresh pastries, sandwiches, and coffee.
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, clean washrooms, and an ATM are available. A green terrace is equipped on the roof of the building, serving as a public space.

Procedure Times and Security

The main advantage of flying through ZNA is the absence of exhausting security checks typical of large airports.

• Check-in: It is recommended to arrive at the terminal 20–30 minutes before departure. Check-in closes strictly 15–20 minutes prior (depending on the airline).
• Security Check: There are no body scanners, and no need to remove shoes or take liquids out of bags. The security check is formal and takes seconds, which significantly saves time and stress. However, it is worth remembering the luggage weight restrictions, which are stricter for seaplanes than for standard liners.

Navigation Recommendations

If you arrive by taxi, you will be dropped off right at the glass entrance doors. If you are walking along the waterfront (Harbourfront Walkway), look for the monument to Frank Ney (a former mayor of the city) or simply look for the most modern building on the pier with the sign "Nanaimo Seaplane Terminal" — it is visible from afar.

The history of Nanaimo Harbour Airport (ZNA) is inextricably linked with the development of hydro-aviation in British Columbia. Unlike traditional airports with a clear foundation date, this air harbour formed organically. Since the early 20th century, the sheltered Nanaimo Bay served as a natural landing site for the first "bush pilots," who delivered mail, supplies, and loggers to remote corners of Vancouver Island.

For a long time, the airport infrastructure was, to put it mildly, spartan. For decades, passengers were served in temporary structures, floating houses, and trailers. Official status and organized scheduled transport began to gain momentum in the second half of the 20th century, when seaplanes transformed from transport for geologists and fishermen into full-fledged "air taxis" for business people and tourists, plying between the island and the mainland.

A key stage of development and a new milestone in the facility's history was 2016. It was then that the Nanaimo Port Authority completed a large-scale reconstruction and grandly opened the modern Nanaimo Seaplane Terminal. The construction of this two-story building, combining West Coast elements (plenty of wood and glass) and advanced technologies, cost several million dollars and forever changed the look of the waterfront.

Significant Events and Facts:

• Transition to a New Level of Comfort: Before the opening of the new terminal in 2016, passengers waited for flights in cramped conditions, often exposed to the elements. The new building became the first of its kind in North America, specially designed for hydro-aviation with such a level of service.
• Passenger Traffic Records: Nanaimo Harbour consistently ranks among the busiest seaplane airports in Canada. Hundreds of thousands of passengers pass through its docks annually, making this air route one of the most intensive in the world for aircraft of this type.
• Era of Electric Aviation: The airport and the airlines based here (specifically Harbour Air) are pioneers in introducing eco-friendly technologies. The region became a testing ground for the world's first commercial all-electric seaplane, the eBeaver, whose historic flight marked the beginning of a new era in aviation.
• Royal Harbour: Thanks to its location, the airport's water area has repeatedly become the venue for the famous Bathtub Races, and the terminal itself has hosted many high-ranking guests, including members of the British Royal Family and Canadian Prime Ministers visiting the island.

Today, Nanaimo Harbour Airport is a symbol of how the historical heritage of "wild" aviation can transform into a modern, high-tech, and incredibly picturesque transport hub, while preserving the spirit of romance of flying over the ocean.

Services and Amenities in the Terminal

The Nanaimo Seaplane Terminal is an example of how a small transport hub can be maximally people-oriented. Here you will not find endless duty-free corridors or noisy food courts typical of giant airports. Instead, passengers are offered an intimate, almost club-like atmosphere, where everything is thought out for a short but comfortable stay before the flight.

Restaurants, Cafés and Shops

Inside the terminal, there is a cosy café (usually Wirltuun Coffee or a seasonal operator), which is ideal for a quick snack. Here you can order freshly brewed coffee, tea, soft drinks, as well as pastries, sandwiches, and light snacks. It is a great place to have breakfast with a view of the harbour.

There is no full-scale shopping in the terminal, but at the check-in counter, you can often purchase airline souvenirs (caps, T-shirts, model planes) or fresh press. A huge plus is the airport's location: literally a one or two-minute walk away, on Commercial Street and the waterfront, there are dozens of excellent restaurants, dining establishments, and shops that can be visited before check-in.

Waiting Areas and VIP Services

Due to the specifics of hydro-aviation, where check-in ends just 20 minutes before departure, there are no separate closed VIP Business Lounges in the airport. However, the terminal building itself is designed as a single comfortable lounge zone for all passengers. Comfortable armchairs are installed here, there is a fireplace creating cosiness on cool days, and panoramic glazing. An open garden terrace is equipped on the roof of the building, accessible to everyone wishing to enjoy the fresh sea air.

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

The terminal meets all modern requirements for digital accessibility:

• Wi-Fi: Free and fast wireless internet access is provided throughout the building, allowing passengers to stay connected or work while waiting for their flight.
• Device Charging: Sockets and USB ports are provided in the waiting area for charging phones and laptops.

Banks and Currency Exchange

An ATM is installed directly in the terminal hall for cash withdrawals. There are no full-service bank branches or currency exchange points inside. However, since you are in the city centre, the nearest branches of major Canadian banks (RBC, CIBC, TD Canada Trust) are located within walking distance — just a 5–10 minute walk along the central streets.

Medical Services

There is no medical centre or pharmacy at the airport. Staff are trained in first aid and have first aid kits and defibrillators (AED) at their disposal. In case of serious health problems, city emergency services arrive at the scene in minutes, as the main regional hospital (Nanaimo Regional General Hospital) is nearby.

Services for Passengers with Children

Travelling with children through Nanaimo Harbour is easy thanks to the absence of crowds and queues. Changing tables are provided in the restrooms. There is no specialized playroom, but watching planes take off and land on the water through the huge windows or from the roof terrace captivates young travellers better than any toys.

Services for Passengers with Reduced Mobility

The new terminal was designed in full compliance with barrier-free environment standards:

• The building is equipped with automatic doors and spacious elevators for moving between the street level and the dock level.
• Restrooms are fully adapted for people in wheelchairs.
• Ramps leading to the planes have a comfortable incline angle.
• Airline staff (Harbour Air, Seair) are always ready to assist with boarding and disembarking from the aircraft. It is recommended to notify the carrier of the need for assistance when booking a ticket.

Hotels Near the Airport

Since the airport is integrated into the urban environment, passengers have access to a wide choice of accommodation literally "across the road." Here are the nearest options:

• Coast Bastion Hotel: Located directly opposite the terminal. Many rooms offer a view of the seaplane take-off zone. An ideal option for those who do not want to use a taxi.
• Best Western Dorchester Hotel: Located a 3-5 minute walk from the waterfront.
• Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo Harbour: Located a little further along the waterfront, but also within walking distance.

Conference Rooms and Business Centres

There are no meeting rooms in the compact terminal itself, but it is located in the immediate vicinity of the city's main business infrastructure. 200 metres from the airport entrance is the Vancouver Island Conference Centre — a modern venue for events of any level. Business services and meeting rooms are also offered by the Coast Bastion and Dorchester hotels located nearby.

Gastronomic opportunities at Nanaimo Harbour Airport (ZNA) fully reflect its concept: it is an intimate, cosy terminal where quality is more important than quantity. Since the airport is located in the very centre of the city, passengers have a unique choice: from a quick coffee with a view of seaplanes inside the building to a full lunch in the best restaurants on the waterfront just a couple of minutes' walk away.

Dining Inside the Terminal

The airport complex consists of one compact terminal, so there are no food courts or multiple restaurants scattered across floors. Everything is concentrated in a single convenient zone.

• Café in the Waiting Area: In the main hall (on the ground floor, before the exit to the docks), a coffee shop operates (most often under the brand Wirltuun Coffee or similar local management). This is the heart of the terminal, filled with the aroma of freshly ground beans.
  Assortment: Excellent espresso, latte, tea, and soft drinks are served here. Food options include fresh muffins, croissants, cookies, sandwiches, wraps, yoghurts, and fruit cups.
  Location: Public area (Landside), immediately after entering the building.

Must Try: Local Specialties

Even if you only have 15 minutes before departure, you must try the city's and Canada's main culinary symbol, which originated right here:

Nanaimo Bar: This is a legendary three-layer no-bake dessert. The bottom layer is a crumb base of wafers and coconut with nuts, the middle is a delicate creamy custard buttercream, and the top is a hard chocolate ganache. The airport café or neighbouring establishments often sell the best versions of this treat. It is an ideal souvenir to eat during the flight.

Options for Special Diets

Despite the limited menu of the small café, they try to accommodate the needs of all passengers:

• Vegetarians: Meat-free sandwiches (with cheese and vegetables), sweet pastries, and yoghurts are always available.
• Vegans: The selection is more modest, usually fruit, nut bars, or certain types of cookies. For a full vegan meal, it is better to visit nearby city cafés (for example, Gabriel's Gourmet Café is a 5-minute walk away).
• Gluten-Free: Gluten-free muffins or energy bars are often found in the coffee shop's assortment (look for the GF marking).
• Halal: Pastries in the café may not have specialized certification, so it is recommended to choose vegetarian items or ask the barista about ingredients.

Opening Hours and Prices

• Schedule: The café in the terminal opens approximately 30–60 minutes before the first departure (about 06:30–07:00 AM) and closes after the last flight departs (about 18:00–19:00, depending on the season).
• Price Range: Prices are moderate for Canada. A cup of coffee will cost 3–5 CAD, a sandwich or panini — 8–12 CAD, and a dessert — about 4 CAD.

Recommendations: Quick Snack or Full Lunch?

Your dining strategy depends on your time reserves:

1. "I have 20 minutes before departure" (Quick Snack)
Stay in the terminal. Grab a coffee and the famous Nanaimo Bar at Wirltuun café. Take a seat by the panoramic window or on the open roof terrace (weather permitting) and enjoy the view of the seaplanes taking off.

2. "I have an hour or more" (Full Lunch)
Do not limit yourself to the terminal! The main advantage of ZNA is its location. Step out of the building, and within a 100-metre radius, you will find excellent restaurants:

• The Lighthouse Bistro & Pub: Located literally next door on the pier. Excellent burgers, seafood, and views of the harbour.
• Troller’s Fish and Chips: A legendary floating eatery (open in the warm season) right at the docks. They serve the freshest halibut and salmon in batter.
• Penny’s Palapas: Another seasonal spot on the water, offering Mexican cuisine dishes.

Travelling by seaplane via Nanaimo Harbour is a unique experience that differs significantly from flying on a standard airliner. To ensure your trip goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible, we have prepared a list of practical recommendations based on the specifics of this water airport.

Optimal Arrival Time

Forget the "arrive 2 hours early" rule. At Nanaimo Harbour, everything happens much faster. We recommend arriving at the terminal 25–30 minutes before departure. This time is quite sufficient to calmly check in, drop off luggage, and have a coffee. However, please be attentive: flight check-in usually closes strictly 15–20 minutes before departure. If you are late for this time, your seat may be given to a passenger from the waiting list, and the plane will leave without you.

Check-in and Security Features

The security procedure here will pleasantly surprise you with its simplicity. You do not need to remove shoes, belts, or take out laptops. Restrictions on carrying liquids (the famous 100 ml rule) generally do not apply here as strictly as in large airports, so you can take a bottle of water or coffee bought in the terminal with you.

The main thing to be prepared for is weighing. Since balance is critical for small seaplanes, an airline employee may ask you to step on the scales together with your hand luggage. This is a standard safety procedure, please treat it with understanding.

Luggage and Hand Luggage: What is Important to Know

Seaplanes have very limited cargo space. Here are the main tips:

• Type of Bag: It is best to use soft sports bags or backpacks. Hard suitcases on wheels (especially cabin size) may not fit in the luggage compartment and will create inconvenience during loading.
• Weight: Strictly observe the weight limits indicated in the ticket (usually from 11 to 23 kg depending on the fare). Excess weight is expensive, and sometimes completely impossible if the plane is fully loaded.
• Hand Luggage: There are no overhead luggage bins in the Beaver or Otter cabin. Everything you take into the cabin (wallet, phone, book) must fit in the pocket of the seat in front or be in your hands. Large hand luggage will be taken from you upon boarding into the cargo hold and returned immediately after landing.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane

In most cases, seaplanes have a free seating rule, but with a caveat regarding the aircraft's centre of gravity. The pilot may ask you to move to a specific seat for balance.

• Best Views: The windows in seaplanes are large, and the view is excellent from any seat. However, the rear rows are usually slightly noisier due to the proximity of the engine and exhaust system.
• Co-pilot Seat: If you are flying on a DHC-2 Beaver or DHC-3 Otter aircraft, there is sometimes an opportunity to sit in the front, next to the pilot. This offers incredible impressions! Ask about this possibility at the check-in counter (sometimes there is a small surcharge, but often the seat goes to lucky ones for free).

Tips for Transit Passengers

If you are flying to Vancouver to transfer to a large international flight at YVR airport, consider the logistics:

• Flights from Nanaimo often arrive at the terminal on the river (South Terminal area), and not at the main international terminal. A free shuttle runs between them, but the trip can take 15–20 minutes.
• Allow at least 90 minutes (or better 2 hours) for the transfer between the seaplane arrival and the large liner departure to have time to collect luggage, get to the main terminal, and go through full security screening.

Customs Control and Documents

The vast majority of flights from Nanaimo Harbour are domestic (to Vancouver, Richmond, the Sunshine Coast). There is no customs control. For the flight, you will only need a photo ID (passport or driver's license). Keep your documents handy during check-in so as not to delay the queue.

How to Save Time and Money

• Book in Advance: Ticket prices are dynamic. Purchasing 2–3 weeks in advance can be half the price compared to the day of departure.
• Watch for Promotions: Airlines often offer "turbo tickets" or discounts on flights in the middle of the day.
• Save on Parking: If you are flying away for a few days, it is cheaper to leave your car in a city parking lot a little further from the waterfront or use a taxi than to pay for parking in the very centre near the port.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

Hydro-aviation depends heavily on the weather. Fog, strong wind, or storms can cause delays or cancellations of flights, especially in autumn and winter.

• Have an Alternative Plan: If the weather is unflyable, there is always a reliable alternative — ferries. The BC Ferries terminal (Departure Bay) is a 10-minute taxi ride away, and the Hullo high-speed passenger catamaran departs from the neighbouring pier (Port Drive), which can be reached on foot or by shuttle in 5 minutes.
• Check Status: Download the airline's app or check the flight status on the website before leaving home, especially if it is foggy outside.