How to get to Nanaimo

Located on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, Nanaimo serves as the region's main maritime gateway and a popular starting point for journeys across Canada. You can reach this picturesque port city in various ways: from a quick flight by plane or seaplane to an exciting trip by car or bus, which includes a ferry crossing over the Strait of Georgia.

The fastest way to reach the island is by air. Travelers can fly directly into Nanaimo Airport (YCD), which accepts regular scheduled flights, or choose a thrilling seaplane flight landing at Nanaimo Harbour (ZNA) right in the center of the city's harbor. Both airports are well-connected to the city, allowing tourists to begin their holiday without delay.

Alternatively, one can consider flying into major neighboring hubs with a subsequent transfer. Tourists often fly into Vancouver (YVR), located just 61 km away, or Sidney (YQY), from where it is easy to continue the journey to the island. There is also air service connecting to the city of Powell River (YPW), situated 86 km away.

It is important for tourists to know that there is no direct railway connection to the city of Nanaimo, as there is no active passenger train network on this part of the island. There is no train station in the city itself, so reaching here exclusively by rail is not possible.

The nearest major transport hub with developed railway connections is Vancouver (about 61 km in a straight line). Travelers usually take a train to Vancouver's central station and then transfer to a ferry or seaplane to cross the strait and reach Nanaimo.

Bus travel to Nanaimo is a popular choice, often including a scenic ferry crossing. The route from Vancouver (about 71 km) takes approximately 2.1 hours and is the most sought-after option among tourists due to its convenient logistics.

A trip from the city of Sidney, covering a distance of about 98 km, will take on average 5.7 hours, allowing you to enjoy views of the island. For those traveling from the city of Powell River, the journey will be significantly longer: covering 170 km will require about 16.9 hours due to a complex route with transfers.

Traveling by car offers freedom of movement and the opportunity to see the beauty of the roads in Canada. A trip from Vancouver (81 km) will take about 2.5 hours; however, drivers should remember that this route necessarily includes a ferry crossing, for which it is recommended to book tickets in advance.

You can get there faster from the city of Sidney — the road of about 129 km will take approximately 1.8 hours by highway. The route from Powell River (150 km) will require about 2.9 hours of time. Given the distances, car rental often becomes a more cost-effective and flexible option compared to taxis.

To ensure your visit to the city of Nanaimo is comfortable and free of surprises, we have prepared a list of useful recommendations for travelers.

1. Clothing for the weather. The climate here is maritime and changeable. Even in summer, it is recommended to carry a windbreaker or light jacket, and in the off-season, a waterproof raincoat and comfortable shoes are essential.
2. Transport. The city center can be explored on foot, but to visit nature parks and the surrounding areas, it is better to rent a car. Public transport runs regularly but does not cover all remote locations.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit cards are accepted everywhere, but a small amount of cash is useful for markets or small cafes.
4. Tipping. In Canada, it is customary to leave tips of 15–20% of the bill amount in restaurants and taxis, as service is usually not included in the check.
5. Electricity. Type A and B sockets (flat pins) with a voltage of 120 V are used. Travelers from the UAE and other regions will require an adapter to charge gadgets.
6. Safety in nature. Nanaimo is surrounded by wilderness. When walking in the forest, do not stray from marked trails and do not leave food behind to avoid attracting wild animals.
7. Connectivity. English is the primary language. Free Wi-Fi is available in many public places, but for stable connectivity, it is more convenient to purchase a local SIM card.
8. Local Delicacy. Do not miss the chance to try the famous Nanaimo Bar — a sweet three-layer no-bake pastry that serves as the culinary symbol of the city.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor inconveniences and fully focus on exploring this hospitable corner of Canada.