Your Guide to Seeing the Best of Nanaimo via Public Transport
No vehicle? No problem! Use public transport to explore Nanaimo and visit some of the city’s best-loved and visited leisure locations, parks and venues.
Whether you arrived in Nanaimo via the Hullo ferry, seaplane, helijet, or just feel like leaving your vehicle behind for a day, this guide will help you explore the entire city by bus. Choose an area to explore, or pick a route and disembark at all the highlights along the way.
Make a day of it by purchasing a day rider pass so you can hop on and off as much as you like!
How to get a DayPASS:
- Paying with cash? Just ask your driver for a DayPASS when you board and pop the exact fare into the box.
- Using the Umo app or card? Your DayPASS will automatically activate after your second ride of the day, no extra steps needed.
Using your DayPASS:
- Paper pass: Show it to your driver when you board and hang onto it for the rest of your day’s adventures.
- Digital pass (Umo app or card): Simply tap or scan at the onboard validator and you’re good to go.
Note: DayPASSes are for individual use only (no sharing!), and they’re not accepted on the Route 70 NCX Nanaimo–Cowichan Express.
Spotted an ‘a’ while scrolling?
That little symbol is your guide to accessible locations throughout the itinerary. We’re committed to helping everyone explore comfortably and confidently.
Think we missed one? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out and help us make this guide even better for all visitors.
WHERE TO CATCH THE BUS – DOWNTOWN NANAIMO
Nanaimo’s Downtown Bus Exchange is located on Front Street by Port Place Mall between Esplanade and Port Drive. All routes can be accessed here. Bus stops are also located throughout the downtown loop close to all hotels. (See guide below for your closest stop).
| Stop number | Location | Accommodation closest to: |
| 109775 Routes 1, 20, 20a, 25, 30, 72 | Front Street – across from Port Theatre | Coast Bastion and Courtyard by Marriott hotels |
| 109776 Routes 1, 20, 20a, 25, 30, 72 | Front Street at Church Street | Dorchester Hotel |
| 110092 Routes 5, 6 | Albert Street at Selby Street | Quality Inn |
| 110476 Route 7 – to downtown exchange | Haliburton Street at Woodhouse Street | Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo |
| 110218 Routes 1, 72 | Terminal Avenue at Rosehill Street | Ramada by Wyndham Nanaimo |
You can find all the maps, schedules, and transit tips you need over on the BC Transit website. Whether you’re catching a bus to the beach or heading into town, it’s all laid out for you here.
Easy, breezy, bus-stop-ready.
WHERE TO GO
North Nanaimo
Sun-drenched beaches, ocean views that deserve their own fan club, trails that wind through nature and shopping that gets you. Whether you’re chasing salty air or the perfect pair of shoes, North Nanaimo serves it all up with a side of coastal charm. Come for the views, stay for the vibes… and maybe a latte along the way.
Route 20
From Downtown visit one of these north Nanaimo gems or make a day of it and visit them all:
Departure Bay | a
Stop 109886 – Wingrove Street (approx. 15-20 min ride)
Stroll the elevated accessible walkway, grab lunch, coffee or ice cream from a coffee shop or food truck and watch the ferries, seaplanes and sea life at this popular sand and shingle beach.
Pipers Lagoon | a – partly, gravel walkway
Stop 109949 – Lagoon Road (approx. 25-40 min ride plus 5-10 minute walk to the park entrance)
A raised walkway allows views of and access to both the lagoon and the long sandy beach. Some rock scrambling is required to access the additional loop walk. Great spot for kite flying.
Neck Point Park | a – Some of the trails are accessible, but the park also includes stairs and hills
Stop 109905 – Morningside Drive (approx. 27-41min ride)
North Nanaimo’s crown jewel park. The trails at Neck Point Park take you through forested fairy villages and around stunning rocky outcrops to secluded bays. Expansive views across the Georgia Straight.
Blueback Beach | Blueback Beach is not accessible – access is via lots of stairs
Take the 20a to stop 109821–Dover & Blueback (approx. 50min ride plus 8-10 minute walk down Blueback Road to park entrance). *Alternative – Route 40 also goes to this location
Time your visit with low tide to enjoy the vast sandy beach and an ocean dip.
Woodgrove Mall | a
Stop at Woodgrove Exchange (approx. 40-55min ride) *Alternative – Route 1 is a direct rapid route to Woodgrove from downtown that also stops at Country Club Mall. (approx. 25min ride)
Get some retail therapy at Vancouver Island’s largest shopping centre then relax and enjoy a movie at the multi-screen Avalon Theatre.
Route 40
Rutherford Boardwalk | a | Note: There are sidewalks the entire way, but the hill section is steep.
Stop 109814 – Uplands at Primrose Drive. (approx. 40min plus a 10- 15 minute walk to Rutherford Road.)
Find unique stores, an artisan bakery, independent restaurants and services in this quaint wooden boardwalk community.
Route 31 (change for this route at Woodgrove Exchange)
Lantzville | a
Stop 110234 – Tweedhope Road for the town centre. (approx. 25min ride)
Expansive beaches and independent eateries are on offer in this quaint town.
Central Nanaimo
Heritage charm, leafy trails, waterfront views, and local shops full of personality — it’s the kind of place where you can hike through a lush ravine, sip something handcrafted, and score a new favourite find, all before lunch. It’s easygoing, full of character, and just the right amount of unexpected.
Route 5
Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and Nanaimo Ice Centre | a
Stop 109769 – Wakesiah at Foster (approx. 15 min ride)
Take a splash in the aquatic centre’s 50m lap pool, the wave pool and water slides or hit the ice for a public skate session at the ice centre (rentals available).
Buttertubs Marsh | a
Stop 109766 – Bird Sanctuary Drive (approx. 17 min ride)
Stroll the wheelchair accessible 2km loop trail within this 100-acre bird and wildlife sanctuary that offers a tranquil escape from city life.
Westwood Lake | a – partly, including wheelchair fishing float
Stop 109756 – Arbot Road. (approx 20-25min ride – plus 5 min walk to lake entrance.)
A jewel in Nanaimo’s crown, Westwood Lake is a must-visit year-round for its 6km loop trail and twin sandy beaches.
Route 6
Colliery Dam | a – partly, with some paved walkways
Stop 110483 – 5th and Hillcrest. (approx.12min ride) Plus 8min walk to park entrance. (Route 40 also stops here)
The twin lakes and forested trail at Colliery Dam are popular with dog walkers and anglers.
Route 30
Bowen Park | a – partly
Stop 109975 – Howard Avenue (approx. 5 min ride)
Nature in the heart of the city. Stroll Bowen Park’s network of trails along the Millstone River to the waterfall. In the summer, enjoy a swim at the outdoor pool.
Route 40
Old City Quarter | a
Stop 109771 – Fitzwilliam and Wesley St (approx. 4 min ride)
This delightful historic district is home to a treasure trove of independent stores and eateries. The perfect spot to pick up a gift or treat yourself.
All northbound routes (1, 20/a, 25, 30 & 72)
Maffeo Sutton Park | a | Note: Ferry to Saysutshun is not accessible
Stop 109777 Front Street
The park is accessible with wide concrete pathways. Get off here for the passenger ferry to Saysutshun Island. This waterfront community park hosts many festivals and events throughout the year and is a great spot to find food trucks.
South Nanaimo
Tucked just south of the city, this cozy countryside community brings big charm with rolling farmland, forest trails, and ocean views that know how to work the camera. With slow drives, roadside farm stands, and hidden gems, this community will make you want to linger a little longer. Whether you’re here for the artists, the paddling, or just the peaceful vibes — Cedar’s got you covered.
Take route 8 to Cedar for the following attractions:
Route 8
Starts at VIU Bus Exchange – Get there via Routes 4, 5 & 40 (timings are from VIU exchange)
Nanaimo River
Stop 110181 – Cedar Road at Wilkinson. (approx. 20min ride)
This part of the river is a popular swimming spot in the summer. Bring a picnic and relax.
Cedar Village | a
Stop 110186 – Cedar Road at Brix Road (approx. 25min ride)
Explore the village centre, enjoy a bite to eat at one of the locally owned establishments.
Cedar Farmers Market | a | Early access at 9.30am for those with physical and neurodevelopmental challenges.
Stop 110194 – Woobank at Ara Ave (approx. 28-30min ride)
This vibrant and popular farmer’s market runs every Sunday from Mother’s Day to Halloween and showcases the best local produce and artisan-created goods.
Hemer Provincial Park
Stop 110195 – Woobank and Blue Jay Way (approx. 30min ride plus 10-12min walk to park entrance.)
This lakeside park has 11km of forested walking trails. Platforms overlooking the marsh are popular with bird watchers.
Gabriola Island
Hop on the ferry and step into island time! Sculpted shorelines, ancient forests, and creative energy are just part of the everyday magic on Gabriola Island. From artisan markets to roadside farm stands, coastal hikes to quirky galleries, this island is the perfect mix of wild beauty and welcoming community. Come curious, leave inspired (and probably with something handmade in your bag).
Getting there:
Take the 20-minute ferry from BC Ferries Nanaimo Harbour terminal on Front Street to Descano Bay.
Travelling to the ferry terminal from outside Downtown Nanaimo?
The closest bus stop to the Gabriola Island Ferry Terminal is Stop #109872. Routes 1, 20, 25, 30, and 72 all pass through.
Gabriola’s Gertie Bus Service
Gabriola’s bus service operates Monday to Saturday and is scheduled to coincide with ferry arrivals. The bus circuits the entire island and is a flag-down service, so if you want to get on, make sure to wave to the driver.
Use the Gertie bus to visit these must visit spots on Gabriola:
- Malaspina Galleries – stop at Malaspina Drive
- These sandstone formations were naturally formed over centuries by water and wind erosion.
- Gabriola Sands Provincial Park – stop at Berry Point Rd at Ricardo Rd
- Twin sandy beaches perfect for a picnic stop or to just enjoy the sheltered view.
- Gabriola Village Centre – South Road at North Road
- Stop here for shops, eateries and the interesting Gabriola Museum and Petroglyph Park.
- Whalebone Beach Parks – Whalebone Drive at Tashtego
- Series of sandy beaches and parks along Gabriolas north coast.
- S’ul-Hween X’pey (Elder Cedar) Community Park – North Road at Tait Road
- The 1.8km boardwalk and trail loop within this 160-acre nature reserve meanders through ancient-growth forest.
Other Methods of Transportation
Nanaimo has many other places of interest to visit that are not accessible via public transit at this time, including:
- Linley Valley
- Ammonite Falls
- Morrell Nature Sanctuary
- Petroglyph Provincial Park
- WildPlay Adventure Park
- Cable Bay Trail,
- Jack Point / Biggs Park
To visit these locations, choose one of these alternative methods of transportation:
Car Rental
- National Car Rental
- Nanaimo Airport
- 250.245.2636
- Northfield Road
- 250.758.3509
- Nanaimo Airport
- Enterprise
- Bowen Road
- 250.751.1200
- Bowen Road
- Budget
- Terminal Avenue
- 250.760.7368
- Terminal Avenue
Taxi Services
- Yellow Cab
- 250.751.1111
- AC Taxi
- 250.753.1231
Ride Share and Coop Rental Services
- Uride
- Visit their website or download the Uride app
- Evo
- Rent by the hour. Available for pick up at Hullo Ferry Terminal
- Please note: Vehicles MUST be reserved in advance. This location does not offer grab-and-go availability, so be sure to book ahead of your pickup time.
- Evo electric bikes available to rent by the hour at locations across Nanaimo
- Rent by the hour. Available for pick up at Hullo Ferry Terminal
- Modo
- Rent by the day
- Love to bike? Here are some local rental spots to help you get around the city
