BC Ferries customers travelling by vehicle from HORSESHOE BAY TO DEPARTURE BAY (NANAIMO) need to BOOK AND PAY IN ADVANCE due to construction that is underway at the terminal. Learn more on their website.
Nanaimo, British Columbia is located on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island. The city is full of secrets and surprises, this is a destination for those who love to dive deep and poke around corners. Hiking, biking, wildlife watching, fresh local food, vintage shopping, bungee jumping and cultural immersion are just a few of the things waiting to be uncovered. Get to know Nanaimo your way.
BC Ferries has introduced a reservation requirement for the Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay route, effective now. All vehicles travelling this route MUST have a reservation. Drive-ups will NOT be accepted.
Getting to Nanaimo
Whether you’re flying into the Nanaimo Airport, driving on with BC ferries, or cruising in via boat, Nanaimo is an accessible west coast destination.
Connect to Nanaimo from anywhere in the world. This busy modern airport is home to three air carriers – Air Canada, WestJet and Pacific Coastal. Located just 18km south of downtown Nanaimo, the airport offers shuttles, taxis, rental car kiosks, as well as short and long-term parking.
Hullo, a fast foot passenger ferry run by the Vancouver Island Ferry Company, offers 70 minute direct trips from downtown Vancouver to downtown Nanaimo and back.
Downtown Vancouver departures and arrivals are at Canada Place. The Nanaimo terminal on Port Way has a dedicated pay parking lot and a shuttle runs to and from downtown hotels and locations.
Reservations are recommended. Reserve your trip here.
Two ferry terminals service Nanaimo from the Vancouver area. Depart Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver and arrive 1 hour 40 min later to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay. Depart Tsawwassen and arrive in Duke Point, 15 minutes south of Nanaimo just 2 hours later. Vehicle reservations are recommended as demand can be high, particularly during the summer high season and holiday weekends. Onboard enjoy food, shopping and a playroom for kids.
Important update: Starting October 15, 2025, reservations will be required for the Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay route. Drive up boardings will not be accepted.
Helijet offers fast daily helicopter flights to and from Vancouver’s helipad and Nanaimo’s Cruise Ship Terminal location are easily booked online or over the phone.
Are you a boater planning a trip to a coastal area of BC, such as Nanaimo? Cruising into Nanaimo at your own pace lets you create your own experience and see the city from a different view! Check out AHOYBC, a valuable resource for trip planning.
