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Take the Ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island
Where is Nanaimo? Nanaimo is the 2nd largest city on Vancouver Island (population: 80,000). Vancouver to Nanaimo travel is one of the most popular routes on the West Coast of Canada. Nanaimo is located along the eastern side of Vancouver Island, 113 km (70 miles) north of Victoria, BC.
Nanaimo is a popular transit point for travel to Northern and Southern Vancouver Island, as well as west to Tofino and Long Beach, B.C.
Vancouver to Nanaimo Ferry: Schedule, Cost, etc(As usual, prices, schedules and information can change, so always contact the companies and service providers before planning your travel)
BC Ferries operates the only ferry to Nanaimo, BC. There is another company called Island Sealink which is planning to start a high-speed Nanaimo to downtown Vancouver ferry service in the near future.
Where does the ferry to Nanaimo depart from?
It leaves from 2 different places: Horseshoe Bay, which is located in West Vancouver, and from Tsawwassen, 17 km south of downtown Vancouver. Horseshoe Bay is a much more scenic place, and is closer to downtown Vancouver hotels (taxi from downtown to Horseshoe Bay: about $43).
If you're arriving at Vancouver Airport and need to take the ferry to Nanaimo, the ferry terminal in Tsawwassen is closer to YVR than Horseshoe Bay. Taking a taxi from YVR to Tsawwassen is a 30 minute ride and costs about $54 (The BC Transit Bus from Vancouver Airport to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal is much cheaper, but takes longer).
From Vancouver Airport to Horseshoe Bay, taxi price is around $80, and travel time is about 80 minutes.
Where does the ferry to Nanaimo arrive? Sailings from Horseshoe Bay arrive at Departure Bay, which is located in north-central part of the city of Nanaimo.
Sailings from Tsawwassen arrive at Duke Point, which is on a penninsula of land in the far south-eastern corner of the city. Departure Bay is closer to downtown Nanaimo hotels and attractions.
What does the ferry to Nanaimo cost?
Tip: For discount rates and cheaper sailings with a vehicle, consider traveling mid-week (Mon-Thur). Also, seniors can travel for free on BC Ferries as foot passengers from Monday to Thursday (not including holidays).
What are the sailing times for the Vancouver to Nanaimo ferry? Subject to seasonal changes, holidays, etc: From Horseshoe Bay, BC to Nanaimo, there are up to 8 sailings each day each way, starting at 6:30 AM, with the last boat at 9:00 PM
From Tsawwassen to Nanaimo, BC, there are up to 8 sailings a day (each way) on weekdays, with the first departure at 5:15 AM, and the last one at 10:45 PM.
How long is the ferry ride from Vancouver to Nanaimo?
Is there meal service on the ferry? Places to Stay Near the Vancouver – Nanaimo BC Ferry:Downtown Nanaimo: For a place to stay near the Nanaimo Ferry Terminal at Departure Bay, the Buccaneer Inn has well kept oceanview suites with kitchens in a great location - only 1 KM or so from the ferry terminal!
For accommodation in Horseshoe Bay, we suggest the Horseshoe Bay Bed and Breakfast, which is located within walking distance to the ferry terminal. If you need a place to stay close to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, The Coast Tsawwassen Inn is clean and comfortable, has a free shuttle to the ferry terminal and is only 20 minutes from YVR.
Nanaimo, BC Attractions:There are a good number of vacation spots and things to see on Vancouver Island near Nanaimo, including Parksville & Qualicum Beach, The Gulf Islands, as well as Tofino, Ucluelet and Pacific Rim National Park on the West Coast of Vancouver Island.
Do I need a car to see Nanaimo & Vancouver Island?
It is the best way to get around. However it is possible to see these and many other attractions by bus, escorted tours, and even railway. More Info:BC Ferries: bcferries.com
Nanaimo, BC packages, tours & more: tourismnanaimo.com
Ferry to Vancouver Island / Ferry to Nanaimo
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Another popular way to get from Vancouver to Vancouver Island is the Vancouver - Nanaimo ferry.
