Travel
By Air
Flying is the fastest way to reach Vancouver Island. Several airports serve the island:
1. Direct Flights to Vancouver Island
- Nanaimo Airport (YCD) – Closest airport to the event, with direct flights from Vancouver, Calgary, and other Canadian cities.
- Victoria International Airport (YYJ) – A larger airport with more flight options. About a 1.5-2 hour drive from Nanaimo.
- Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) – Located north of Nanaimo, serving flights from Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver.
2. Connecting Flights via Vancouver (YVR)
If flying internationally, you may need to transfer through Vancouver International Airport (YVR). From there, you can take a short 30-minute domestic flight to Nanaimo, Victoria, or Comox via:
- WestJet
- Air Canada
- Pacific Coastal Airlines
By Ferry
If you’re traveling from mainland British Columbia, BC Ferries operates multiple routes to Vancouver Island.
1. Ferry Routes from Vancouver
- Tsawwassen (South Vancouver) → Duke Point (Nanaimo) (2 hours) – Ideal for travelers heading directly to Nanaimo.
- Tsawwassen → Swartz Bay (Victoria) (1 hour 35 minutes) – Best for those heading to Victoria first.
- Horseshoe Bay (North Vancouver) → Departure Bay (Nanaimo) (1 hour 40 minutes) – Scenic route, closer to downtown Nanaimo.
2. How to Take the Ferry
- Walk-on passengers: No reservation required; you can take public transit from downtown Vancouver to the ferry terminals.
- With a vehicle: Reservations are recommended, especially during peak travel times.
- Ferry schedules and bookings: Visit www.bcferries.com for up-to-date information.