About Nanaimo
Nanaimo is known as the Harbour City on the east coast of Vancouver Island. It is one of BC’s oldest cities and has a history deeply rooted in the Snuneymuxw First Nation’s heritage. In Nanaimo, arts and culture are not just expressions; they are the heartbeat of the city.
See https://www.nanaimo.ca/ for more information.
Getting to Nanaimo
Float Plane
Regularly scheduled flights to Nanaimo are available through Harbour Air Seaplanes and Seair Seaplanes. Flight time is approximately 20 minutes from Vancouver.
Helicopter
Fast daily helicopter flights to and from Vancouver’s helipad and Nanaimo’s Cruise Ship Terminal location can be booked online or over the phone.
- Helijet or 1-800-665-4354
Nanaimo Airport
Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is home to three airlines – Air Canada, WestJet and Pacific Coastal. Located 18 km from downtown, the airport offers shuttles, taxis, rental cars, and short and long-term parking.
Air Canada – Promo Code JDQE68D1
To book a discounted flight, visit https://www.aircanada.com/home/ca/en/aco/flights and enter the code JDQE68D1 in the promo code box.
- 5% applies to standard fares; 10% applies to flex fares & higher.
- For International Travel, 10% on standard fares, 12% discount on Business Class (exception: 5% on the lowest Business Class).
- The booking can ONLY be made to Nanaimo, YCD (CA).
- The travel period runs from Wednesday September 23, to Sunday October 11, 2026.
West Jet – Promo Code 7U2J0YH (for travel agents – YBZ59)
To book, visit westjet.com and enter the code in the in the promo code box.
- 5% off Econo* and 10% off EconoFlex and premium base fares for travel within Canada and between Canada & the US. No discount will apply to Ultra Basic or Business class bookings.
- The booking is to be made to Nanaimo, YCD (CA).
- The travel period runs from Wednesday September 23, to Sunday October 11, 2026.
Hullo Ferry
Foot passenger with 14 daily sailings; 15% off for registered delegates
Hullo, a fast-foot passenger ferry service 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 pay parking lot, and a shuttle runs to and from downtown hotels and locations. Reservations are recommended.
Registered delegates will receive a 15% discount code for regular-fare sailings from September 30 to October 4. The offer applies to all fare types and service levels, excluding applicable taxes, mandatory fees, and optional services (e.g., luggage).
BC Ferries
By foot or car/bus
Two ferry terminals serve Nanaimo – one from Victoria and one from West Vancouver. Vehicle reservations are recommended as demand can be high.
There are various EV charging locations in and around Nanaimo. Most public EV charging stations are Level 2 (240V), but there are a few Level 3 (480V) stations. Fees vary. For a list of stations, visit the EV charging page on the City of Nanaimo website.
Parking
Downtown Nanaimo
Downtown Nanaimo has off-street (parkades, parking lots) and on-street parking. There are several paid parking options. Coins, credit card and pay by phone are accepted.
To pay by phone, scan the Hotspot QR Code on the Hotspot sign or use the Hotspot mobile app. Payment options include credit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay and Visa Debit.
See the City of Nanaimo’s interactive parking map.
Vancouver Island Convention Centre Parking
There is an on-site underground parking garage with 300 spaces behind the building on Gordon Street. The height restriction is 6 feet 6 inches.
The Port Theatre Parking
Parking is available behind the venue at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre (VICC) Parkade (101 Gordon Street).
There is also a 15-minute pull-up zone for passenger drop-off in front of the Ticket Centre.
Local Transportation
BC Transit operates a public system with routes in the city and surrounding areas.
Budget, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and National Car Rental provide care rental service in Nanaimo.