Vancouver to Nanaimo by Sea
Nanaimo is accessible by ferry from mainland British Columbia. If you are traveling with a vehicle, take BC Ferries (Tsawassen → Duke Point route is advised). If you are traveling as a foot passenger, the Hullo ferry is a faster and more convenient option from downtown Vancouver to downtown Nanaimo.
BC Ferries: Vancouver (Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal) to Nanaimo (Duke Point Ferry Terminal)
- 2-hour sailing (vehicle and/or foot passenger service)
- Reservations recommended for vehicles
- Fare: CAD $21 (Foot passenger), CAD $89 (Vehicle)
- Schedule, Current Conditons
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Vancouver International Airport (YVR) → Tsawwassen ferry terminal (~ 30 km):
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SkyTrain + Bus
Take the Canada Line SkyTrain from YVR Airport Station to Bridgeport Station, then transfer to Bus 620 Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. The total travel time is approximately 1 hour.
- Taxi, Uber (~ CAD 70$)
Duke Point ferry terminal → downtown Nanaimo (15 km):
Hullo Ferry (Downtown Vancouver to Downtown Nanaimo)
- Fast passenger only ferry (~1h 20 min)
- Fare: CAD $19.99-59.99
- Hulo ferry website
- Vancouver Waterfront → Nanaimo Harbour
- Walking distance to Nanaimo downtown hotels and venue (~ 2 km)
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Vancouver International Airport (YVR) → Hulo ferry terminal (~ 16 km):
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SkyTrain + Walk
The easiest option is to take the Canada Line SkyTrain from YVR to Waterfront Station (~ 26 minutes), exit Waterfront Station onto Cordova Street, walk (~ 7–10 minutes) to the terminal. Ferry leaves from the float plane harbour.
- Taxi, Uber
When you arrive in Nanaimo there is a downtown shuttle (free) close to the hotels, or a short taxi ride
