Ferry. Nanaimo is your gateway to Vancouver Island, with two ferry terminals offering service 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.
How do I get from Vancouver to Nanaimo without a car?
The best way to get from Vancouver to Nanaimo without a car is to car ferry which takes 2h 2m and costs $45 – $140. How long does it take to get from Vancouver to Nanaimo? The plane from Vancouver Harbour to Nanaimo Harbour takes 20 min including transfers and departs hourly.
How long is ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo?
90 minutes to two hours
The ferry crossings between Vancouver (Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay) and Vancouver Island (Victoria and Nanaimo) take 90 minutes to two hours, depending on which route you take.
What cost is ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo?
For adult foot passengers, the price for the sailing between Nanaimo and Vancouver is $17.20 plus taxes and surcharge. Cars (not including driver & passengers) : $57.50. Payment: You can buy tickets either online thru BC ferries website or you can buy them at the ferry terminals.
How long is the ferry ride from Tsawwassen to Nanaimo?
Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Nanaimo (Duke Point)
| DEPART | DURATION | |
|---|---|---|
| 12:45 pm | 2h 0m | |
| Non-stop | ||
| 3:15 pm | 2h 0m | |
| Non-stop |
Is Nanaimo worth visiting?
Nanaimo is a scenic city located on the east coast of Vancouver Island. While nature is the central focus of this beautiful city, its downtown side with restaurants, shops, and museums adds to its appeal.
Can you do a day trip to Nanaimo?
Yes, it can be done as a day trip, but actually the ferry between Horseshoe Bay and Departure bay isn’t as nice a trip as that between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay. The best part of the Nanaimo ferry is just entering the Departure Bay terminal, and passing the Islands before entering Horseshoe Bay.
Do seniors still ride free on BC Ferries?
Passenger fare types. BC Seniors travel free on select routes1 Monday to Thursday2 with one of these valid IDs: BC Services Card. BC Driver’s Licence.
Where do you get the ferry to Nanaimo?
Ferry. Nanaimo is your gateway to Vancouver Island, with two ferry terminals offering service 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.
Where do you catch the ferry for Vancouver Island?
Swartz Bay terminal is located at the end of Highway 17, to the north of Victoria on Vancouver Island. Sailings departing from Swartz Bay provide service to Tsawwassen (Vancouver), Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring Island) and the Southern Gulf Islands.
Is ferry cheaper than flight?
The ferry costs the same as a flight – and costs the planet a lot less – The Irish Times.
Is it cheaper to book ferry in advance?
Tips For Cheaper Ferry Tickets
Book in advance – Generally, the lowest fares are available when you book in advance. So book as early as possible before your travel date.
Can you ride a BC Ferry without a car?
You can travel on our ferries with a vehicle or as a foot passenger. Learn which types of vehicles you can travel with and how to check in at our terminals.
Do you need a reservation for Tsawwassen ferry?
Reservations are limited and often sell out on our more popular sailings. We strongly recommend that you book ahead if you plan to travel during popular sailing times, including: Holiday weekends. Thursday and Friday afternoons and evenings.
Can you get on a BC ferry without a reservation?
If you do not have a reservation:
To make your preferred sailing without a reservation, review terminal specific ticket sales cut-off times at your departure terminal. Find your terminal now.
Can you boat from Nanaimo to Vancouver?
A new high-speed ferry service from Nanaimo to Vancouver is launching this summer. In the summer of 2023, the Vancouver Island Ferry Company (VIFC) will connect the people of Nanaimo to the mainland with two high-speed catamaran ferries.
What is the nicest part of Vancouver Island?
Top places to visit on Vancouver Island
- Tofino. This surf town on the island’s West Coast is a real little gem.
- Victoria. Victoria is Vancouver Island’s largest city and is also the capital of British Columbia.
- Hot Springs Cove.
- Pacific Rim National Park.
- Comox Valley.
- Gulf Islands.
- Chemainus – Cowichan Valley.
- Port Hardy.
Is Nanaimo cheaper than Vancouver?
Prices for necessities like food and accommodation have increased but are less expensive compared to Vancouver or Toronto. The average monthly rent for an apartment in Nanaimo is around $1,000 and up, which is expensive when compared to other non-coastal cities in Canada.
Why is Nanaimo famous?
Nanaimo’s most noted annual event is the “bathtub weekend” (during its Marine Festival), when “tubbers” from around the world race in motor-powered bathtubs from Nanaimo Harbour to Departure Bay. The Bastion, a HBC fort built in 1853, is the oldest preserved HBC fort in Canada.
Can you see the northern lights in Nanaimo?
Northern lights are seen from Pipers Lagoon Park in Nanaimo.
Do trains run through Nanaimo?
The Malahat train travels daily from Victoria along the east coast of Vancouver Island, through Nanaimo and on to Courtenay.