Flying from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Nanaimo: what you need to know
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is the most popular route, with 29 departures a week to choose from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from YVR to YCD is with Air Canada at 21:35. Choose the first departure with Air Canada at 07:55 if you want to get on your way earlier.
Give yourself enough time to get on your YVR to Nanaimo flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're heading away during a major holiday or another peak period, allow for even more time. A good general rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at check-in and security will be longer.
Start your journey at YVR and fly nonstop to Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport (ZNA). That's where you can expect to land when searching for Vancouver International Airport to Nanaimo tickets.
Pick from a variety of airlines operating direct flights from Vancouver International Airport to Nanaimo. Book your ticket with one of these:
The journey from central Vancouver to YVR takes around 35 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a cab, you'll cover the 11 kilometres in 25 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
In search of a hotel close to YVR? If you've booked an early flight from Vancouver International Airport to Nanaimo, these stays put the terminal practically at your doorstep:
When it comes to Vancouver International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 71.77% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
How to find the cheapest flights from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Nanaimo
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way Vancouver International Airport to Nanaimo flight is ₹ 2,401. The cheapest price for a return flight is ₹ 4,892. Keep in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
Booking ahead of time is often the key to finding a cheap flight from YVR to Nanaimo. Prices tend to rise as demand increases, so the nearer your departure date, the more expensive your ticket may be.
The 'Whole month' tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Vancouver International Airport to Nanaimo across the entire month. It's an easy way to snap up a bargain if your dates aren't set in stone.
Finding a cheap flight from YVR to Nanaimo couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know when a new discount appears.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Vancouver International Airport to Nanaimo.
Airports in Nanaimo
Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport (ZNA)
Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport (ZNA) to central Nanaimo takes around 0 hours by car. The centre is roughly 0.48 kilometres away.
It'll take around 10 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
Book a hotel near ZNA if you have a late flight from Vancouver International Airport to Nanaimo. Settle into one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Start your adventure sooner with a Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Budget to explore Nanaimo and beyond.
To secure the best deal, reserve your vehicle from Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport at least a few weeks in advance of your flight from YVR to Nanaimo. Prices typically go up closer to your departure date.
Nanaimo Airport (YCD)
The centre of Nanaimo is about 18 kilometres from Nanaimo Airport (YCD). After your flight from Vancouver International Airport to Nanaimo has landed and you've made your way through the terminal, expect a drive of about 20 minutes.
The journey will take about 1 hour 20 minutes on public transport.
After stepping off your YVR to Nanaimo flight, head for the comforts of a hotel close to YCD. Consider staying at Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ladysmith Oyster Bay. Kiwi Cove Lodge is another place where you can relax and figure out your next steps.
Land, collect your Nanaimo Airport rental car, and hit the road without skipping a beat. National and Budget are well-known outlets to choose from here.
Call dibs on the best options. Booking your ride from YCD three weeks in advance often means more savings and a bigger choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Nanaimo
Before scheduling your flights from Vancouver International Airport to Nanaimo, consider which time of year works best for you. High season in Nanaimo offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of activities, while the off-season brings cheaper hotel deals and fewer crowds.
When booking your Vancouver International Airport to Nanaimo flight ticket, think about the weather you're most comfortable in. August is the warmest month in Nanaimo, with temperatures ranging from 13ºC to 24ºC.
December has average temperatures of between -1ºC and 7ºC. Look for a cheap ticket from YVR to Nanaimo around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Nanaimo
Start your Nanaimo trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Vancouver International Airport to Nanaimo, browse our selection of hotels including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be tricky to work out where to begin. The Bastion, Newcastle Island Park and Harbourfront Walkway are leading attractions which should feature on any well-planned Nanaimo itinerary.
Explore more of Canada
You've seen Nanaimo, now it's time to explore other parts of Canada. Travel about 121 kilometres east to Abbotsford to check off its leading sights. From Discovery Trail Dog Park to Ag-Rec Centre and Maclure park, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
Around 338 kilometres east of Nanaimo, Kelowna is another favourite stop in Canada. Experience major highlights starting with Kasugai Japanese Garden, Waterfront Park and Mary Ann Collinson Memorial Park.
