Travel Info - Getting to Nanaimo, BC

BC Ferries offers spectacular scenery as you make the 90-minute crossing from Vancouver. Two separate ferry routes serve Nanaimo, BC. The current ferry schedules are listed here:

Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay
Tsawwassen to Duke Point

The Island SeaLink is the new high-speed foot-passenger ferry that runs from downtown Vancouver to downtown Nanaimo.

Greyhound offers bus service to downtown Nanaimo. The buses travel aboard BC ferries - giving you the added pleasure of the "cruise" experience.

Several float plane companies offer direct service to the Nanaimo harbour. The flight take only 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver.

Baxter Avation Float Planes
Harbour Air Sealanes
Kenmore Air
Tofino Air

Air travelers can also fly into Nanaimo Airport, located 18km south of the city.

Travel Info - Protection Island, BC

From the harbour in downtown Nanaimo the easiest way to get to Protection Island is via the Protection Island Ferry. This is a foot-passenger ferry that leaves every hour, on the hour, from Protection Island, and at ten-minutes past the hour from Nanaimo. The scenic crossing takes only ten minutes. Ferry information is also available by calling (250) 753-8244.

Protection Island Map

Here is a detailed Map of Protection Island that shows you where the island is located in relation to Nanaimo, BC and also pinpoints the location of the Protection Island Bed & Breakfast at 83 Pirates Lane.

Protection Island Attractions

The Dinghy Dock Pub

When you visit Protection Island, be sure to spend time at the Dinghy Dock - Canada's only floating pub and restaurant. Call (250) 753-2373 for more information.

Newcastle Island Provincial Park

At low tide you can wade over to Newcastle Island Provincial Park.Check the Nanaimo, BC Tide Table for information on when the tide will be low.

If you would like to visit Newcastle Island at high tide you may take the Newcastle Island Ferry. This is also a foot-passenger-only ferry. Call (250) 753-8422 for additional information.

Other Attractions - Victoria, BC

Victoria, BC is located only one and a half hours south of Nanaimo, BC. Many travelers from Vancouver, BC and Seattle, Washington elect to include Victoria, BC as part of their travel plans. It's a great addition to your stay on Protection Island.

Click here for information on travel to Victoria