Travelling from Toronto to Nanaimo: what you need to know
Start your travels at one of Toronto's main airports, Pearson International Airport (YYZ) or Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). Check out your options for booking a flight from Toronto to Nanaimo departing from either of these.
Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport (ZNA) and Nanaimo Airport (YCD) are the major entry points to Nanaimo.
Book a direct Toronto to Nanaimo flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 5 hours 15 minutes.
Leave enough time to catch your Toronto to Nanaimo flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months such as August, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier than usual. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for an international flight whenever you're travelling during high season in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Toronto to Nanaimo
To score cheap Toronto to Nanaimo flights, reserve your journey three months ahead of your departure.
The best month for picking up cheap plane tickets from Toronto to Nanaimo is June. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then choose the dates offering the lowest fares.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from Toronto to Nanaimo by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when fares go down.
Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Or sort your Toronto to Nanaimo flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Toronto
Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Take off from Pearson International Airport (YYZ) on a nonstop flight from Toronto to Nanaimo. From YYZ, you can fly directly into Nanaimo Airport (YCD).
Air Canada is a well-known carrier that offers direct Toronto to Nanaimo plane tickets from YYZ.
YYZ is about 12 miles from central Toronto. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take 25 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the journey time to be around 50 minutes.
Booked an early flight from Toronto to Nanaimo? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels close to Pearson International Airport:
Of the flights that depart from Pearson International Airport, 63.97% land on schedule at their destination.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
You can reach YTZ from the centre of Toronto in about 35 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The ride by public transport takes roughly 40 minutes to cover the 2 miles or so.
Get a head start on your holiday with an additional night away from home. Before your flight from Toronto to Nanaimo, take it easy in one of these hotels close to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport:
62.09% of flights departing Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport make it to their destination as expected.
Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)
YKF is around 50 miles from central Toronto. Driving from the city centre to the terminal takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. If you're thinking about using public transport, expect a journey of around 4 hours 5 minutes.
Make taking an early Toronto to Nanaimo flight the easiest part of your trip. Stay at one of these accommodation options close to Region of Waterloo International Airport and get to your gate with time to spare:
Flights that depart from YKF make it to their destination as scheduled 63.64% of the time.
Arriving in Nanaimo
Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport (ZNA) to central Nanaimo takes about 0 hours by car. The centre is roughly 0.3 miles away.
It typically takes 10 minutes to get there on public transport.
Start your adventure sooner with a Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Budget to explore parts of Nanaimo that most tourists miss.
Book your vehicle from Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport a few weeks before your departure date to get the best deal. If you're going away during peak season, you may want to book your Toronto to Nanaimo flight even earlier.
Nanaimo Airport (YCD)
The centre of Nanaimo is located around 8 miles from Nanaimo Airport (YCD). After your flight from Toronto to Nanaimo has hit the runway and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 20 minutes.
The journey will take approximately 1 hour 20 minutes on public transport.
Touch down, collect your Nanaimo Airport rental car, and set off without missing a beat. National and Budget are popular companies you can book with here.
Snap up a deal by booking your ride from YCD three weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a wider selection of vehicles.
More about Nanaimo
Start your Nanaimo trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Toronto to Nanaimo, browse our range of accommodation options including:
All great adventures should include a little sightseeing. Newcastle Island Park, The Bastion and Harbourfront Walkway are attractions you won't want to skip in Nanaimo.
Explore more of Canada
Nanaimo has plenty going for it, but there are so many other corners of Canada you'll want to see. Around 40 miles east of Nanaimo, a visit to Vancouver will keep you on the go. Check out popular attractions like Stanley Park, Granville Island and Science World.
If you're looking to explore another major stop in Canada, consider Surrey, about 55 miles east of Nanaimo. Senator Reid Park, Port Mann Park and Morgan Creek Park are the start of reasons to visit.
