About Nanaimo

Nanaimo is an ideal place to live for people looking for affordability, a central Vancouver Island location and easy access to the Mainland, Mount Washington Alpine Resort, Victoria, Tofino and other recreational destinations. With a population nearing 100,000 residents, and a 6% growth rate since 2011, Nanaimo offers ample amenities, activities, parks and trails to satisfy everyone.

Access to and from the Mainland has never been so easy. Nanaimo has two ferry terminals: Departure Bay, which leads to West Vancouver in under an hour and half, and Duke Point, which leads to Tsawassen in two hours. Ferries run daily with several departures.

In addition to ferry access, there are also four floatplane companies that fly to the Mainland as well as Tofino, including Seair, Harbour Air, Tofino Air and Helijet. There are several flying routes, including trips to Sechelt, Vancouver International Airport, Downtown Vancouver and Tofino.

Nanaimo also has its own airport (YCD), located 15 kilometres south of the city in Cassidy. The airport offers daily flights to Vancouver, Calgary, Seattle and Victoria.

Since Nanaimo is centrally located on the Island, it is in close proximity to most destinations, including:

  • Victoria: 1.5 hour drive
  • Tofino: 3 hour drive
  • Ucluelet: 3 hour drive
  • Mount Washington: 1.5 hour drive
  • Courtney: 1.5 hour drive
  • Campbell River: 2 hour drive
  • Port Alberni: 1 hour drive
  • Duncan: 1 hour drive

In terms of inner city access, Nanaimo has a comprehensive city transit system, and busses reach nearly all areas of the city and run at several times every day.

Young adults, families, retirees and seniors will all discover something they enjoy in Nanaimo, whether it is using the 130 kilometre-long trail system, exploring the 13 city parks, going on a weekend trip to Tofino or planning a week of skiing at Mount Washington Alpine Resort.

If you are wanting more information about Nanaimo and the possibility of relocating, please email me at susan@nanaimorealestate4sale.com