Driving Directions
From Southern Vancouver Island
From South of Nanaimo take the island highway north, and follow the by-pass route marked Hwy.19 to Parksville that begins south of the city (Nanaimo Parkway" on the map). Stay on the Parkway until you see the sign for Vancouver Island University/5th Street (first traffic light after connecting to the Parkway). Turn right and proceed downhill. Our campus is on the left.
From north of Nanaimo
From North of Nanaimo take the Nanaimo Parkway bypass follow the parkway until it climbs up the side of Mt. Benson as it begins to level out, you'll come to the exit for Vancouver Island University via 5th Street. Turn left and proceed down the hill. Our campus is on the left.
Map to Nanaimo from North Island
Nanaimo Travel Information
Nanaimo by ferry
Three handy routes serve Nanaimo:
- Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Departure Bay (Nanaimo) [1 hour 40 minutes]
- Tsawwassen to Duke Point (15 minutes south of Nanaimo) [2 hours]
- Hullo Ferries Downton Vancouver to Downtown Nanaimo foot passenger ferry (70 minutes)
Nanaimo by air
Regularly scheduled flights from downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport are available through
There are also flights to the Nanaimo Airport from many other cities in Canada.