Traveling from Toronto to Nanaimo: what you need to know
Start planning your trip by checking out the ideal departure point for your flight from Toronto to Nanaimo. Explore the options for taking off from Pearson International Airport (YYZ) or Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), two of the city's main airports.
The major arrival points in Nanaimo are Nanaimo Harbor Seaplane Base Airport (ZNA) and Nanaimo Airport (YCD).
The average length of a direct Toronto to Nanaimo flight is 5 hours 15 minutes.
Allow plenty of time to catch your Toronto to Nanaimo flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Be prepared for longer lines in popular months such as August. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for a domestic departure is a smart move.
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)
You can get a direct flight from Toronto to Nanaimo jetting off from Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Start your trip at YYZ and touch down at Nanaimo Airport (YCD).
Check out the promotions with Air Canada. This airline offers direct Toronto to Nanaimo plane tickets from YYZ.
YYZ is about 19 kilometers from central Toronto. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the center, it'll take you 25 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 50 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Toronto to Nanaimo? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels close to Pearson International Airport:
63.97% of flights leaving from Pearson International Airport reach their destination on time.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Toronto to YTZ in around 40 minutes. The terminal is roughly 3 kilometers away. Driving will take you about 35 minutes.
Start your vacation early with an additional night away from home. Before catching your flight from Toronto to Nanaimo, stay in one of these hotels close to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport:
62% of flights out of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport arrive within the expected time frame.
Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)
The journey to YKF from the center of Toronto is around 4 hours 5 minutes on public transport. If you prefer to travel by car, it'll take you roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to cover the 80 kilometers or so.
Make catching an early Toronto to Nanaimo flight the easiest part of your journey. Book a room at one of these accommodation options close to Region of Waterloo International Airport and get to your departure gate feeling relaxed and unhurried:
Flights that take off from YKF arrive at their destination within the expected time frame 63.64% of the time.
Arriving in Nanaimo
Nanaimo Harbor Seaplane Base Airport (ZNA)
Nanaimo Harbor Seaplane Base Airport (ZNA) is approximately 0.48 kilometers from the center of Nanaimo. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 5 minutes.
When traveling on public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 10 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Toronto to Nanaimo. Book one of these accommodation options near ZNA instead:
Pick up a Nanaimo Harbor Seaplane Base Airport rental car and explore corners of Nanaimo that aren't the typical tourist stops. Check out the deals from Budget.
Book your vehicle from Nanaimo Harbor Seaplane Base Airport several weeks in advance to get the best possible rate. If you're planning to travel during a busy period, it's smart to book your Toronto to Nanaimo flight even earlier.
Nanaimo Airport (YCD)
Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is roughly 13 kilometers from the center of Nanaimo. Following your flight from Toronto to Nanaimo, it'll take you approximately 20 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
Public transport will get you there in about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Land, grab your Nanaimo Airport rental car, and drive away without skipping a beat. National and Budget are top providers to pick from here.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Reserving your ride three weeks before your arrival at YCD can help you lock in a better rate.
More about Nanaimo
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Nanaimo right here. Check out these options once you've booked your flight from Toronto to Nanaimo:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to figure out where to start. Newcastle Island Park, The Bastion and Harbourfront Walkway are top sights which should be on any well-planned Nanaimo itinerary.
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 64 kilometers 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 88 kilometers east of Nanaimo. Senator Reid Park, Port Mann Park and Morgan Creek Park are the start of reasons to visit.