Cruise port Nanaimo
Info for port Nanaimo on 24 Mar 2027
Port information & tips for Nanaimo
Nanaimo, the charming "Harbour City" on Vancouver Island, impresses with its spectacular location on the Pacific and an inviting blend of nature and culture. Thanks to its picturesque waterfront promenade and the surrounding mountain backdrop, the city offers a first-class maritime flair for explorers. Highlights include the historic wooden fortress "The Bastion", the idyllic Harbourfront Walkway, and the nearby Nanaimo Museum, which provides fascinating insights into local history. Cruise ships dock at the Nanaimo Cruise Ship Center at Assembly Wharf, from where the vibrant city center and the Old City Quarter can be easily reached on foot or via short paths in just a few minutes.
Nanaimo on Vancouver Island is a charming destination for cruises in the Pacific Northwest and is easily accessible. The modern Nanaimo Cruise Ship Terminal at Assembly Wharf welcomes ships and is located just a short walk or shuttle ride from the city center.
Airplane
For international guests from the DACH region, traveling by plane is the most common choice, with Vancouver International Airport (YVR) serving as the main hub. From YVR, there are connecting flights to the regional Nanaimo Airport (YCD), which is located about 13 to 15 kilometers south of the city center and can be reached by taxi, shuttle, or rental car in around 20 minutes to the cruise terminal. A fast and scenic alternative is a seaplane transfer from Vancouver Harbour Water Airport (CXH) or from the YVR South Terminal directly to Nanaimo Harbour Airport (ZNA), which is only 0 to 5 kilometers from Nanaimo city center and allows for a journey of about 20 minutes. Given the long flight times, an overnight stay before embarkation is recommended, either in Vancouver or directly in Nanaimo, to start the cruise relaxed.
Ferry
Ferry connections provided by BC Ferries are a popular way to reach Vancouver Island and Nanaimo from the mainland. There are two main routes: ferries run from Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to the Departure Bay Terminal in Nanaimo, with a crossing time of about 1 hour 40 minutes. Alternatively, the route from Tsawwassen (south of Vancouver) connects to the Duke Point Terminal in Nanaimo in about 2 hours. Both Nanaimo ferry terminals are well connected to the cruise terminal: Departure Bay is about 10 minutes away, Duke Point about 15 minutes. Another option is the passenger ferry from Hullo Ferries, which connects Vancouver city center directly to the Nanaimo Port Authority Terminal in 70 to 80 minutes, located at the same site as the cruise terminal.
Auto & Parking
Nanaimo is well connected to the Vancouver Island road network thanks to the Island Highway (Trans-Canada Highway #1). The Nanaimo Cruise Ship Terminal at Assembly Wharf is located near the city center. Parking is available directly at the cruise terminal, at the Hullo Ferries Terminal, offering short and long-term parking (e.g., approx. 14 CAD for 24 hours, then 25 CAD per additional day). For longer stays, the BC Ferries terminals Departure Bay and Duke Point also offer secure long-term parking managed by Robbins Parking. For example, a 24-hour parking ticket at the Departure Bay Terminal costs around 18 CAD. If the terminal parking lots are full, additional parking options with shuttle service are available in downtown Nanaimo.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as berthing and departure times can change at short notice.
In port on 24 Mar 2027
