Is it better to fly or drive?

Flying is much faster; driving is for those who enjoy road trips.

How long is the drive?

About 52 hours of driving time including the ferry.

The ferry has a fee, but the Trans-Canada Highway is toll-free.

Yes, it is a well-traveled highway.

Coteau-du-Lac

Nanaimo

Flight Driving

Coteau-du-Lac to Nanaimo

Updated: 30 May 2026

The journey from Coteau-du-Lac to Nanaimo is approximately 4,700 km. The route involves driving the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) to Vancouver, then taking a BC Ferries vessel to Vancouver Island. Driving takes about 50-55 hours including the ferry. Alternatively, you can fly from Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) to Nanaimo (YCD). This is a major cross-country trip requiring significant planning.

Total Distance: 4,700 km driving distance; 3,700 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying is the fastest way, taking about 7 hours including layovers.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the cheapest if traveling with multiple people, costing about 1,000 CAD in fuel and ferry fees.

Compare Coteau-du-Lac to Nanaimo Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Connecting
Duration	7 hours	52 hours
Avg Price	500-1,000 CAD	900-1,300 CAD
Operator	Air Canada	Personal Vehicle / BC Ferries
Route	YUL to YCD via Vancouver or Calgary.	TCH to Vancouver, then BC Ferry to Departure Bay.
Tip	Book flights well in advance to secure reasonable pricing.	Book your ferry reservation in advance during peak season.

Travel Tips

Driving Breaks
Stop every 3-4 hours to stay alert on the long highway stretches.
Weather
Check weather reports for the Prairies and the Rockies, as conditions can change rapidly.
Accommodation
Book hotels in advance, especially during summer tourist season.
Fuel
Keep your tank at least half full in remote areas of Northern Ontario and the Rockies.
Navigation
Download offline maps as cell service can be spotty in remote areas.

Safety Tips

Wildlife
Watch for moose and deer, especially at dawn and dusk.
Winter Driving
Avoid winter travel if possible; if necessary, use winter tires and carry chains for mountain passes.
Emergency
Carry a comprehensive emergency kit, including food and blankets.
Visibility
Use headlights at all times on the highway.