Is there a direct flight?

No, you must connect through a major hub like Vancouver.

It can be, especially with flights and ferry costs.

What is the best way to travel?

Flying and ferry is the most practical method.

Yes, there are bus services from Vancouver to the ferry terminals.

Martintown

Nanaimo

Flight Ship

Martintown to Nanaimo

Updated: 28 May 2026

Traveling from Martintown to Nanaimo is a cross-country journey. You must first drive to Ottawa (YOW) and fly to Vancouver (YVR). From Vancouver, you can take a shuttle or bus to the Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay ferry terminals, then board a BC Ferry to Nanaimo. This is a multi-modal trip requiring careful planning and coordination of flight and ferry schedules.

Total Distance: 4,500 km driving distance; 3,600 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from Ottawa to Vancouver and taking a ferry is the fastest.

Cheapest Way

Booking flights during off-peak seasons is the most economical.

Compare Martintown to Nanaimo Routes

	Flight Connecting	Ship Direct
Duration	9 hours (including layovers)	2 hours
Avg Price	$500 - $900 CAD	$20 - $60 CAD
Operator	Air Canada / WestJet	BC Ferries
Route	Ottawa (YOW) to Vancouver (YVR).	Tsawwassen to Duke Point or Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay.
Tip	Book flights well in advance for the best rates.	Reservations are highly recommended for vehicle travel.

Travel Tips

Flight Planning
Allow plenty of time for connections at Vancouver International Airport.
Ferry Reservations
Book your BC Ferries spot online to avoid long wait times.
Transportation
Rent a car in Vancouver or Nanaimo for easier travel.
Packing
Dress in layers as the weather can change quickly in BC.
Time Zones
Remember the 3-hour time difference between Ontario and BC.