Travelling from Ottawa to Nanaimo: what you need to know
Ottawa's main airport is Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW). Check out your options for departing from this terminal when booking your flights from Ottawa to Nanaimo.
When it comes to touching down in Nanaimo, Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport (ZNA) is a primary hub. Another is Nanaimo Airport (YCD).
To ensure you don't miss your Ottawa to Nanaimo flight, leave enough time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
If you're flying during a major holiday or other peak period, allow extra time. A good general rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Check-in and security lines will be longer.
How to find the cheapest flights from Ottawa to Nanaimo
Don't leave everything to the last moment. You're more likely to get cheap Ottawa to Nanaimo flights if you book in advance. Airlines often have some fantastic early bird deals.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Ottawa to Nanaimo across the entire month. It's a good way to find a bargain if your travel dates are flexible.
There's no need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll update you when a better deal comes up on cheap flights from Ottawa to Nanaimo.
Save money on your Ottawa to Nanaimo flight with the help of our filters. Select your ideal departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Ottawa
Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
YOW is about 11 kilometres from central Ottawa. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 45 minutes.
In search of a handy hotel close to Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Ottawa to Nanaimo, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure gate:
Of the flights that depart from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, 58.21% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
YOW's address is 50 Airport Road.
Arriving in Nanaimo
Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport (ZNA)
The distance from Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport (ZNA) to central Nanaimo is approximately 0.48 kilometers. It'll take you around 5 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It usually takes 10 minutes to get there on public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Ottawa to Nanaimo, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these accommodation options near ZNA:
Enjoy the freedom to roam with a Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Budget to explore Nanaimo and beyond.
Book your vehicle from Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport at least a few weeks before your trip to get the best possible rate. If you're planning to travel during peak season, it's a good idea to book your Ottawa to Nanaimo flight even earlier.
Nanaimo Airport (YCD)
Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is around 13 kilometres from the centre of Nanaimo. Once you've disembarked your flight from Ottawa to Nanaimo, it'll take you approximately 20 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
Pick up a Nanaimo Airport rental car and be in control of your journey. You can select from leading providers like National and Budget.
Get exactly what you want. Reserving your ride from YCD three weeks in advance often means more savings and a greater range of vehicles.
More about Nanaimo
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Nanaimo right here. Explore these options as soon as you've booked your flight from Ottawa to Nanaimo:
Every great holiday has to include a little sightseeing. Newcastle Island Park, The Bastion and Harbourfront Walkway are must-do's during your Nanaimo adventure.
Explore more of Canada
Nanaimo has loads to offer, but there are so many other corners of Canada just waiting to be explored. About 64 kilometres east of Nanaimo, a visit to Vancouver will keep you busy. Don't miss top attractions like Stanley Park, Granville Island and Science World.
Surrey is another standout destination in Canada and is around 88 kilometres east of Nanaimo. No trip is complete without a visit to Senator Reid Park, Port Mann Park and Morgan Creek Park.