There are several ways to make your way to Nanaimo.

Flying:

Both Westjet and Air Canada offer flights to Nanaimo airport. From Nanaimo airport to the downtown you can take a 20 min taxi ride (~$60), book a ride with the Nanaimo Airporter, or take transit (see the schedule HERE. NOTE: With transit there are limited times and no Sunday service)

Float plane:

From YVR take the free shuttle to the south terminal float planes. Fly from the Richmond South Terminal to downtown Nanaimo via Harbour air. From Harbour air you are a 5 min walk to the conference centre. Sea Air also offers flights from the Richmond South Terminal to Nanaimo. When you arrive at the Nanaimo Sea Air terminal take a 10 min taxi ride (~$20) to the conference centre or ride the city bus from the BC ferry terminal to downtown (#20 or #25) and ask to be let off close to the conference centre.

Ferries:

BC ferries (no foot passenger reservation needed) offers two routes to Nanaimo.

1. Vancouver Airport to Horseshoe Bay, North Vancouver to Departure Bay, Nanaimo.

From Vancouver airport (YVR) take the Sky train Canada line (to waterfront) and get off at Vancouver City Centre station, exit the station to street level then cross West Georgia street and catch the 257 Express Bus to Horseshoe Bay (Bus stop in front of Hudson's Bay store) to the end of the line which is the Horseshoe Bay Ferry terminal in North Vancouver. Take the ferry bound for Departure Bay Nanaimo. In Nanaimo take a 10 min taxi ride (~$20) to the conference centre or ride the city bus to downtown (#20 or #25) and ask to be let off close to the conference centre.

2. Tsawwassen (Sa-wa-sen) to Duke Point.

From Vancouver airport (YVR) you can take public transport, taxi etc. to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. Upon arrival in Nanaimo take a taxi (~$60) or book a trip with the Nanaimo Airporter.

Hullo foot passenger ferry

From Vancouver airport (YVR) take the Canada line to waterfront station. From there take a 15-20 min walk to the Hullo ferry terminal. Upon arrival to Nanaimo take a taxi to the conference centre, ride the #25 bus to downtown (ask to get off by the conference centre) or walk (Approx 20-25 min)