Getting to Nanaimo

There are many ways to get to Nanaimo, and there are discount codes below whether you choose to fly, ferry or rent a car.

For attendees travelling from further away you can fly straight into Nanaimo (YCD).

For those who live a little closer (or prefer more adventure) there are multiple ferries and seaplane offerings between the lower mainland (Metro Vancouver) and Vancouver Island.

Car Rental

Budget Car Rental is offering an event discount for attendees requiring a rental vehicle during their stay in Nanaimo. If you want to stay in Nanaimo for a few days after the competition and explore the surrounding area and Vancouver Island, renting a car is a great way to do it.

Discount Code: A800600

How to Book: Visit www.budget.ca and enter the discount code when making your reservation.

seaplane

SeaAir and HarbourAir offer seaplane rides to Nanaimo with departure from downtown Vancouver and YVR south. Luggage may be limited on these services.

FLY TO NANAIMO

Nanaimo Airport is located 18km south of Nanaimo. You can fly into YCD directly from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, and Toronto (seasonally).

Alternative airports are Victoria (YYJ) which is 2 hours away from Nanaimo, and Vancouver (YVR) which would require transfer to a ferry or seaplane (both easily accessible by transport and can bring you right into downtown Nanaimo).

Nanaimo airport has 98% weather reliability.

WestJet and Air Canada are offering discounts for direct travel into Nanaimo (YCD).

WestJet

Discount Code: 4N2G4LO

Eligible Travel Dates: January 31 - February 21, 2027

Destination: Nanaimo, BC

Discounts for Travel Within Canada:

  • Econo: 5% off

  • EconoFlex: 10% off

  • Premium: 10% off

Discounts for Travel Between Canada and the United States:

  • Econo: 2% off

  • EconoFlex: 5% off

  • Premium: 10% off

How to Book: Visit www.westjet.com and enter the discount code when booking your flight.

Important Information: Discounts apply to base fares only. UltraBasic and Business Class fares are excluded.

Air Canada

Promotion Code: PAUHWXU1

Eligible Travel Dates: January 31 - February 21, 2027

Destination: Nanaimo (YCD)

Discounts:

  • Within North America: 5% off Standard fares and 10% off Flex fares and higher.

  • International Travel: 10% off Standard fares and higher.

  • Business Class: 12% off eligible fares, excluding the lowest Business Class fare, which receives 5% off.

How to Book: Visit www.aircanada.com and enter the promotional code in the Promotion Code box when searching for flights.

Discounts apply only to eligible flights to Nanaimo booked through Air Canada's website.

Applicable taxes and surcharges are additional.

Travelling from the mainland to Vancouver Island (Nanaimo) is incredibly fast and easy by ferry.

There are two ferry providers offering regular sailings to Nanaimo.

BC Ferries

If you are driving, you will need to book a BC Ferries sailing and drive into downtown Nanaimo. Ferry sailings depart from Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen.

Ferry TO NANAIMO

Hullo

Hullo offers a convenient passenger-only fast ferry service connecting downtown Vancouver and Nanaimo, with up to 14 daily sailings and comfortable, modern vessels. If you do not have a car, Hullo ferries leaves from downtown Vancouver and takes just 70 minutes. Hullo ferries have on-board WIFI and a free shuttle to drop you off downtown (if you prefer to walk and don’t have much luggage, it’s an easy walk).

Discount Code: CANPL26

Eligible Travel Dates: February 7-14, 2027

Route: Downtown Vancouver to Downtown Nanaimo

Discount: 15% off regular fares. The event discount provides 15% off regular fares across all fare types and service levels.

How to Book: Visit www.hullo.com and apply the promotional code when booking your sailing.

Important Information: The discount excludes applicable taxes, mandatory fees, and optional services such as additional luggage and parking.