Flying from Ottawa to Nanaimo: what you need to know
Get your trip started at Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), the main airport in Ottawa. Explore flights from Ottawa to Nanaimo that depart from this base.
The chief entry points to Nanaimo are Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport (ZNA) and Nanaimo Airport (YCD).
Leave enough time to get on your Ottawa to Nanaimo flight. It's generally best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Heading away during a peak period like a public holiday? Expect longer lines at check-in and security. To give yourself peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
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 driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 45 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your vacation? Stay near Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Ottawa to Nanaimo or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels have you covered:
58.21% of flights taking off from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport make it to their destination on time.
You'll find YOW at 50 Airport Road.
Arriving in Nanaimo
Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport (ZNA) is approximately 0.48 kilometres from the centre of Nanaimo. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 0 hours.
It typically takes 10 minutes to get there on public transport.
Set your own pace with a Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Budget to explore beyond Nanaimo's usual tourist stops.
Boost your chances of snagging the best rate by booking as soon as possible. Reserving your ride from Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport several weeks in advance is a wise move.
Nanaimo Airport (YCD)
Central Nanaimo is approximately 13 kilometres from Nanaimo Airport (YCD). As soon as your flight from Ottawa to Nanaimo has touched down and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of around 20 minutes.
You can expect the journey to take about 1 hour 20 minutes on public transport.
Why waste time waiting for a cab? A Nanaimo Airport rental car lets you get going right away. Crank up the music and hit the highway with a set of wheels from National or Budget.
Don't pay more than you need to. Booking your ride three weeks ahead of your arrival at YCD can land you a better rate.
More about Nanaimo
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Nanaimo right here. Browse these options as soon as you've booked your flight from Ottawa to Nanaimo:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be hard to know where to begin. Newcastle Island Park, The Bastion and Harbourfront Walkway are top attractions which should be on any well-planned Nanaimo itinerary.
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.