Directions

View Nanaimo, Vancouver Island in a larger map

Important Notice to all participants coming from the US:  Remember you are required to have a valid passport to get back into the US after going to Canada.

Driving instructions from Washington to Nanaimo:

I-5 North to the Canadian border

In British Columbia, I-5 becomes Highway 99

Highway 99 to Highway 17 (Exit 28)

Southwest on Highway 17 to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal

Total estimated driving time: about 2 hrs 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The fare is Cn$45 per car, 13.65 per person. Car pools recommended.

Tsawwassen Ferry Schedule:

5:15 am Daily except Sun and Dec 25 & Jan 1 5:15 am Daily except Sun
7:45 am Daily except Sun and Dec 25 & Jan 1 7:45 am Daily except Sun
10:15 am Daily 10:15 am Daily
12:45 pm Daily 12:45 pm Daily
3:15 pm Daily 3:15 pm Daily
5:45 pm Daily 5:45 pm Daily
8:15 pm Daily except Sat and Dec 25 & Jan 1 8:15 pm Daily except Sat
10:45 pm Daily except Sat and Dec 25 & Jan 1 10:45 pm Daily except Sat

You will land at Duke Point, south of town. Follow directions to downtown Nanaimo (about 15 minutes).

You can also drive from Anacortes or Port Angeles to Victoria, then drive up the east coast to Nanaimo (about 80 minutes).