Start your journey by heading north on Terminal Avenue immediately after leaving the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal. This road provides a direct connection into the heart of BC and offers a smooth transition from ferry to city streets.
Follow Terminal Avenue for approximately 3 kilometers until you reach the intersection with Duke Point Highway / BC-1. Here, you can choose to stay on the highway if you prefer a faster route or turn onto Victoria Crescent for a more scenic approach into downtown Nanaimo.
If you opt for the highway, stay in the right lanes and take the exit towards Downtown Nanaimo / Terminal Avenue. This will lead you directly into the central area, where parking options and local attractions are easily accessible.
For a leisurely drive, turn onto Victoria Crescent and enjoy the views of Nanaimo Harbour. Continue along this street, which curves into Front Street, the main corridor of downtown Nanaimo filled with shops, cafes, and cultural sites.
Once you reach downtown, use local signage to navigate to your specific destination. This route from Departure Bay Ferry Terminal to downtown ensures a straightforward and comfortable transfer, ideal for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers across Canada and BC.
How to navigate public transportation options from Departure Bay Ferry Terminal to downtown Nanaimo
Take the Nanaimo Transit bus Route 1, which directly connects Departure Bay Ferry Terminal to downtown Nanaimo. The bus runs frequently throughout the day, with departures roughly every 30 minutes during peak hours. Board the bus at the shelter outside the ferry terminal, looking for signs indicating Route 1.
Using Local Transit for a smooth ride
Purchase a ticket or day pass at the terminal or directly from the bus driver. The fare covers the entire route into downtown Nanaimo, including all stops along the way. Once aboard, enjoy the scenic ride as the bus gently takes you through local neighborhoods towards the city center.
Additional tips for travelers from Canada and Vancouver
If you plan to explore more of Vancouver or nearby regions, consider transferring to other transit lines at the central bus station in Nanaimo. Buses are well-maintained, accessible, and designed to make your journey straightforward. Check the transit schedule in advance through the Nanaimo Transit website or app to ensure timely connections and updated route information.
Step-by-step walking and driving routes from Departure Bay Ferry Terminal to Central Nanaimo attractions
Walking route
From Departure Bay Ferry Terminal, head southwest along Departure Bay Road for approximately 1.2 km. Cross the roundabout onto Haliburton Street and continue straight for about 0.8 km until you reach Victoria Crescent. Turn left onto Victoria Crescent and follow it for 0.5 km until you arrive at the Vancouver Island University campus, a popular starting point for exploring Downtown Nanaimo attractions. This walk takes roughly 20 minutes and provides scenic views of the waterfront along Departure Bay.
After visiting Vancouver Island University, walk northeast along Victoria Crescent and turn right onto Commercial Street for direct access to Nanaimo’s vibrant downtown core, including stores, restaurants, and cultural sites. This route combines pleasant seaside scenery with easy access to downtown highlights.
Driving route
To drive from Departure Bay Ferry Terminal, exit onto Departure Bay Road and follow it eastward for 1.2 km. Turn right onto First Street and continue for approximately 1 km towards the city center. Take a slight left onto Wesley Street, which leads directly into downtown Nanaimo, passing by key attractions such as the Old City Quarter and the Nanaimo Museum. The driving time is around 5 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Consider parking near the Harbourfront Walkway or the Bastion Square area for quick access to Central Nanaimo attractions. From here, you can easily explore the Bastion, the Nanaimo Art Gallery, or the Port Theatre, all within a short walk from your parking spot.