Protection Island is reached from downtown Nanaimo on the small Protection Island Ferry, a passenger only boat that crosses in about 10 minutes. The waiting room is on the corner of Front Street and Promenade Drive, so you do not need a car to make the trip.
How the crossing works
The ferry leaves the Nanaimo side at 10 minutes past each hour and leaves Protection Island on the hour, according to the Dinghy Dock Pub, which lists the schedule. It runs every day of the year, weather permitting. Operating hours differ by day: Monday to Wednesday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday and Friday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Schedules can change, so confirm times on the current timetable before planning around the last sailing home. Winter and holiday hours in particular may differ.
Tickets and what to bring
The ferry is cash only and does not take reservations, so there is nothing to book online. Bring cash for the fare and expect to line up at the waiting room on busy summer days. It is a foot passenger boat with very limited room for bicycles, and it does not carry e bikes. Pack for the walk on the island, since you will carry everything yourself.
Getting to the Nanaimo waterfront
Downtown Nanaimo is the starting point. From Vancouver, BC Ferries sails to Departure Bay in Nanaimo, which is about 4 km north of downtown, and you can reach the waterfront from there by bus, taxi or car. The Nanaimo taxi page lists local companies, and a taxi from the terminal takes you to Front Street without a search for parking.
If you drive, parking downtown depends on the street and the time of day, so check posted signs. Leaving the car for the day and walking to the dock is usually the least stressful plan.