Nanoose Bay sits on Highway 19 on the east coast of Vancouver Island, so driving south or north along the highway is the starting point for almost any trip from here. For a bus, the BC Transit trip planner for the Nanaimo region is the only dependable way to see whether a route links your stop to the Beachcomber area.
By car from Nanoose Bay
Nanoose Bay is about 26 kilometres north of Nanaimo and about 16 kilometres south of Parksville, both reached along Highway 19. Pick the direction that matches where Beachcomber is from your pin on the map, then follow the highway and turn off where your map app tells you. Local road names for the last stretch were not confirmed for this guide, so a live map is the better tool for the final turns.
Expect heavier traffic on summer weekends and around holidays. If you are heading for an appointment or a meal, add a little margin.
By bus
Bus numbers, transfer points and departure times change, so check them live rather than from a printed list. Public transit on this part of the island is sparser than in a city, and some routes run only a few times a day or not at all on certain days.
Open the BC Transit trip planner, enter Nanoose Bay as the start and the Beachcomber area as the end, and pick your travel day. If it finds no trip, the answer is usually that no direct service exists and a ride is the better option. Fares and payment options are listed on the BC Transit site as well.
A ride instead
A taxi removes the guesswork and works well with luggage, children or an early start. The nearest local services are Parksville taxi and Nanaimo taxi. Use the taxi fare estimator to get a rough figure for the distance before you call.
Walking and cycling
Highway 19 is a fast road, and parts of it are not comfortable for walkers or riders. If you plan to travel under your own power, look at a cycling map for quieter local roads and trails, and ride in daylight. Do not assume there is a continuous path between Nanoose Bay and your destination.
Whatever you choose, check the weather and the road conditions on the day, especially in winter when rain and fog can slow the highway.