Flying from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Nanaimo: what you need to know
For a smooth journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably board your YOW to Nanaimo flight.
Travelling during a peak month like August? School holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer lines at security. Be extra cautious and get there up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Located around 11 kilometres from the centre of Ottawa, YOW can be reached in about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Travelling on public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
Looking for a hotel near YOW? If you're catching an early flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Nanaimo, these accommodation options put the terminal practically at your doorstep:
When it comes to Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 58.21% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
YOW's address is 50 Airport Road.
How to find the cheapest flights from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Nanaimo
R 2,004 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Nanaimo flight. A round-trip ticket right now is R 3,814. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares may change.
To pick up cheap flights from YOW to Nanaimo, book as early as possible. Airlines typically offer the most competitive fares when tickets are first released.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Nanaimo across the month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your dates are flexible.
Save time searching for cheap flights from YOW to Nanaimo by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when a lower fare pops up.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Nanaimo.
Airports in Nanaimo
Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport (ZNA)
Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport (ZNA) is around 0.48 kilometres from central Nanaimo. If you're opting for a ride-share or a cab, the drive takes roughly 0 hours.
Getting to the centre by public transport takes around 10 minutes.
Look into staying at a hotel close to ZNA if you're coming in on a late flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Nanaimo. Choose one of these options and make your first night all about rest:
Venture beyond Nanaimo and explore places that aren't on most itineraries with your own wheels. You can grab a Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport rental car from Budget.
To get the best deal, book your ride from Nanaimo Harbour Seaplane Base Airport at least a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from YOW to Nanaimo. Prices generally rise closer to your travel date.
Nanaimo Airport (YCD)
The centre of Nanaimo is located around 18 kilometres from Nanaimo Airport (YCD). Once your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Nanaimo has landed and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of about 20 minutes.
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre takes 1 hour 20 minutes or so.
Get comfortable at a hotel soon after your YOW to Nanaimo flight. Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ladysmith Oyster Bay and Kiwi Cove Lodge are easy to get to from YCD.
Why wait around for public transport? A Nanaimo Airport rental car lets you start your journey right away. Find the perfect playlist and hit the highway with a set of wheels from National or Budget.
Get what you want, not just what's left over. Reserving your ride from YCD three weeks ahead of time often means more savings and a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Nanaimo
Before securing your flights from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Nanaimo, consider which time of year is best for you. High season in Nanaimo offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of things to do, while low season means you'll get cheaper hotel rates and smaller crowds.
Before locking in your Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Nanaimo flight ticket, think about what kind of weather works for you. August is the warmest month in Nanaimo, with temperatures ranging from 13ºC (55ºF) to 24ºC (75ºF).
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from YOW to Nanaimo in December when temperatures average between -1ºC (30ºF) and 7ºC (45ºF).
More about Nanaimo
After booking your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Nanaimo, find a hotel that offers both comfort and a great location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Nanaimo:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to figure out where to begin. The Bastion, Newcastle Island Park and Harbourfront Walkway are popular attractions which should be on every Nanaimo itinerary.
Explore more of Canada
Nanaimo has its own special appeal, but there are so many other corners of Canada you'll want to see. About 121 kilometres east of Nanaimo, a visit to Abbotsford will keep you on the go. Start with leading attractions like Discovery Trail Dog Park, Ag-Rec Centre and Maclure park.
Around 338 kilometres east of Nanaimo, Kelowna is another favourite stop in Canada. Start your sightseeing at Kasugai Japanese Garden, Waterfront Park and Mary Ann Collinson Memorial Park.
