A marina with various boats docked, a large industrial building, and mountains in the background.

$68 Cheap Flights to Nanaimo

View $68 flight on Fri, Oct 16, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines to Nanaimo

  • Be in the know

    Get alerts if flight prices drop or rise*
  • Book smarter

    Save up to 30% on select hotels after you book a flight*
  • Earn twice

    Earn your airline miles on top of our OneKeyCash
    Learn about One Key

How much is the cheapest flight to Nanaimo?

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $68 for one-way flights and $165 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

United
Air Canada
Flair Airlines
WestJet
American Airlines

Alternative airports near Nanaimo

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

What you need to know for your flight to Nanaimo

Flights to Nanaimo at a glance

Traveling to Nanaimo is easy; you can choose from a range of full-service and budget airlines. Compare flight durations and prices to find cheap flights to Nanaimo that align with your budget and schedule, allowing you to explore the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

  • Major airports in and around Nanaimo: Nanaimo Airport (YCD), Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome Airport (ZNA)
  • Closest airport to Nanaimo: Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome Airport, ZNA (within Nanaimo)
  • Flights per week: 80+ flights arriving across Nanaimo airports
  • Number of airlines that fly to Nanaimo: around 4 carriers

Popular airports in and around Nanaimo

Nanaimo is a picturesque city ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, beach lovers, and family getaways. Travelers flock to Nanaimo for its stunning scenery, romantic spots, and adventurous activities. The city is conveniently accessible via two major airports, including Nanaimo Airport (YCD) and Abbotsford International Airport.

  • Nanaimo Airport (YCD): Situated in the Regional District of Nanaimo, British Columbia, approximately 8 miles from Nanaimo, this airport facilitates both domestic and international travel. It connects with around 4 domestic cities and 6 international destinations, with major airlines like Air Canada, WestJet, and United operating here.
  • Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome Airport (ZNA): Found in the Regional District of Nanaimo, British Columbia, this airport exclusively caters to domestic flights. Harbour Air Seaplanes is the key airline providing service at this location.

Top routes to Nanaimo

  • Vancouver (YVR) to Nanaimo (YCD/ZNA), with one-way airfare from around $35
  • Los Angeles (LAX) to Nanaimo (YCD), with one-way airfare from around $100
  • San Francisco (SFO) to Nanaimo (YCD), with one-way flights starting at around $90
  • Phoenix (PHX) to Nanaimo (YCD), with one-way airfare from around $100
  • Calgary (YYC) to Nanaimo (YCD), with one-way flight options from around $65

Cheapest routes to Nanaimo

  • Vancouver (YVR) to Nanaimo (YCD/ZNA), with cheap one-way fares from around $35
  • Calgary (YYC) to Nanaimo (YCD), with affordable one-way prices from around $65
  • Minneapolis (MSP) to Nanaimo (YCD), with low one-way fares from around $85
  • Edmonton (YEG) to Nanaimo (YCD), with budget one-way fares from around $85
  • San Francisco (SFO) to Nanaimo (YCD), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $90

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Nanaimo

  • Air Canada: Services Nanaimo Airport (YCD), representing about 42% of arrivals in Nanaimo. The average fare for a one-way ticket is roughly $230.
  • WestJet: Operates flights to Nanaimo Airport (YCD) and accounts for approximately 38% of the arrivals in the area. Expect an average one-way fare of around $240.
  • Harbour Air Seaplanes: Flies into Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome Airport (ZNA), contributing to about 16% of arrivals in Nanaimo. The average one-way fare is approximately $50.
  • United: Provides service to Nanaimo Airport (YCD), making up around 4% of arrivals. One-way fares for United average about $190.

Best time to fly to Nanaimo

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Nanaimo are March, July, and August, when peak temperatures in Nanaimo can reach up to 64.8°F in August. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 58.5°F. For better deals, May and October usually offer the lowest average one-way fares around $185, roughly 22% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? February offers an average one-way fare of around $188, making it a good option for flexible travelers.

calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinesscrowd level iconDemandprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January38.3°F (3.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverage$292
February37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverage$188
March41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHigh$254
April45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverage$224
May53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$185
June58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$221
July64.4°F (18.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyHigh$209
August64.8°F (18.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyHigh$204
September58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLow$255
October50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverage$185
November42.3°F (5.7°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyLow$321
December37.2°F (2.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyLow$335

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Nanaimo

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Nanaimo is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
  2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
  3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Nanaimo hotel and flight deals.
  4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
  5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Nanaimo flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Nanaimo

Nanaimo welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Nanaimo efficiently:

  • Public transportation: From Nanaimo Airport, Nanaimo Seaport, a seaport, is located about 8.3 miles away.
  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Nanaimo, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car in Nanaimo is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Nanaimo on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay in and around Nanaimo

  • Extension: Nestled 7 miles drive away from Nanaimo, Extension is a charming village perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. With access to ski fields and beautiful landscapes, it’s an ideal spot for winter sports lovers. Visitors can explore the stunning flower and botanical gardens or relax by the tranquil lake. Notable attractions include Vancouver Island University, a modern educational facility, the historic Bastion, and the Nanaimo Museum, which offers a glimpse into the region's rich history.
  • Departure Bay: Located around the area of Nanaimo, Departure Bay is a vibrant neighborhood known for its outdoor activities and family-friendly atmosphere. Spend your day at Departure Bay Beach or enjoying the scenic marina. The nearby national state park provides opportunities for hiking and nature walks. Key highlights include the recreational area and shopping mall, as well as Long Lake, ideal for a romantic outing or leisurely day by the water. Vancouver Island University is also nearby, adding to the area's lively vibe.
  • Gabriola Island: A picturesque city located 7 miles drive away from Nanaimo, Gabriola Island is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and adventurous spirit. With opportunities for recreation and exploration, visitors can enjoy the island's beaches and lakes, as well as the nearby national state park. Highlights include Vancouver Island University and Departure Bay Beach, which is perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Whether you're seeking tranquility or adventure, Gabriola Island offers a unique escape from the everyday hustle.

Tips for short-haul flights to Nanaimo

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

  • Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, it’s often more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Maximize your space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and coordinating your outfits effectively. This strategy also lets you bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
  • Bring your own entertainment—short-haul flights frequently lack in-flight entertainment. To keep yourself occupied, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book. Remember to charge your devices fully before you board.
  • Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—for short or domestic flights, it’s advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, allowing for traffic and security lines.
  • Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Nanaimo

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

  • Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may provide the option to select seats even earlier.
  • Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to be at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration processes.
  • Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Most airports offer free and accessible Wi-Fi.
  • Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival to help minimize jet lag.

Frequently asked questions

What month is the cheapest to fly to Nanaimo?
Plan your trip for October if you're looking for a good price on your fare. It's the cheapest month to fly to Nanaimo. If possible, avoid traveling during peak periods such as major public holidays or during big events.
Which US cities fly direct to Nanaimo?
There are 25 US cities you're able to fly to Nanaimo directly from. Explore the options by using the "Direct flights only" box on Expedia and pick the best starting point for your trip. Here are several of the leading cities to take off from:
  • Seattle
  • Los Angeles
  • San Francisco
  • Denver
  • Portland
How to find a cheap flight to Nanaimo?
Traveling in the low season and booking ahead of time are two of the best ways to snag cheap flights to Nanaimo. Or, consider departing on a Thursday, which, on average, is 16% cheaper than leaving on a Sunday.* Want to be the first to know as soon as fares drop? Simply set up price tracking on the Expedia app to get real-time updates.*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
How to get a cheap last-minute flight to Nanaimo?
You can find cheap deals on last-minute departures to Nanaimo, especially if your plans are flexible. Think about flying from a different hub, tweaking your trip dates or picking another carrier to get a cheap flight to Nanaimo.
How far in advance should I book a flight to Nanaimo?
Get the departure dates you want and a fare your budget will love by booking your domestic flight to Nanaimo up to 28 days in advance. Search for tickets two to four months ahead if you're headed to Nanaimo from an international destination.**Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Which day of the week is the cheapest day to buy a plane ticket to Nanaimo?
You can usually get cheap flights to Nanaimo on a Sunday. Travelers can save around 8% on average compared to those who book on a Friday, which is often the most expensive day to book.**Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Which airlines fly to Nanaimo?
There are 37 carriers that connect Nanaimo with 100 airports across the world. The primary gateway to this city is Vancouver Intl. Airport (YVR). Fly with any of these well-known airlines to Nanaimo:
  • WestJet
  • Air Canada
  • Delta Air Lines
  • Harbour Air
Where do you fly into Nanaimo?
Nanaimo's main gateway is Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome Airport (ZNA). If you want more nearby options when flying to Nanaimo, check out Nanaimo Airport (YCD), Pender Harbour, BC (YPT-Pender Harbour Waterdrome) or Vancouver Intl. Airport (YVR). It's also possible to fly to Nanaimo through Victoria Intl. Airport (YYJ).
How far is the airport from central Nanaimo?
If you're touching down at Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome Airport (ZNA), you'll be around 0.1 mi northeast of the center of Nanaimo.
Can I save money by booking a Nanaimo trip package?
You could possibly save hundreds of dollars if you choose a Nanaimo flight and hotel package deal on Expedia. And you'll save yourself hassle by having all your travel plans in the same place. Try bundling flights and hotels with extras such as tours and car rentals for your own personalized Nanaimo vacation.
Can I change or cancel my flight to Nanaimo?
It's usually possible to change or cancel your flight to Nanaimo. Many airlines allow you to cancel flights for free within 24 hours of making your booking. However, some flights are non-refundable, and airlines may offer you credit for a future trip in place of a direct refund. To secure cheap flights to Nanaimo with flexible change policies, pick the "No cancel fee" or "Changes included" filters during your search. Looking for more information? Check out our Customer Service Portal.

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

Book with confidence

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Nanaimo

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Nanaimo on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

October is the cheapest month to fly to Nanaimo. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Nanaimo. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Nanaimo, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Nanaimo

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Nanaimo in 2026 starts from from $165, while one-way tickets start from from $68. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Nanaimo. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Nanaimo

Flair Airlines, United, WestJet, Air Canada, American Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Nanaimo. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Nanaimo and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Nanaimo, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Nanaimo. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Nanaimo plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Nanaimo

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Nanaimo.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Nanaimo are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Nanaimo. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Nanaimo for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Nanaimo. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Nanaimo flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Nanaimo. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Nanaimo

Travel information

Destination airport
Vancouver Intl.
Destination airport IATA code
YVR
Destination city name
Vancouver
Roundtrip price
$93

Trending flights to Nanaimo

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $68 for one-way flights and $165 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Harbour Air Seaplanes

Explore a world of travel with Expedia