Parksville is on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Guests are flying in from New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Europe, and across North America — here's how to make the last leg.
Three airports serve the island. YCD is closest but has the fewest routes; YYJ has more options; YVR is the international gateway and the only realistic option for most transpacific and transatlantic flights.
The closest airport to the venue — about 35 minutes south of Parksville. Air Canada, Pacific Coastal, and WestJet fly here from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto.
About 1 hr 45 min south by car. More routes than YCD, including some direct flights from the US west coast and better international connections.
The main international gateway. From here, hop a 25 min float plane to Nanaimo Harbour, or drive to the BC Ferries terminal and cross by boat.
🌏 Coming from NZ, AUS, UK, or Europe? You'll almost certainly be routed through Vancouver (YVR). From there, the float plane to Nanaimo Harbour is fast and scenic; the ferry is cheaper and easier with luggage.
If you're flying into Vancouver, the ferry crossing is the most flexible way over. BC Ferries runs two routes to the Nanaimo area — both land within a 40-minute drive of the venue.
Departs the Vancouver mainland (Tsawwassen, ~35 min south of downtown YVR) and arrives at Duke Point, south of Nanaimo. About 2 hours crossing. Good for road trips heading straight north to Parksville.
Departs Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver and arrives at Departure Bay in central Nanaimo. Slightly shorter drive to Parksville. Same crossing time — pick based on which mainland terminal is closer.
BC Ferries Connector runs a coach service directly from YVR airport to Nanaimo, ferry included. Zero transfers. Book at bcfconnector.com.
🎫 Reserve your vehicle spot early. July is peak season and sailings sell out days ahead. Book at bcferries.com as soon as you have your dates. Foot passengers rarely need reservations.
Vancouver Island has minimal transit and rideshare coverage outside the two main cities. Renting a car is the difference between a great trip and a stressful one. Book early — July is high season and inventory disappears fast.
All three airports (YCD, YYJ, YVR) have on-site rental counters — Enterprise, Budget, Hertz, Avis. Both Nanaimo ferry terminals have Enterprise pickups too.
From YCD or Departure Bay: ~35 min north on Hwy 19.
From Duke Point: ~40 min north on Hwy 19.
From YYJ: ~1 hr 45 min north on Hwy 1 → Hwy 19.
Most international licenses are valid in BC for up to 6 months. An International Driving Permit is a good backup if your license isn't in English.
📍 Venue address for your GPS:
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort
1155 Resort Drive, Parksville, BC V9P 2E3
Free on-site parking.
Got a plan? Great. Now book somewhere to sleep and figure out what to eat.
Where to Stay → Things to Do →