GETTING TO NANAIMO/CEDAR-BY-THE-SEA

Our expedition embarks from the small community of Cedar-by-the-Sea, located just minutes south of Nanaimo. Nanaimo is serviced by both Air Canada/Air BC and Canadian Airlines and easily accessed from the mainland via BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay (just north of Vancouver) to Nanaimo (launch site is approx. 20 min. drive) or Tswwassen (just south of Vancouver) to Duke Point (just minutes south of Nanaimo and roughly a 10 min. drive from the launch site). We will be meeting in the morning at 10:30 am on Day#1 of the expedition at the boat launch at Cedar-by-the-Sea (easily followed directions will be provided in your "Expedition Information Kit" upon receipt of your booking). Participants can elect to catch an early morning ferry across from the mainland (ensure you get to the Ferry Terminal early and make a reservation for the summer months if you are driving on) or you can skip the stress of catching an early ferry and relax at any one of the number of fine B&B's, motels/hotels in the Nanaimo area (a complete listing of accommodations, along with "what to bring", helpful info. medical form and a waiver, will be forwarded to you in our "Expedition Information Kit" upon receiving your booking ). We strongly advise that you make reservations well in advance for any accommodations during the summer months.

Getting there by Air:

The airport in Nanaimo is located roughly 16 km. (10 miles) south of the city. It is served from Vancouver by both Air Canada/Air BC and Canadian Airlines.

Getting there by car:

In order to get to Vancouver Island with your car, one must take a ferry across from the mainland. There are several options:

Horseshoe Bay (minutes north of Vancouver) to Nanaimo

Tswwassen (south of Vancouver) to Duke Point (minutes south of Nanaimo)

Tswwassen to Victoria

Port Angeles (located on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State, USA) to Victoria.

Washington State Ferries

Most of the major car rental agencies are represented on Vancouver Island and Vancouver and can usually be contacted directly from where you live via their various 1-800 numbers. We've found the one of the most economical to be Rent-a-Wreck 1-800-327-0116 (don't let the name fool you...all vehicles must be 100% mechanically OK & usually are only 1 yr. old as opposed to the brand new models of the Big Guys). Some people opt to rent a vehicle on a weekly basis (if they plan on staying longer than the duration of the expedition) if they are flying in to Vancouver, Seattle, Nanaimo or Victoria. This allows for flexibility and an economical way of seeing the Island while your are here. Parking is available right by our launch site at Cedar-by-the-Sea and is both safe and practical.

Walking on the Ferry:

If you plan on catching the early morning ferry and walking on, rather than bringing along your car, take the Tswwassen to Duke Point Ferry. The terminal at Duke Point is only a short 15 minute drive ($15 taxi) to The Cedar-by-the-Sea boat launch. There are also several charming B&B's in this countryside area that offer a shuttle service from the Ferry Terminal, so you could choose to come the night before and enjoy an evening there. The Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo Ferry disembarks in the heart of Nanaimo, so if you'd rather spend the evening before the expedition exploring the city, then we suggest you take this ferry option. 

Car pooling:

If you are driving to our embarkation point and would like to share the trip up with someone else who is participating on the expedition, let us know. It's a great way of economizing and makes the trip up that much more fun. Also, if you are considering renting a car, you may find that there are others on the same trip who are in a similar situation...and if you're still unsure as to how to get there, give us a call and we'll make sure you're taken care of...