Cheap flights from Ottawa to Nanaimo

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Find the cheapest month to fly from Ottawa to Nanaimo

We’re always keeping an eye on fares, so you can find the best one in seconds. It looks like Ottawa to Nanaimo flights are currently cheapest in July.

Ottawa to Nanaimo: Flight information

The things to know before you go.
Cheapest flight found$279
Cheapest month to flyJuly

Finding cheap flights from Ottawa to Nanaimo: Frequently asked questions

The best price we found for a return flight from Ottawa to Nanaimo is $470. This is an estimate based on information collected from different airlines and travel providers over the last 4 days and is subject to change and availability.
Currently, there are no airlines that fly direct from Ottawa to Nanaimo. But we found flights with one stop from $470.
As of April 2026, there are no flights flying from Ottawa to Nanaimo.
The cheapest month to fly from Ottawa to Nanaimo is usually May.
After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it is currently cheapest to fly from Ottawa to Nanaimo Airport on Tuesday, 19 May 2026.
No airlines currently offer direct flights between Ottawa and Nanaimo Airport. Most routes have one or more stops.
We show every price from over 1,200 airlines and travel agents, comparing them all so you don’t have to. If you know you want to fly to Nanaimo but you’re not ready to book, set up a Price Alert. We’ll track prices for you, and let you know when they rise or fall.
We crunched all the numbers in our flight calendar and it looks like the cheapest time to book a flight to Nanaimo is around 40 days in advance, so don’t leave your flight to the last minute.
The cheapest airline that flies to Nanaimo is WestJet .

Travelling from Ottawa to Nanaimo Airport (YCD): What you need to know

  • Nanaimo is three hours behind Ottawa. Nanaimo Airport is located in Nanaimo, which is in the UTC-8 timezone.

  • Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are tried-and-true travel tips. Be at the airport with enough time to board your flight from Ottawa to YCD.

  • Popular months like August or other peak periods mean longer waiting times and potential delays. Stay ahead of the crowds by getting to the airport even earlier. Aim for at least four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.

Airports in Ottawa

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)

  • Located around 14 kilometres from the centre of Ottawa, YOW can be reached in about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport takes roughly 35 minutes.

  • Catching an early flight from Ottawa to Nanaimo Airport? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and get some bonus sleep) by picking one of these stays near Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport:

  • When it comes to the on-time performance of Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, data shows 58% of flights complete their journey on time.

  • The address for YOW is 50 Airport Road.

About Nanaimo Airport (YCD)

  • Few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal if you've arrived on a late flight from Ottawa to Nanaimo Airport. Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ladysmith Oyster Bay and Kiwi Cove Lodge are comfortable options near YCD.

  • Pick up a Nanaimo Airport rental car and discover places that aren't on the usual tourist route. National and Budget can hook you up with a set of wheels for your adventures through Nanaimo and beyond.

  • Booking your vehicle around three weeks in advance of your Ottawa to Nanaimo Airport flight can help you find the best deal.

Getting from Nanaimo Airport (YCD) to central Nanaimo

  • Nanaimo Airport is around 11 kilometres from the centre of Nanaimo. It takes around 20 minutes or so to drive to the city.

  • Travelling on public transport takes roughly 35 minutes.

How to find the cheapest flights from Ottawa to Nanaimo Airport (YCD)

  • The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Ottawa to Nanaimo Airport is $279. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $470. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares may change.

  • Booking ahead of time is often the key to scoring a cheap flight from Ottawa to YCD. Fares tend to rise as demand increases, so the closer your departure date, the more you'll likely pay.

  • Affordable Ottawa to Nanaimo Airport tickets are easier to find when your dates are flexible. Use the 'Whole month' search tool to compare fares across the month and then pick the cheapest day.

  • There's no need to search every day to find out if prices have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know as soon as there's a better deal on plane tickets from Ottawa to YCD.

  • Hunt down a great price on a flight from Ottawa to Nanaimo Airport with the help of the filters. Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'

The best time to fly from Ottawa to Nanaimo Airport (YCD)

  • It's time to figure out when to book your flight from Ottawa to Nanaimo Airport (YCD). July is the busiest month to visit Nanaimo. If you like your getaways a little more chill, go in December.

  • Lock in a Ottawa to YCD plane ticket departing in August if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Nanaimo to range from 13ºC (55ºF) to 24ºC (75ºF).

  • If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from Ottawa to Nanaimo Airport in December when temperatures are between -1ºC (30ºF) and 7ºC (45ºF).

More about Nanaimo

  • When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Nanaimo right here. Browse these hotels after locking in your flight from Ottawa to Nanaimo Airport:

  • Scenery tours Vancouver Island and Wildheart Adventures are just a couple of the popular attractions to put on your Nanaimo travel itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to Newcastle Island Park.

Explore more of Canada

  • You've seen Nanaimo, now it's time to discover other corners of Canada. Journey around 121 kilometres east to Abbotsford to tick off its popular sights. From Tanglebank Gardens to EcoDairy and Ripples Winery, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.

  • If there's time to check out another side of Canada, head for Chilliwack, roughly 145 kilometres east of Nanaimo. Lindeman Lake, Bridal Veil Falls Waterfall and Chilliwack Sunflower Festival are key highlights.

Prices shown on this page are estimated lowest prices only. Found in the last 45 days.