Nanoose Bay
Quick Facts
- Population (2006 Census)... 5246
- Distance from Vancouver... 103 km (64 mi)
- Distance from Richmond... 115 km (71 mi)
- Distance from Whistler... 182 km(113 mi)
Nanoose Bay is centrally located on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, just north of Nanaimo and the ferry terminals for mainland travel.
The teeming waters and beautiful, lush land around Nanoose Bay are so ecologically diverse that UNESCO designated much of it a Biosphere Reserve. This reserve extends to the summit of Mount Arrowsmith which, at 1,817 m (5,961 ft), is a dominant feature of the Nanoose Bay skyline.
The town is close to Cathedral Grove which has one of the most accessible stands of old-growth Douglas-fir trees in British Columbia. This is a very popular place to experience the magnificence of an 800-year-old tree measuring more than 9 m (29 ft) in circumference.
Nanoose Bay lies in the heart of a region that enjoys Canada's mildest climate making it an excellent place for visitors to enjoy the area's beauty while hiking, golfing, digging for clams or spotting the abundant wildlife.
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2010 Host Cities
Venues & Visitor Centres
Transportation
Transportation to 2010 Winter Games Venue Cities
Visit www.travelsmart2010.ca for the latest information on travel during the 2010 Winter Games.
There will be no spectator parking at any Olympic venue.
Nanoose Bay lies just north of Nanaimo which has two terminals offering car and passenger ferry service to and from the mainland. Departure Bay connects with Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver providing easy access to Vancouver. Duke Point services Tsawwassen providing easy access to Richmond and Vancouver.
On Vancouver Island, transit passengers can take the Intercity Connector bus from Nanoose Bay to Departure Bay ferry terminal.
To Richmond:
On arrival in Tsawwassen, visitors can travel to downtown Richmond via connecting public buses or taxis. The drive between the ferry terminal and downtown Richmond is approximately 25 minutes, but may be longer during peak Games time.
Those traveling to Vancouver International Airport may take a coach via BC Ferries, fly from Nanaimo or Qualicum Beach, or take a floatplane and shuttle from Nanaimo Harbour.
The Richmond Olympic Oval can be accessed by the Canada Line rapid transit system and connecting public buses.
To Vancouver:
Taxis and public buses meet arriving ferries at both Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay terminals to take passengers downtown.
Motorcoach service to downtown is available via BC Ferries, while regularly scheduled floatplanes connect Nanaimo’s harbour to Vancouver’s harbour front.
During Games time it’s best to take public transit as there will be road closures and limited parking. Extended transit service hours will be in place during February, 2010.
To West Vancouver:
Transit buses, car, motorcoach and taxis connect both ferry terminals to West Vancouver. Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal is a short 15 minute drive from West Vancouver’s business district.
Tickets holders can only access Olympic events on Cypress Mountain via the Olympic Bus Network. View travel information and reserve bus tickets here.
To Whistler:
Passengers can take a BC Ferry to Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver then drive north to Whistler along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99). Note that there will be driving restrictions in place along the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99) during peak Games times.
Ticket holders to Olympic events in Whistler will be transported to and from their event location via the Olympic Bus Network. This bus network has departure points in Vancouver, Burnaby and North Vancouver.
Daily motorcoach service from downtown Vancouver and the Vancouver International Airport has several departure points located along the Vancouver-Whistler corridor, including limited service from Horseshoe Bay.
The area in and around Nanoose Bay is home to numerous bed and breakfasts, vacation rental homes and cottages.
Nanoose Bay also has an ocean-front hotel with a marina and spa.
Want to talk to an accommodations expert? We'll be happy to help you with your search over the phone. Call us directly at 1-800-HelloBC or 1-800-435-5622. If you're calling from overseas, dial 1-604-435-5622.
Things To Do
Visitors should not miss the old-growth Douglas-fir trees of Cathedral Grove in nearby MacMillan Provincial Park. Scenic wonders also wait on the area's beaches which offer fantastic views of the Strait of Georgia and the fun of searching for marine life on the foreshore. Travellers can spot harbour seals and California sea lions along the coast all year round.
Divers enjoy excellent conditions in Nanoose Bay, particularly in winter months when the waters are clearest. There are numerous golf courses within a short drive of town and salmon fishing charters available from nearby Nanaimo.
Mount Arrowsmith provides numerous trails and recreational opportunities ranging from hiking and bird watching to paragliding, ski touring and serious rock and ice climbing.
Birdwatchers are well occupied in Nanoose Bay. Its location on the Pacific flyway gives migration and wintering habitats to over 220 avian species, and attracts massive numbers of migrating waterbirds.
The Art Loop and Scenic Drive offers visitors insight into the creative process with a tour of the working studios of local artisans.