Private Jet Charter to Nanaimo, BC: YCD Airport, Routes, Hourly Prices & Island Transfers

Nanaimo is central Vancouver Island's main gateway, roughly halfway between Victoria and the island's north. Ferries from the mainland take 1 hour 40 minutes or longer, before any terminal wait. A private flight lands at YCD with your luggage and no sailing schedule.

• Mid-island access: Parksville and Qualicum are about 40 minutes away by road.
• No ferry booking: mainland crossings need vehicle reservations and fixed sailing times.
• Instrument approach: runway 16 has an ILS for low-cloud arrivals.

Is Nanaimo or Victoria the better airport for Vancouver Island?

Nanaimo Airport (YCD) suits trips to Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum and Tofino. Victoria International (YYJ) is better for Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula. Both runways take most business jets, so the choice follows your final address.

YCD's single runway, 16/34, is 6,602 feet long and grooved for wet-weather braking. Runway 16 has an ILS and high-intensity approach lights. Enex Aviation and the Nanaimo Flying Club both sell fuel on the field.

The airport handled 359,525 passengers in 2024, so private flights share the field with airline traffic. The operator selects the handler, and Hogani Jets confirms it in your trip details.

Yes, for smaller flights. The airport lists a CBSA airport-of-entry designation of AOE/20, which covers aircraft carrying up to 20 people. Larger groups should clear first at Vancouver or Victoria.

Can a private jet from Seattle clear customs in Nanaimo?

Yes, if the flight carries 20 people or fewer. Nanaimo Airport is designated AOE/20 by CBSA, and the operator reports the arrival in advance. CANPASS does not cover charter flights, so the arrival time must suit CBSA.

Yes. Private jet charter flights to Nanaimo come nonstop from western Canada and the US Pacific coast.

• Vancouver International: about 20 minutes by turboprop.
• Seattle: around 35 minutes in a light jet.
• Calgary and Edmonton: roughly 1 hour 10 to 1 hour 20 minutes.
• California: light and midsize jets take 2 to 2.75 hours.

YCD's 6,602-foot runway fits turboprops through most large-cabin jets. The heaviest long-range aircraft may need Vancouver for a full fuel load, which the operator confirms.

• Passports: every passenger needs a valid passport. Non-US citizens should check Canadian entry rules for their nationality.
• eTA: travellers from visa-exempt countries, other than US citizens, apply online before flying.
• Group size: AOE/20 limits who can clear at YCD, so larger parties clear elsewhere first.
• Fishing gear and catch: declare seafood and tackle when returning to the US.

• Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) Marine Park: island trails a short foot ferry ride from the harbour.
• Harbourfront walkway: the seawall through downtown, with cafes and marinas.
• Nanaimo Museum: city history from Snuneymuxw roots to the coal-mining era.
• Scuba diving: sunken former navy ships near Snake Island form artificial reefs.
• Nanaimo bars: the no-bake dessert named after the city, sold all over town.

What is Nanaimo best known for?

Nanaimo is known as the Harbour City and for the Nanaimo bar, a layered no-bake dessert. It also hosts an annual bathtub race. Vancouver Island University's main campus is in the city.

Yes. US dogs and cats past three months of age need a rabies certificate, with no quarantine. Other origins have separate CFIA rules. Ask the operator about pet policies before booking.

• Short hops: the Vancouver flight is brief, so positioning time matters most.
• Group size: parties over 20 need a customs stop before Nanaimo.
• Summer demand: July and August weekends book up first.
• Overnight stays: crew lodging and parking apply on multi-day trips.
• Fishing trips: heavy gear or frozen catch can call for a larger aircraft.

What is the cost of a private flight from Vancouver to Nanaimo?

The flight is about 20 minutes, priced at $1,300 to $2,500 per hour for a turboprop. Operators usually apply a minimum billing time on short hops. Any empty positioning flight is included in one all-in quote.

Aircraft based at Vancouver often return empty after island drop-offs. Travellers can take those seats one way for less than a full charter. Summer Sundays and holiday Mondays tend to produce the most.

Ask about Nanaimo empty legs at charter@hoganijets.com or +1-855-660-0573.

Nanaimo stays centre on harbourfront hotels in the city and oceanfront resorts in Parksville and Nanoose Bay. Remote west coast fishing lodges suit longer trips. Private waterfront homes on the Gulf Islands are popular with families and groups.

• Yacht trips: tell the operator about provisions and luggage, since hold space is limited.
• Fishing lodges: remote ones are reached by floatplane or helicopter from Nanaimo.
• Golf weekends: club bags take hold space on smaller jets.
• Tofino trips: the drive over Highway 4 takes about 3 hours.

Nanaimo keeps Pacific Time and prices things in Canadian dollars. Winters are mild but rainy, and summers are dry. Ground transfers from YCD include taxis, shuttles and car hire counters in the terminal.

Families, anglers and business travellers rely on Hogani Jets as a private jet booking service in Nanaimo. With 2,000-plus flights arranged across 90-plus countries, founder Matt Hogan plans island trips around ferries and weather. Each VIP private jet charter to Nanaimo is checked against the AOE/20 limit.

Every operator's Part 135 certificate, insurance coverage, and safety record is independently reviewed before booking, with ARGUS, Wyvern, or IS-BAO ratings considered where they exist as one part of that review.

• Right island airport: Nanaimo or Victoria, based on your final address.
• Customs fit: group size checked against the AOE/20 limit.
• Onward legs: floatplanes or helicopters to lodges and islands arranged in sequence.

Book a private jet charter to Nanaimo through Hogani Jets at charter@hoganijets.com or +1-855-660-0573.