The November 4th-6th, 2016 iiE Gathering will be held on the campus of Vancouver Island University at 900 Fifth Street in Nanaimo, British Columbia. You can travel to Vancouver Island by ferry, seaplane, or commercial flights.
Ferry
BC Ferries provides service to two terminals in Nanaimo. You can travel from Horseshoe Bay terminal (1 hr., 40 min.) to Departure Bay and from Tsawwassen terminal (2 hrs.) to Duke Point. Taxi, bus and shuttle services are available at terminals. There are also ferries to Vancouver Island from Washington State.
Seaplane
Harbour Air provides service from Vancouver Harbour and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Nanaimo Harbour.
Commercial Flight
Air Canada operates flights from Vancouver International Airport to Nanaimo Airport and Westjet Airlines and Air Canada offer connecting flights from Calgary International Airport. Various US and Canadian airlines fly into Victoria International Airport (2 hours from Nanaimo).
Travelling from the USA?
We have looked into travel to Nanaimo from the USA and the best options we have found are flying on Delta Airlines to Victoria, BC. Nanaimo is about a 2 hour drive from Victoria and cars can be easily rented at the airport in Victoria. Flights from Detroit to Victoria are currently about $350 USD. Please let us know if you are travelling through Victoria as we may be able to arrange connections with others so that you may share a car rental.
Accommodation
There are many lodging options in Nanaimo. Tourism Nanaimo offers listings for hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts. If you are wishing to stay in the downtown centre of the city then the Best Western Dorchester and the Coast Bastion hotels are your best options. There are also many airbnb options in Nanaimo and the Painted Turtle Guesthouse in downtown Nanaimo offers budget accommodations with private and dorm style rooms.
Please let us know if you are looking for a homestay/billet option. We may be able to arrange a couch or space in a spare room with one of our local participants.