The city of Nanaimo sits mid-Island and is a central arrival and departure point for BC Ferries to the BC Mainland at Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen. There is also an airport , or you can come and go via seaplane (Harbour Air, Seair Seaplanes or Westcoast Air) into Nanaimo Harbour from downtown Vancouver or Vancouver International Airport. The seaplane trip is only 20 minutes!