When is the best time to go to Departure Bay?

The best time to visit Departure Bay is from late spring to early autumn, specifically between May and October, when the weather is at its finest. During these months, you'll experience consistently pleasant temperatures, ideal for enjoying the outdoors and the stunning natural beauty of the area. The days are longer, offering more daylight for exploring the coastlines and local attractions around Nanaimo. For those looking to enjoy water activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing by the sea, July and August offer the warmest water temperatures and the most sunshine. This period is also great for taking advantage of the ferry services to nearby islands or exploring the regional parks. If you prefer a quieter experience with fewer crowds, late May to June or September to early October are excellent choices. The weather remains agreeable, and you can still partake in most activities without the peak season bustle.

Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, though it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if canceled within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to "My Trips", and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by "Fully refundable property" for hotels in Departure Bay.

How much is the nightly rate at a Departure Bay hotel?

Hotel prices in Departure Bay often vary, but you can find a great deal on Expedia. Different factors affect nightly hotel rates, such as the time of year or the days of the week you want to book. To find the best deals for your stay, be flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for our cheapest rates.

The Best Hotels in Departure Bay, Nanaimo - 2026 Updated Prices

A calm lake with boats, a forested shoreline, and distant mountains.

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Our top choices for Departure Bay hotels

A living room with a fireplace, a television mounted above it, a wicker chair, a sofa, and a dining area with a table and chairs.

1. Buccaneer Inn

Central Nanaimo, 1.7 mi from Departure Bay

William

includes taxes & fees

8 Oct - 9 Oct

A multi-story hotel with a prominent "Ramada" sign, featuring a balcony on the upper floor and a covered entrance area.

2. Ramada by Wyndham Nanaimo

Central Nanaimo, 2.2 mi from Departure Bay

Elisabeth

includes taxes & fees

10 Oct - 11 Oct

A modern kitchen with a coffee machine, a small table, and two chairs.

3. Departure Bay Motel

Central Nanaimo, 1.1 mi from Departure Bay

Kasey

includes taxes & fees

8 Oct - 9 Oct

A hotel room with a patterned carpet, a sofa, a small table, a TV, and a kitchenette.

4. Travelodge by Wyndham Nanaimo

Central Nanaimo, 2.5 mi from Departure Bay

Evgeny

includes taxes & fees

12 Oct - 13 Oct

A view from a balcony overlooking the ocean with a clear sky and a tall evergreen tree.

5. Gibralter Rock Ocean View B&B

1.7 mi from Departure Bay

Patti

includes taxes & fees

31 Oct - 1 Nov

A modern two-story building with a flat roof, large windows, and a covered outdoor seating area with tables and chairs.

6. The Spot

Central Nanaimo, 1.9 mi from Departure Bay

Jason

includes taxes & fees

13 Oct - 14 Oct

A multi-story hotel with a prominent entrance sign.

7. The Grand Hotel Nanaimo

2.4 mi from Departure Bay

david

includes taxes & fees

7 Nov - 8 Nov

A marina with various boats docked, a calm water body, and a forested area in the background.

8. Best Western Dorchester Hotel

Downtown Nanaimo, 3 mi from Departure Bay

Brandon

includes taxes & fees

12 Oct - 13 Oct

A marina with boats docked, a building with a 'Coast Hotels' sign, and cherry blossoms in the foreground.

9. Coast Bastion Hotel

Downtown Nanaimo, 3 mi from Departure Bay

Sharon

includes taxes & fees

5 Nov - 6 Nov

A Courtyard hotel with a modern design, featuring multiple floors, large windows, and a well-lit entrance.

10. Courtyard By Marriott Nanaimo

Downtown Nanaimo, 3.2 mi from Departure Bay

Dorothy

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

A wooden cabin interior with a hot tub, large windows, and a lounge chair.

11. Inn On Long Lake

2.4 mi from Departure Bay

Sage

includes taxes & fees

6 Nov - 7 Nov

A modern hotel with a glass facade, a prominent entrance with a wooden canopy, and a visible restaurant sign.

12. Quality Inn Nanaimo Downtown

3.2 mi from Departure Bay

Yusuf

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

A modern building with a landscaped garden featuring palm trees and various shrubs.

13. The Port-O-Call Inn & Suites

Central Nanaimo, 2.1 mi from Departure Bay

shu

includes taxes & fees

7 Nov - 8 Nov

A large green house with a pond in front, surrounded by trees and a clear sky.

14. Bethlehem Centre

2.9 mi from Departure Bay

Erin

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

A Days Inn hotel with a view of the water and hills in the background.

15. Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo

4.2 mi from Departure Bay

Ralph

includes taxes & fees

5 Nov - 6 Nov

A hotel reception area with a glass door entrance, a clock, and a sign indicating the business hours.

16. Harbour Light Motel

3.6 mi from Departure Bay

Chris

includes taxes & fees

8 Oct - 9 Oct

A hotel room with two beds, wooden headboards, bedside tables with lamps, and framed pictures on the walls.

17. The Bluebird Motel

Central Nanaimo, 1.8 mi from Departure Bay

laurie

includes taxes & fees

19 Oct - 20 Oct

A modern hotel lobby with a herringbone-patterned floor, a reception desk, and a sofa with a blue pillow.

18. Best Western Northgate Inn

3.7 mi from Departure Bay

James

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

A couple standing by a marina with boats and docks in the background.

19. Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)

Downtown Nanaimo, 3 mi from Departure Bay

Abril Guadalupe

includes taxes & fees

7 Nov - 8 Nov

A reception area with a wooden reception desk, a potted plant, a wall-mounted clock, and framed pictures.

20. Diplomat Motel

3.7 mi from Departure Bay

Louie

includes taxes & fees

8 Oct - 9 Oct

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Where to stay in Departure Bay

Find the best Departure Bay areas for the activities you enjoy most.

A marina with various boats, including sailboats and yachts, docked along the waterfront.

Central Nanaimo

If you're spending some time in Central Nanaimo, Maffeo Sutton Park and Stones Marina are top sights worth seeing.

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A marina with boats at sunset, mountains in the background, and a forested shoreline.

Downtown Nanaimo

If you're spending some time in Downtown Nanaimo, Bastion and Nanaimo Museum are top sights worth seeing.

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Stephenson Point

While Stephenson Point may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Departure Bay Beach and Departure Bay Ferry Terminal.

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Top Departure Bay Hotel Reviews

The Grand Hotel Nanaimo

8/10 Good

"Bathroom needs a renovation. Breakfast was just average."

Sea Edge Beachside Hotel

8/10 Good

"Great location and access to the beach. Lovely oceanfront very clean. Added bonus to have the spa/sauna experience on site. Loved the bunnies and available amenities we just didn’t have time to use them all. Great restaurant next door and access to boardwalk. Only complaint would be that walls and doors are thin. Having a fan or something to cover up noise outside and in other rooms would be ideal. Love the blackout blind but having a curtain would help for privacy but still get some light in. Option to add extra beach towels or robes would be a great option."

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort

10/10 Excellent

"We had a lovely room with a fireplace overlooking the ocean. The bed was very comfortable and we found the path to the beach very accessible despite our age. We thought our accommodation was fair Value and when we return to Parksville area again in the next year or two we will certainly reserve at your excellent resort. Murray C"

Best Western Dorchester Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Highly Recommend! I recently had the pleasure of staying at this location and the property exceeded all expectations! It was immaculately clean, tastefully decorated. The bed was incredibly comfortable. The location was perfect—close to everything, peaceful and quiet. I wouldn’t hesitate to book again or recommend it to friends and family. If you’re considering a stay here, don’t hesitate—you won’t regret it! Thank you. A great trouble free experience!"

Search Hotels in Departure Bay, Nanaimo

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Our top choices for Departure Bay hotels

1. Buccaneer Inn

2. Ramada by Wyndham Nanaimo

3. Departure Bay Motel

4. Travelodge by Wyndham Nanaimo

5. Gibralter Rock Ocean View B&B

6. The Spot

7. The Grand Hotel Nanaimo

8. Best Western Dorchester Hotel

9. Coast Bastion Hotel

10. Courtyard By Marriott Nanaimo

11. Inn On Long Lake

12. Quality Inn Nanaimo Downtown

13. The Port-O-Call Inn & Suites

14. Bethlehem Centre

15. Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo

16. Harbour Light Motel

17. The Bluebird Motel

18. Best Western Northgate Inn

19. Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)

20. Diplomat Motel

Where to stay in Departure Bay

Central Nanaimo

Downtown Nanaimo

Stephenson Point

Top Departure Bay Hotel Reviews

The Grand Hotel Nanaimo

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