"The room comes with a microwave, hot plate, kitchen sink and small refrigerator."
Kathryn L from Canada
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"Very comfy rooms and everything we needed."
Kerry from United Kingdom
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"Motel is located on a busy street but I could not hear any traffic."
lisajf28 from Canada
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2-star Departure Bay Motel: Free parking near the BC Ferries terminal
Amenities
Departure Bay Motel offers free private parking on site and free WiFi throughout the property. Guests have access to BBQ facilities and a picnic area with outdoor furniture. The motel has designated smoking areas and is a non-smoking property with family rooms available.
Rooms
All rooms include a private bathroom with a bath and a TV with cable channels. Each room is equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, and a tea or coffee maker. Select rooms offer a kitchenette with a hot plate for preparing simple meals.
Location
Departure Bay Motel is situated 1.9 km from the Nanaimo Bastion and 2.1 km from Newcastle Island Marine Park. The motel is 3.4 km from the Nanaimo Museum and a short drive to the Departure Bay ferry terminal. The nearest airport is Nanaimo Airport, 17 km away.
Services
The motel operates a 24-hour front desk and offers private check-in and check-out. Daily housekeeping and laundry services are available for guest convenience. Fax and photocopying services are provided for business needs.
Safety
CCTV cameras are installed in common areas and outside the property. Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and a security alarm are in place throughout the motel. Key access is used for guest room entry.
Highlights
Location: 2 min drive from Departure Bay ferry terminal
Parking: Free private parking on site
Rooms: Cable TV, microwave, refrigerator in all rooms
Services: 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping
Safety: CCTV, smoke alarms, security alarm
Nearby: Newcastle Island Marine Park 2.1 km away
“Departure Bay Motel strikes me as solid and unpretentious; it's clearly a practical choice, especially given its proximity to the General Hospital and its pet-friendly stance. I appreciate the reports of friendly staff and clean rooms, even if the decor is a bit dated. For travelers prioritizing location and functionality over luxury, it seems like a find.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Dogfriendly-hotels
Select your room type
The hotel provides many room choices—family rooms, doubles, and pet-friendly suites—with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers
Classic Queen Room
2 persons
16 m²
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Queen Studio Suite Kitchenette
2 persons
19 m²
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Classic Two Queen Room
2 persons
19 m²
2 Double beds
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Show all rooms
Rates & availability calendar
See current prices and availability for your chosen dates!
Facilities
Hotels feature amenities designed to keep both you and your pet comfortable
Facilities: Very good
7.2/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Parking
VIP check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Security
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Services
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dining
Picnic area/ Tables
Business
Fax/Photocopying
Spa & Leisure
BBQ facilities
Room features
Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Heating
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Location
2011 Estevan Rd, Nanaimo, Nanaimo,
Map view
City landmarks
Harbour
Departure Bay
1.32 km
Landmark
Beaufort Park
880 m
Park
Maffeo Sutton Park
2.73 km
Museum
Nanaimo Museum
3.33 km
Landmark
Dog Off Leash Area
1.27 km
Landmark
Buttertubs Marsh
2.18 km
Park
Bowen Park
2.89 km
Landmark
Harbourfront Walkway
3.04 km
Landmark
Arbutus Distillery
1.73 km
Beach
Departure Bay Beach
2.02 km
Landmark
Vancouver Island Conference Centre
3.39 km
Landmark
Caledonia Park
2.04 km
Park
Sugarloaf Mountain Park
2.17 km
Landmark
Jesse Island
2.36 km
Gallery
Nanaimo Art Gallery
3.22 km
Landmark
Barsby Park
2.28 km
Park
Beban Park
2.9 km
Landmark
The Bastion
3.2 km
Landmark
Comox Park Gyro 1
2.65 km
Museum
Vancouver Island Military Museum
3.38 km
Landmark
Cathers Lake
2.95 km
Island
Protection Island
3.32 km
Beach
Kanaka Bay
2.87 km
Landmark
Swy-a-Lana Park
3.29 km
Store
Artzi Stuff
3.11 km
Winery
Millstone Winery and Vineyard
3.17 km
Landmark
Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park
5.85 km
Island
Newcastle Island
5.85 km
Nearby
Park
Beach Estates Park
340 m
Restaurants
Hella Greek
210 m
2021 Estevan Rd
Tidal Tacos
290 m
2-1901 Highland Blvd
Tim Hortons
330 m
1980 Island Highway North
Shanghai City Restaurant
420 m
215-2000 Island Hwy N
A&W Restaurant
470 m
2000 Island Hwy N
Seadrift Fish Market
790 m
1533 Estevan Rd Unit 7
Cobs
770 m
1533 Estevan Rd Terminal Park
Burger King
970 m
1150 North Terminal Ave
Pizza Hut
1.01 km
#12 - 1150 North Terminal Avenue Suite 12
Explore Nanaimo
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Beach Estates Park
5 minutes walking
Serene waterfront park with picnic areas and access to local beaches, perfect for a family outing or a peaceful retreat.
Departure Bay
16 minutes walking
Stunning beach offering sandy shores and scenic views; ideal for swimming, picnicking, and relaxing by the ocean.
Maffeo Sutton Park
30 minutes walking
Vibrant waterfront park featuring playgrounds, art installations, and hosts various events, great for leisurely strolls.
Nanaimo Museum
35 minutes walking
Local history showcased through engaging exhibits, including free admission days and guided tours for an enriching experience.
Paddling at Departure Bay
5 minutes driving
Kayak or paddleboard rentals available for exciting water adventures. Ideal for thrill-seekers looking for an adrenaline rush.
Yoga at Maffeo Sutton Park
30 minutes walking
Outdoor yoga classes offered on a seasonal basis. Great for relaxation and enjoying the scenic waterfront ambiance.
Hella Greek
3 minutes walking
Cozy spot serving authentic Greek dishes; try the gyros and fresh salads. Vegetarian-friendly options are available.
Tidal Tacos
4 minutes walking
Vibrant eatery serving delicious tacos with creative fillings. Casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or takeaway.
Shanghai City Restaurant
6 minutes walking
Authentic Chinese cuisine with a diverse menu. Family-friendly and offers vegetarian dishes; reservations are recommended.
Arbutus Distillery
20 minutes walking
Local distillery offering tours and tastings. Experience craft spirits in a relaxed atmosphere; check for special events.
The Bastion
35 minutes walking
Historical site providing insight into Nanaimo's past; features guided tours. Family-friendly with educational exhibits.
Local transport and travel tips
City Centre
Nanaimo 17 min · 1.4 km
Airports
Nanaimo Harbour Water (ZNA) 6 min · 3.6 km
Nanaimo (YCD) 27 min · 17.6 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
23
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Departure Bay Motel from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
7.6/10
Comfort
7.7/10
Facilities
7.2/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Location
8.4/10
Staff
8.8/10
Value for money
7.8/10
Pros
Professional attendant
Supportive personal
Spotless rooms
Excellent value
Perfect location
Cons
No bedside lighting
Guest reviews
based on 847 reviews
7.2/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About Departure Bay Motel
How far is Departure Bay Motel from Nanaimo Airport?
The motel is 17 km from Nanaimo Airport.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Departure Bay Motel?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
Is there free parking available at Departure Bay Motel?
Free private parking is available on-site.
What amenities are included in the rooms at Departure Bay Motel?
Rooms include a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a microwave, a refrigerator, a coffee maker, and a private bathroom with free toiletries.
What dining options are available near Departure Bay Motel?
Nearby restaurants include Tidal Tacos (0.5 km), Shanghai City Restaurant (0.5 km), Burger King (1 km), and Pizza Hut (1 km).
Is Wi-Fi available at Departure Bay Motel?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the motel.
How far is Departure Bay Motel from Nanaimo Bastion?
The motel is located 2 km from Nanaimo Bastion.
Is there a 24-hour front desk at Departure Bay Motel?
A 24-hour front desk is available at the property.
What attractions are located near Departure Bay Motel?
Attractions include Newcastle Island Marine Park (2 km) and Nanaimo Museum (3 km).