Nanaimo’s strategic location offers regional and global connectivity through an airport, four ferry terminals, two floatplane terminals, a cruise ship terminal, and an efficient highway system. Additionally, Nanaimo features short- and deep-sea shipping facilities, and storage and warehousing spaces available through the Port of Nanaimo.

The Transportation and Warehousing Sector provided 2,321 jobs representing 4.7% of Nanaimo’s labour force (2022 Esri). In 2023, there were 175 firms in the Transportation and Warehousing sector in Nanaimo. The Nanaimo Port Authority, Nanaimo Airport, and the City of Nanaimo are working together to establish Nanaimo as the transportation and warehousing hub for all of Vancouver Island.