My bike and I are in
and we’d like to be in
.
We show what transit connections accept bikes. Check with the operator for prices, schedules, and reservations.
Same place twice. You’re already there, so enjoy the ride.
Good news: buses, ferries, trains, rental cars and flights can carry you and your bike from Cortes Island to North Cowichan (Chemainus & Crofton).
For scale
As the crow flies157 km
Biking whole way240 km · 15 h 06 m
By car231 km · 3 h 45 m
We found four ways to get you there, ferries doing the heavy lifting.
Note: Most carriers carry only a handful of bikes, and summer weekends fill up fast. Reserve where you can. Where you can't, go early or have a backup plan.
Option one · six legs
Fill in the gap with a rental car.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚲First, get from Central Cortes Island to Whaletown (Cortes Island), about 7.4 km. Ride it, or take a local bus or taxi.
⛴️BC FerriesHeriot Bay (Quadra) – Whaletown (Cortes)Whaletown (Cortes Island) →Heriot Bay (Quadra Island)11 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Heriot Bay (Quadra Island) to Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island), about 6.8 km.
⛴️BC FerriesCampbell River – Quathiaski Cove (Quadra)Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island) →Campbell River2.9 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Campbell River to YBL (Campbell River), about 8.3 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, Bee-Line Taxi might help.
🚙National Car & Truck Rental (Vancouver Island)One-way rental: Campbell River – Nanaimoor Budget (One-way rental: Campbell River – Nanaimo)YBL (Campbell River) →Downtown Nanaimo127 kmOne-way between Island branches — no drop chargeBike rides inside — SUV or minivan, seats folded, wheels offConfirm one-way and vehicle when booking
🚲Travel the short hop from Downtown Nanaimo to Departure Bay (Nanaimo), about 1.3 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, A.C. Taxi, Yellow Cab Nanaimo might help.
🚎BC Transit20/20A Hammond Bay / DoverDeparture Bay (Nanaimo) →Downtown Nanaimo Exchange3.3 kmRack on the bus, free — 2 bikes · first come, first servedE-bikes OK
🚲Travel the short hop from Downtown Nanaimo Exchange to Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch, about 0.5 km.
🚎BC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan ExpressBay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch →Duncan46 kmRack on the bus, free — 2 bikes · first come, first servedE-bikes OK
🚎BC Transit6 Crofton-ChemainusDuncan →Joan & Queen - Saltspring Ferry (North Cowichan)11 kmRack on the bus, free — 2 bikes · first come, first servedE-bikes OK
🚲At the far end, North Cowichan (Chemainus & Crofton) is about 8 km from Joan & Queen - Saltspring Ferry (North Cowichan). Ride it, or take a local bus or taxi.
Option two · six legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
The same trip, but with Budget for the rental car leg.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚲First, get from Central Cortes Island to Whaletown (Cortes Island), about 7.4 km. Ride it, or take a local bus or taxi.
⛴️BC FerriesHeriot Bay (Quadra) – Whaletown (Cortes)Whaletown (Cortes Island) →Heriot Bay (Quadra Island)11 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Heriot Bay (Quadra Island) to Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island), about 6.8 km.
⛴️BC FerriesCampbell River – Quathiaski Cove (Quadra)Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island) →Campbell River2.9 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Campbell River to Campbell River, about 0.3 km.
🚙BudgetOne-way rental: Campbell River – NanaimoCampbell River →Downtown Nanaimo134 kmOne-way between BC Budget branches — bookable onlineBike rides inside — SUV or minivan, seats folded, wheels offConfirm one-way and vehicle when booking
🚲Travel the short hop from Downtown Nanaimo to Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch, about 1 km.
🚎BC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan ExpressBay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch →Duncan46 kmRack on the bus, free — 2 bikes · first come, first servedE-bikes OK
🚎BC Transit36 Ladysmith-Duncan ExpressDuncan →Coronation Mall (Ladysmith)24 kmRack on the bus, free — 2 bikes · first come, first servedE-bikes OK
🚎BC Transit34 Ladysmith-ChemainusCoronation Mall (Ladysmith) →Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan)8.1 kmRack on the bus, free — 2 bikes · first come, first servedE-bikes OK
🚲You arrive at Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan).
Option three · five legs📱 schedule erratic — check the Poparide app
A carpool saves the day.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚲First, get from Central Cortes Island to Whaletown (Cortes Island), about 7.4 km. Ride it, or take a local bus or taxi.
⛴️BC FerriesHeriot Bay (Quadra) – Whaletown (Cortes)Whaletown (Cortes Island) →Heriot Bay (Quadra Island)11 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Heriot Bay (Quadra Island) to Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island), about 6.8 km.
⛴️BC FerriesCampbell River – Quathiaski Cove (Quadra)Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island) →Campbell River2.9 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Campbell River to Campbell River, about 0.3 km.
🚙BudgetOne-way rental: Campbell River – NanaimoCampbell River →Downtown Nanaimo134 kmOne-way between BC Budget branches — bookable onlineBike rides inside — SUV or minivan, seats folded, wheels offConfirm one-way and vehicle when booking
🚲Travel the short hop from Downtown Nanaimo to Downtown Nanaimo Exchange, about 0.6 km.
🚗PoparideHwy 1 rideshare (Victoria - Duncan - Nanaimo)Downtown Nanaimo Exchange →DuncanOnly some rides take bikes — look for the bicycle icon on the listingSchedule is variable — check Poparide for driver-listed dates and times
Only book rides that say they permit bicycles (bike icon on the listing).
🚎BC Transit6 Crofton-ChemainusDuncan →Joan & Queen - Saltspring Ferry (North Cowichan)11 kmRack on the bus, free — 2 bikes · first come, first servedE-bikes OK
🚲At the far end, North Cowichan (Chemainus & Crofton) is about 8 km from Joan & Queen - Saltspring Ferry (North Cowichan). Ride it, or take a local bus or taxi.
Not an option · five legs🚫 not possible with a bike
Two ferries, a coach bus, and two city buses.
🚫 This chain exists, but Island Link does not carry bikes, so it cannot work with yours. We show it so you can see where the connection breaks.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚲First, get from Central Cortes Island to Whaletown (Cortes Island), about 7.4 km. Ride it, or take a local bus or taxi.
⛴️BC FerriesHeriot Bay (Quadra) – Whaletown (Cortes)Whaletown (Cortes Island) →Heriot Bay (Quadra Island)11 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Heriot Bay (Quadra Island) to Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island), about 6.8 km.
⛴️BC FerriesCampbell River – Quathiaski Cove (Quadra)Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island) →Campbell River2.9 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Downtown Nanaimo Exchange to Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch, about 0.5 km.
🚎BC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan ExpressBay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch →Duncan46 kmRack on the bus, free — 2 bikes · first come, first servedE-bikes OK
🚎BC Transit6 Crofton-ChemainusDuncan →Joan & Queen - Saltspring Ferry (North Cowichan)11 kmRack on the bus, free — 2 bikes · first come, first servedE-bikes OK
🚲At the far end, North Cowichan (Chemainus & Crofton) is about 8 km from Joan & Queen - Saltspring Ferry (North Cowichan). Ride it, or take a local bus or taxi.
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Not an option · six legs🚫 not possible with a bike
Six legs, end to end.
🚫 This chain exists, but Island Link and West Coast Trail Express does not carry bikes, so it cannot work with yours. We show it so you can see where the connection breaks.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚲First, get from Central Cortes Island to Whaletown (Cortes Island), about 7.4 km. Ride it, or take a local bus or taxi.
⛴️BC FerriesHeriot Bay (Quadra) – Whaletown (Cortes)Whaletown (Cortes Island) →Heriot Bay (Quadra Island)11 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Heriot Bay (Quadra Island) to Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island), about 6.8 km.
⛴️BC FerriesCampbell River – Quathiaski Cove (Quadra)Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island) →Campbell River2.9 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚌West Coast Trail ExpressJuan de Fuca Trail routeor West Coast Trail Express (West Coast Trail route) or Island Link (Victoria Express Bus)Downtown Nanaimo Exchange →Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria)157 kmDoes not carry bikes
Runs May 1 to September 30.
🚲Travel the short hop from Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria) to Legislature Terminal (Victoria), about 1.3 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, Bluebird Cabs, Sidney Taxi might help.
🚎BC Transit66 CVX Cowichan - Victoria ExpressLegislature Terminal (Victoria) →Duncan54 kmRack on the bus, free — 2 bikes · first come, first servedE-bikes OK
🚎BC Transit6 Crofton-ChemainusDuncan →Joan & Queen - Saltspring Ferry (North Cowichan)11 kmRack on the bus, free — 2 bikes · first come, first servedE-bikes OK
🚲At the far end, North Cowichan (Chemainus & Crofton) is about 8 km from Joan & Queen - Saltspring Ferry (North Cowichan). Ride it, or take a local bus or taxi.
Not an option · six legs🚫 not possible with a bike
Another way: six legs, end to end.
🚫 This chain exists, but Island Link and West Coast Trail Express does not carry bikes, so it cannot work with yours. We show it so you can see where the connection breaks.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚲First, get from Central Cortes Island to Whaletown (Cortes Island), about 7.4 km. Ride it, or take a local bus or taxi.
⛴️BC FerriesHeriot Bay (Quadra) – Whaletown (Cortes)Whaletown (Cortes Island) →Heriot Bay (Quadra Island)11 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Heriot Bay (Quadra Island) to Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island), about 6.8 km.
⛴️BC FerriesCampbell River – Quathiaski Cove (Quadra)Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island) →Campbell River2.9 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚌West Coast Trail ExpressJuan de Fuca Trail routeor Island Link (Victoria Express Bus)Downtown Nanaimo Exchange →Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria)157 kmDoes not carry bikes
Runs May 1 to September 30.
🚎BC Transit66 CVX Cowichan-Victoria ExpressDouglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria) →Duncan46 kmRack on the bus, free — 2 bikes · first come, first servedE-bikes OK
🚎BC Transit6 Crofton-ChemainusDuncan →Joan & Queen - Saltspring Ferry (North Cowichan)11 kmRack on the bus, free — 2 bikes · first come, first servedE-bikes OK
🚲At the far end, North Cowichan (Chemainus & Crofton) is about 8 km from Joan & Queen - Saltspring Ferry (North Cowichan). Ride it, or take a local bus or taxi.
Option seven · seven legs✈ the splurge
A transport smorgasbord: ferries, flights, SkyTrain, and city buses.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚲First, get from Central Cortes Island to Whaletown (Cortes Island), about 7.4 km. Ride it, or take a local bus or taxi.
⛴️BC FerriesHeriot Bay (Quadra) – Whaletown (Cortes)Whaletown (Cortes Island) →Heriot Bay (Quadra Island)11 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Heriot Bay (Quadra Island) to Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island), about 6.8 km.
⛴️BC FerriesCampbell River – Quathiaski Cove (Quadra)Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island) →Campbell River2.9 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Campbell River to YBL (Campbell River), about 8.3 km.
✈️Pacific Coastal AirlinesVancouver – Campbell RiverYBL (Campbell River) →Vancouver Airport (YVR) (Richmond)173 kmRides in the hold — small aircraft, limited spaceAbout $105 per directionNo e-bikes
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkVancouver Airport (YVR) (Richmond) →Vancouver Canada PlaceRoll on, free — 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚲Travel the short hop from Vancouver Canada Place to CXH (Vancouver), about 0.8 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, Black Top Cabs, Maclure'S Cabs might help.
🛩️Harbour AirVancouver Harbour – Victoria HarbourCXH (Vancouver) →Victoria Harbour98 kmFront wheel must come off$20 handling fee — bike weight counts toward your baggage allowanceNot on the Twin Otter — other floatplanes are fine; confirm when booking
🚲Travel the short hop from Victoria Harbour to Legislature Terminal (Victoria), about 0.7 km.
🚎BC Transit66 CVX Cowichan - Victoria ExpressLegislature Terminal (Victoria) →Duncan54 kmRack on the bus, free — 2 bikes · first come, first servedE-bikes OK
🚎BC Transit6 Crofton-ChemainusDuncan →Joan & Queen - Saltspring Ferry (North Cowichan)11 kmRack on the bus, free — 2 bikes · first come, first servedE-bikes OK
🚲At the far end, North Cowichan (Chemainus & Crofton) is about 8 km from Joan & Queen - Saltspring Ferry (North Cowichan). Ride it, or take a local bus or taxi.
Route facts last checked July 2026. We check that every leg here carries bikes, but policies and seasons change. Check times and book with the operator. Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll fix it.
Explore more
Heading back: North Cowichan (Chemainus & Crofton) to Cortes Island (best: bus + rental car + ferry)
Connections from Cortes Island: Powell River (best: ferry + rental car + bus) · Port McNeill (best: ferry + rental car + bus) · Mission (best: ferry + rental car + train) · New Hazelton (best: ferry + rental car + bus)
Connections from North Cowichan (Chemainus & Crofton): Galiano Island (best: bus + ferry) · New Westminster (best: bus + ferry + SkyTrain) · Seattle, WA (best: bus + ferry) · Prince Rupert (best: bus + rental car + ferry)
Check out BC Bike Stops in North Cowichan (Chemainus & Crofton)