To and Fro: moving your bike around British Columbia
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 Hornby Island to Richmond.
For scale
As the crow flies120 km
Biking whole way204 km · 10 h 53 m
By car311 km · 5 h 26 m
We found six ways to get you there, ferries doing the heavy lifting.
🎒 Riding a coach? Most BC coach operators want your bike bagged or boxed. Our field note walks through packing it, including an inexpensive packable bike bag we like: How to bike-and-bus in BC ›
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📱 schedule erratic — check the Poparide app
A carpool saves the day.
CarrierRideYour bike
⛴️BC FerriesGravelly Bay (Denman E) – HornbyShingle Spit (Hornby Island) →Gravelly Bay (Denman Island)2 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Gravelly Bay (Denman Island) to Denman Island West, about 9.4 km.
⛴️BC FerriesBuckley Bay – Denman WestDenman Island West →Buckley Bay2.5 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚎BC Transit10 Fanny Bay / Deep Bay / Downtown CourtenayBuckley Bay →Courtenay20 kmFront rack, no fee — 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only — lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
🚗PoparideIsland Hwy rideshare (Nanaimo - Courtenay)Courtenay →Downtown Nanaimo Exchange97 kmOnly 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).
🚲Travel the short hop from Downtown Nanaimo Exchange to Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way), about 1 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, A.C. Taxi, Yellow Cab Nanaimo might help.
⛴️HulloHullo (Nanaimo – Vancouver)Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way) →CXH (Vancouver)61 kmBook online ahead — 6 bike spots per sailing, 1 per guest$19.99 one way — $25 in personNo e-bikes — no trailers, 80 in / 50 lb max
🚲Travel the short hop from CXH (Vancouver) to Vancouver Canada Place, about 0.8 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, Black Top Cabs, Maclure'S Cabs might help.
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkVancouver Canada Place →Richmond-BrighouseRoll on, free — 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚲You arrive at Richmond-Brighouse.
Option two · eight legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
A one-way rental fills in the missing piece.
CarrierRideYour bike
⛴️BC FerriesGravelly Bay (Denman E) – HornbyShingle Spit (Hornby Island) →Gravelly Bay (Denman Island)2 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Gravelly Bay (Denman Island) to Denman Island West, about 9.4 km.
⛴️BC FerriesBuckley Bay – Denman WestDenman Island West →Buckley Bay2.5 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚎BC Transit10 Fanny Bay / Deep Bay / Downtown CourtenayBuckley Bay →Courtenay20 kmFront rack, no fee — 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only — lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
🚎BC Transit11 Airport via Powell R. Ferry / DowntownCourtenay →Comox Airport (YQQ)8.3 kmFront rack, no fee — 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only — lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
One loop serves both the Little River ferry terminal and Comox airport; about 5–7 trips a day, and Sunday service is unconfirmed.
🚙National Car & Truck Rental (Vancouver Island)One-way rental: Comox – NanaimoComox Airport (YQQ) →Downtown Nanaimo88 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.
⛴️BC FerriesHorseshoe Bay – Departure BayDeparture Bay (Nanaimo) →Horseshoe Bay53 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚎TransLink257 Horseshoe Bay ExpressHorseshoe Bay →Stadium-Chinatown (Vancouver)17 kmRack on the bus, free2 bikes — first come, first servedE-bikes OK
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkStadium-Chinatown (Vancouver) →Richmond-BrighouseRoll on, free — 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚲You arrive at Richmond-Brighouse.
Option three · eight legs📱 schedule erratic — check the Poparide app
A transport smorgasbord: ferries, city buses, carpool, and SkyTrain.
CarrierRideYour bike
⛴️BC FerriesGravelly Bay (Denman E) – HornbyShingle Spit (Hornby Island) →Gravelly Bay (Denman Island)2 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Gravelly Bay (Denman Island) to Denman Island West, about 9.4 km.
⛴️BC FerriesBuckley Bay – Denman WestDenman Island West →Buckley Bay2.5 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚎BC Transit10 Fanny Bay / Deep Bay / Downtown CourtenayBuckley Bay →Courtenay20 kmFront rack, no fee — 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only — lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
🚗PoparideIsland Hwy rideshare (Nanaimo - Courtenay)Courtenay →Downtown Nanaimo Exchange97 kmOnly 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 Transit20/20A Hammond Bay / Doveror the 25 Ferry ShuttleDowntown Nanaimo Exchange →Departure Bay (Nanaimo)3.3 kmFront rack, no fee — 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only — lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
⛴️BC FerriesHorseshoe Bay – Departure BayDeparture Bay (Nanaimo) →Horseshoe Bay53 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚎TransLink257 Horseshoe Bay ExpressHorseshoe Bay →Stadium-Chinatown (Vancouver)17 kmRack on the bus, free2 bikes — first come, first servedE-bikes OK
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkStadium-Chinatown (Vancouver) →Richmond-BrighouseRoll on, free — 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚲You arrive at Richmond-Brighouse.
Option four · eight legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
A lot of connections, but it gets you there.
CarrierRideYour bike
⛴️BC FerriesGravelly Bay (Denman E) – HornbyShingle Spit (Hornby Island) →Gravelly Bay (Denman Island)2 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Gravelly Bay (Denman Island) to Denman Island West, about 9.4 km.
⛴️BC FerriesBuckley Bay – Denman WestDenman Island West →Buckley Bay2.5 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚎BC Transit10 Fanny Bay / Deep Bay / Downtown CourtenayBuckley Bay →Courtenay20 kmFront rack, no fee — 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only — lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
🚎BC Transit11 Airport via Powell R. Ferry / DowntownCourtenay →Comox Airport (YQQ)8.3 kmFront rack, no fee — 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only — lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
One loop serves both the Little River ferry terminal and Comox airport; about 5–7 trips a day, and Sunday service is unconfirmed.
🚙National Car & Truck Rental (Vancouver Island)One-way rental: Comox – NanaimoComox Airport (YQQ) →Downtown Nanaimo88 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.
🚎BC Transit20/20A Hammond Bay / DoverDeparture Bay (Nanaimo) →Downtown Nanaimo Exchange3.3 kmFront rack, no fee — 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only — lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Downtown Nanaimo Exchange to Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way), about 1 km.
⛴️HulloHullo (Nanaimo – Vancouver)Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way) →CXH (Vancouver)61 kmBook online ahead — 6 bike spots per sailing, 1 per guest$19.99 one way — $25 in personNo e-bikes — no trailers, 80 in / 50 lb max
🚲Travel the short hop from CXH (Vancouver) to Vancouver Canada Place, about 0.8 km.
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkVancouver Canada Place →Richmond-BrighouseRoll on, free — 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚲You arrive at Richmond-Brighouse.
Show six moreShow fewer
Option five · 9 legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Another way: a lot of connections, but it gets you there.
CarrierRideYour bike
⛴️BC FerriesGravelly Bay (Denman E) – HornbyShingle Spit (Hornby Island) →Gravelly Bay (Denman Island)2 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Gravelly Bay (Denman Island) to Denman Island West, about 9.4 km.
⛴️BC FerriesBuckley Bay – Denman WestDenman Island West →Buckley Bay2.5 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚎BC Transit10 Fanny Bay / Deep Bay / Downtown CourtenayBuckley Bay →Courtenay20 kmFront rack, no fee — 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only — lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
🚎BC Transit11 Airport via Powell R. Ferry / DowntownCourtenay →Little River (Comox)13 kmFront rack, no fee — 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only — lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
One loop serves both the Little River ferry terminal and Comox airport; about 5–7 trips a day, and Sunday service is unconfirmed.
⛴️BC FerriesWestview – Little River (Comox)Little River (Comox) →Marine & Duncan (Powell River)30 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Marine & Duncan (Powell River) to Powell River, about 0.4 km.
🚌Sunshine Coast ConnectorLangdale – Powell RiverPowell River →Langdale (Gibsons)106 kmReserve bike spot — rack space is limited$20 bike · $40 e-bikeNo box needed — rack on the bus
Includes the Earls Cove–Saltery Bay ferry leg.
⛴️BC FerriesHorseshoe Bay – LangdaleLangdale (Gibsons) →Horseshoe Bay16 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚎TransLink257 Horseshoe Bay ExpressHorseshoe Bay →Stadium-Chinatown (Vancouver)17 kmRack on the bus, free2 bikes — first come, first servedE-bikes OK
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkStadium-Chinatown (Vancouver) →Richmond-BrighouseRoll on, free — 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚲You arrive at Richmond-Brighouse.
Option six · six legs✈ the splurge⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
A few connections, but each one moves you closer.
CarrierRideYour bike
⛴️BC FerriesGravelly Bay (Denman E) – HornbyShingle Spit (Hornby Island) →Gravelly Bay (Denman Island)2 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Gravelly Bay (Denman Island) to Denman Island West, about 9.4 km.
⛴️BC FerriesBuckley Bay – Denman WestDenman Island West →Buckley Bay2.5 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚎BC Transit10 Fanny Bay / Deep Bay / Downtown CourtenayBuckley Bay →Courtenay20 kmFront rack, no fee — 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only — lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
🚎BC Transit11 Airport via Powell R. Ferry / DowntownCourtenay →Comox Airport (YQQ)8.3 kmFront rack, no fee — 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only — lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
One loop serves both the Little River ferry terminal and Comox airport; about 5–7 trips a day, and Sunday service is unconfirmed.
✈️Pacific Coastal AirlinesVancouver – ComoxComox Airport (YQQ) →Vancouver Airport (YVR) (Richmond)136 kmRides in the hold — small aircraft, limited spaceAbout $105 per directionNo e-bikes
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkVancouver Airport (YVR) (Richmond) →Richmond-BrighouseRoll on, free — 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚲You arrive at Richmond-Brighouse.
Not an option · six legs🚫 not possible with a bike
Six legs, end to end.
🚫 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
⛴️BC FerriesGravelly Bay (Denman E) – HornbyShingle Spit (Hornby Island) →Gravelly Bay (Denman Island)2 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Gravelly Bay (Denman Island) to Denman Island West, about 9.4 km.
⛴️BC FerriesBuckley Bay – Denman WestDenman Island West →Buckley Bay2.5 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚎BC Transit10 Fanny Bay / Deep Bay / Downtown CourtenayBuckley Bay →Courtenay20 kmFront rack, no fee — 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only — lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Downtown Nanaimo Exchange to Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way), about 1 km.
⛴️HulloHullo (Nanaimo – Vancouver)Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way) →CXH (Vancouver)61 kmBook online ahead — 6 bike spots per sailing, 1 per guest$19.99 one way — $25 in personNo e-bikes — no trailers, 80 in / 50 lb max
🚲Travel the short hop from CXH (Vancouver) to Vancouver Canada Place, about 0.8 km.
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkVancouver Canada Place →Richmond-BrighouseRoll on, free — 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚲You arrive at Richmond-Brighouse.
Not an option · eight legs🚫 not possible with a bike
Eight legs, end to end.
🚫 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
⛴️BC FerriesGravelly Bay (Denman E) – HornbyShingle Spit (Hornby Island) →Gravelly Bay (Denman Island)2 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Gravelly Bay (Denman Island) to Denman Island West, about 9.4 km.
⛴️BC FerriesBuckley Bay – Denman WestDenman Island West →Buckley Bay2.5 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚎BC Transit10 Fanny Bay / Deep Bay / Downtown CourtenayBuckley Bay →Courtenay20 kmFront rack, no fee — 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only — lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
🚎BC Transit20/20A Hammond Bay / Doveror the 25 Ferry ShuttleDowntown Nanaimo Exchange →Departure Bay (Nanaimo)3.3 kmFront rack, no fee — 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only — lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
⛴️BC FerriesHorseshoe Bay – Departure BayDeparture Bay (Nanaimo) →Horseshoe Bay53 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚎TransLink257 Horseshoe Bay ExpressHorseshoe Bay →Stadium-Chinatown (Vancouver)17 kmRack on the bus, free2 bikes — first come, first servedE-bikes OK
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkStadium-Chinatown (Vancouver) →Richmond-BrighouseRoll on, free — 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚲You arrive at Richmond-Brighouse.
Not an option · eight legs🚫 not possible with a bike
Another way: eight legs, end to end.
🚫 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
⛴️BC FerriesGravelly Bay (Denman E) – HornbyShingle Spit (Hornby Island) →Gravelly Bay (Denman Island)2 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Gravelly Bay (Denman Island) to Denman Island West, about 9.4 km.
⛴️BC FerriesBuckley Bay – Denman WestDenman Island West →Buckley Bay2.5 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚎BC Transit10 Fanny Bay / Deep Bay / Downtown CourtenayBuckley Bay →Courtenay20 kmFront rack, no fee — 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only — lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
🚌Island LinkVictoria Express BusDowntown Nanaimo Exchange →Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria)92 kmDoes not carry bikes
🚎BC Transit70 Swartz Bay / Downtownor the 72 Swartz Bay / Downtown (via Saanichton)Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria) →Swartz Bay (North Saanich)29 kmFront rack, no fee — 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only — lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
⛴️BC FerriesTsawwassen – Swartz BaySwartz Bay (North Saanich) →Tsawwassen (Delta)41 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚎TransLink620 Bridgeport Station / Tsawwassen FerryTsawwassen (Delta) →Bridgeport (Richmond)22 kmRack on the bus, free2 bikes — first come, first servedE-bikes OK
The 620 is year-round, roughly hourly, timed to sailings, with two bike-rack spots. On busy summer ferry days the seasonal 900 Bike Bus can carry an extra 10 bikes.
🚲You arrive at Bridgeport (Richmond).
Not an option · six legs🚫 not possible with a bike📅 seasonal
Another way: six legs, end to end.
🚫 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
⛴️BC FerriesGravelly Bay (Denman E) – HornbyShingle Spit (Hornby Island) →Gravelly Bay (Denman Island)2 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Gravelly Bay (Denman Island) to Denman Island West, about 9.4 km.
⛴️BC FerriesBuckley Bay – Denman WestDenman Island West →Buckley Bay2.5 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚎BC Transit10 Fanny Bay / Deep Bay / Downtown CourtenayBuckley Bay →Courtenay20 kmFront rack, no fee — 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only — lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Downtown Nanaimo Exchange to Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way), about 1 km.
⛴️HulloHullo (Nanaimo – Vancouver)Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way) →CXH (Vancouver)61 kmBook online ahead — 6 bike spots per sailing, 1 per guest$19.99 one way — $25 in personNo e-bikes — no trailers, 80 in / 50 lb max
🚲Travel the short hop from CXH (Vancouver) to Vancouver Canada Place, about 0.8 km.
🚌Quick Shuttle (Quick Coach Lines / TRAXX)Vancouver – Seattle (SeaTac)Vancouver Canada Place →Bridgeport (Richmond)10 kmBikes accepted — book as an add-on$42 USD each — about $57 CAD
Runs year-round; winter service drops to Friday–Monday only.
🚲You arrive at Bridgeport (Richmond).
Route facts last checked October 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: Richmond to Hornby Island (best: SkyTrain + ferry + carpool)
Connections from Hornby Island: Port Alberni (best: ferry + bus + carpool) · Gabriola Island (best: ferry + bus + carpool) · Tofino (best: ferry + bus + carpool) · Port Hardy (best: ferry + bus + rental car)
Connections from Richmond: Galiano Island (best: bus + ferry) · Courtenay (Comox Valley) (best: SkyTrain + bus + ferry) · Castlegar (best: SkyTrain + bus) · Whitehorse, YT (best: SkyTrain + plane)
Check out BC Bike Stops in Hornby Island and Richmond