BC Cycle Tourism Society

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, rental cars and flights can carry you and your bike from Hornby Island to Victoria.

For scale
As the crow flies155 km
Biking whole way272 km ยท 13 h 32 m
By car213 km ยท 2 h 59 m

We found five ways to get you there, ferries doing the heavy lifting.

๐ŸŽ’ 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 shared ride helps bridge the gap.
CarrierRideYour bike
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesGravelly Bay (Denman E) โ€“ HornbyShingle Spit (Hornby Island) โ†’Gravelly Bay (Denman Island)2 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Gravelly Bay (Denman Island) to Denman Island West, about 9.4 km.
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesBuckley Bay โ€“ Denman WestDenman Island West โ†’Buckley Bay2.5 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšŽBC Transit10 Fanny Bay / Deep Bay / Downtown CourtenayBuckley Bay โ†’Courtenay20 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐Ÿš—PoparideIsland Hwy rideshare (Nanaimo - Courtenay)Courtenay โ†’Downtown Nanaimo Exchange97 kmOnly some rides take bikes โ€” look for the bicycle icon on the listingSchedule is variable โ€” check Poparide for driver-listed dates and times
Only book rides that say they permit bicycles (bike icon on the listing).
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Downtown Nanaimo Exchange to Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch, about 0.5 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, A.C. Taxi, Yellow Cab Nanaimo might help.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan ExpressBay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch โ†’Duncan46 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšŽBC Transit66 CVX Cowichan - Victoria ExpressDuncan โ†’Legislature Exch (Belleville St) Bay G (Victoria)54 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Legislature Exch (Belleville St) Bay G (Victoria).
Option two · seven legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule📱 schedule erratic — check the Poparide app
Option one, plus a city bus at the finish.
CarrierRideYour bike
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesGravelly Bay (Denman E) โ€“ HornbyShingle Spit (Hornby Island) โ†’Gravelly Bay (Denman Island)2 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Gravelly Bay (Denman Island) to Denman Island West, about 9.4 km.
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesBuckley Bay โ€“ Denman WestDenman Island West โ†’Buckley Bay2.5 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšŽBC Transit10 Fanny Bay / Deep Bay / Downtown CourtenayBuckley Bay โ†’Courtenay20 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐Ÿš—PoparideIsland Hwy rideshare (Nanaimo - Courtenay)Courtenay โ†’Downtown Nanaimo Exchange97 kmOnly some rides take bikes โ€” look for the bicycle icon on the listingSchedule is variable โ€” check Poparide for driver-listed dates and times
Only book rides that say they permit bicycles (bike icon on the listing).
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Downtown Nanaimo Exchange to Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch, about 0.5 km.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan ExpressBay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch โ†’Duncan46 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšŽBC Transit8 Mill Bay via Telegraph Rd/Duncan via Shawnigan Lkor the 9 Mill Bay via Shawnigan Lk/Duncan via Telegraph RdDuncan โ†’Deloume Park & Ride (Mill Bay)17 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšŽBC Transit99 SVX Shawnigan Lake - Victoria ExpressDeloume Park & Ride (Mill Bay) โ†’Douglas & Finlayson - Mayfair (Victoria)28 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Douglas & Finlayson - Mayfair (Victoria).
Option three · eight legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Fill in the gap with a rental car.
CarrierRideYour bike
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesGravelly Bay (Denman E) โ€“ HornbyShingle Spit (Hornby Island) โ†’Gravelly Bay (Denman Island)2 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Gravelly Bay (Denman Island) to Denman Island West, about 9.4 km.
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesBuckley Bay โ€“ Denman WestDenman Island West โ†’Buckley Bay2.5 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšŽBC Transit10 Fanny Bay / Deep Bay / Downtown CourtenayBuckley Bay โ†’Courtenay20 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšŽBC Transit11 Airport via Powell R. Ferry / DowntownCourtenay โ†’Comox Airport (YQQ)8.3 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
One loop serves both the Little River ferry terminal and Comox airport; about 5โ€“7 trips a day, and Sunday service is unconfirmed.
๐Ÿš™National Car & Truck Rental (Vancouver Island)One-way rental: Comox โ€“ NanaimoComox Airport (YQQ) โ†’Downtown Nanaimo88 kmOne-way between Island branches โ€” no drop chargeBike rides inside โ€” SUV or minivan, seats folded, wheels offConfirm one-way and vehicle when booking
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Downtown Nanaimo to Departure Bay (Nanaimo), about 1.3 km.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit20/20A Hammond Bay / DoverDeparture Bay (Nanaimo) โ†’Downtown Nanaimo Exchange3.3 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Downtown Nanaimo Exchange to Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch, about 0.5 km.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan ExpressBay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch โ†’Duncan46 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšŽBC Transit66 CVX Cowichan - Victoria ExpressDuncan โ†’Legislature Exch (Belleville St) Bay G (Victoria)54 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Legislature Exch (Belleville St) Bay G (Victoria).
Option four · six legs📱 schedule erratic — check the Poparide app
The same idea as Option one, on different routes.
CarrierRideYour bike
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesGravelly Bay (Denman E) โ€“ HornbyShingle Spit (Hornby Island) โ†’Gravelly Bay (Denman Island)2 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Gravelly Bay (Denman Island) to Denman Island West, about 9.4 km.
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesBuckley Bay โ€“ Denman WestDenman Island West โ†’Buckley Bay2.5 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšŽBC Transit10 Fanny Bay / Deep Bay / Downtown CourtenayBuckley Bay โ†’Courtenay20 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐Ÿš—PoparideIsland Hwy rideshare (Nanaimo - Courtenay)Courtenay โ†’Downtown Nanaimo Exchange97 kmOnly some rides take bikes โ€” look for the bicycle icon on the listingSchedule is variable โ€” check Poparide for driver-listed dates and times
Only book rides that say they permit bicycles (bike icon on the listing).
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Downtown Nanaimo Exchange to Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch, about 0.5 km.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan ExpressBay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch โ†’Duncan46 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšŽBC Transit66 CVX Cowichan-Victoria ExpressDuncan โ†’Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria)46 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria).
Show five moreShow fewer
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
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesGravelly Bay (Denman E) โ€“ HornbyShingle Spit (Hornby Island) โ†’Gravelly Bay (Denman Island)2 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Gravelly Bay (Denman Island) to Denman Island West, about 9.4 km.
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesBuckley Bay โ€“ Denman WestDenman Island West โ†’Buckley Bay2.5 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšŽBC Transit10 Fanny Bay / Deep Bay / Downtown CourtenayBuckley Bay โ†’Courtenay20 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšŒIsland LinkIsland Express BusCourtenay โ†’Downtown Nanaimo Exchange97 kmDoes not carry bikes
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Downtown Nanaimo Exchange to Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch, about 0.5 km.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan ExpressBay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch โ†’Duncan46 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšŽBC Transit66 CVX Cowichan - Victoria ExpressDuncan โ†’Legislature Exch (Belleville St) Bay G (Victoria)54 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Legislature Exch (Belleville St) Bay G (Victoria).
Not an option · seven legs🚫 not possible with a bike⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Seven 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
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesGravelly Bay (Denman E) โ€“ HornbyShingle Spit (Hornby Island) โ†’Gravelly Bay (Denman Island)2 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Gravelly Bay (Denman Island) to Denman Island West, about 9.4 km.
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesBuckley Bay โ€“ Denman WestDenman Island West โ†’Buckley Bay2.5 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšŽBC Transit10 Fanny Bay / Deep Bay / Downtown CourtenayBuckley Bay โ†’Courtenay20 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšŒIsland LinkIsland Express BusCourtenay โ†’Downtown Nanaimo Exchange97 kmDoes not carry bikes
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Downtown Nanaimo Exchange to Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch, about 0.5 km.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan ExpressBay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch โ†’Duncan46 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšŽBC Transit8 Mill Bay via Telegraph Rd/Duncan via Shawnigan LkDuncan โ†’Deloume Park & Ride (Mill Bay)17 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšŽBC Transit99 SVX Shawnigan Lake - Victoria ExpressDeloume Park & Ride (Mill Bay) โ†’Douglas & Finlayson - Mayfair (Victoria)28 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Douglas & Finlayson - Mayfair (Victoria).
Not an option · five legs🚫 not possible with a bike
Two ferries, a city bus, and two coach 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
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesGravelly Bay (Denman E) โ€“ HornbyShingle Spit (Hornby Island) โ†’Gravelly Bay (Denman Island)2 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Gravelly Bay (Denman Island) to Denman Island West, about 9.4 km.
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesBuckley Bay โ€“ Denman WestDenman Island West โ†’Buckley Bay2.5 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšŽBC Transit10 Fanny Bay / Deep Bay / Downtown CourtenayBuckley Bay โ†’Courtenay20 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšŒIsland LinkIsland Express BusCourtenay โ†’Downtown Nanaimo Exchange97 kmDoes not carry bikes
๐ŸšŒIsland LinkVictoria Express Busor West Coast Trail Express (Juan de Fuca Trail route) (seasonal) or West Coast Trail Express (West Coast Trail route) (seasonal)Downtown Nanaimo Exchange โ†’Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria)92 kmDoes not carry bikes
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria).
Not an option · six legs🚫 not possible with a bike
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
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesGravelly Bay (Denman E) โ€“ HornbyShingle Spit (Hornby Island) โ†’Gravelly Bay (Denman Island)2 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Gravelly Bay (Denman Island) to Denman Island West, about 9.4 km.
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesBuckley Bay โ€“ Denman WestDenman Island West โ†’Buckley Bay2.5 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšŽBC Transit10 Fanny Bay / Deep Bay / Downtown CourtenayBuckley Bay โ†’Courtenay20 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšŒIsland LinkIsland Express BusCourtenay โ†’Downtown Nanaimo Exchange97 kmDoes not carry bikes
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Downtown Nanaimo Exchange to Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch, about 0.5 km.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan ExpressBay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch โ†’Duncan46 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšŽBC Transit66 CVX Cowichan-Victoria ExpressDuncan โ†’Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria)46 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria).
Option 9 · six legs✈ the splurge
The scenic splurge: a floatplane over the water.
CarrierRideYour bike
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesGravelly Bay (Denman E) โ€“ HornbyShingle Spit (Hornby Island) โ†’Gravelly Bay (Denman Island)2 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Gravelly Bay (Denman Island) to Denman Island West, about 9.4 km.
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesBuckley Bay โ€“ Denman WestDenman Island West โ†’Buckley Bay2.5 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšŽBC Transit10 Fanny Bay / Deep Bay / Downtown CourtenayBuckley Bay โ†’Courtenay20 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Courtenay to Anfield Centre (Courtenay), about 2.9 km.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit1 Comox Mall / Anfield Centre via N.I.C.Anfield Centre (Courtenay) โ†’Comox Mall Bay B4 kmFront rack, no fee โ€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only โ€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Comox Mall Bay B to Comox Harbour, about 0.4 km.
๐Ÿ›ฉ๏ธHarbour AirVancouver Harbour โ€“ ComoxComox Harbour โ†’CXH (Vancouver)138 kmFront wheel must come off$20 handling fee โ€” bike weight counts toward your baggage allowanceNot on the Twin Otter โ€” other floatplanes are fine; confirm when booking
๐Ÿ›ฉ๏ธHarbour AirVancouver Harbour โ€“ Victoria HarbourCXH (Vancouver) โ†’Victoria Belleville Terminal98 kmFront wheel must come off$20 handling fee โ€” bike weight counts toward your baggage allowanceNot on the Twin Otter โ€” other floatplanes are fine; confirm when booking
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Victoria Belleville Terminal.
Route facts last checked August 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: Victoria to Hornby Island (best: bus + carpool + ferry)

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 Victoria: Salt Spring Island (best: bus + ferry) · Parksville (best: bus) · Sorrento (best: ferry + train + bus) · Prince Rupert (best: bus + rental car + ferry)

Check out BC Bike Stops in Hornby Island and Victoria