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 and trains can carry you and your bike from Kelowna to Ladysmith.

For scale
As the crow flies328 km
Biking whole way496 km ยท 33 h 09 m
By car491 km ยท 6 h 24 m

We found seven 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 · four legs
Grab a window seat, the scenery's included.
CarrierRideYour bike
๐ŸšŒEbusVancouver โ€“ KelownaKelowna (Orchard Park Mall) โ†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)331 kmRides in the hold โ€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
๐ŸšSkyTrainTransLinkPacific Central Station (Vancouver) โ†’Vancouver Canada PlaceRoll on, free โ€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
๐ŸšฒTravel 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.
โ›ด๏ธHulloHullo (Nanaimo โ€“ Vancouver)CXH (Vancouver) โ†’Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way)61 kmBook online ahead โ€” 6 bike spots per sailing, 1 per guest$19.99 one way โ€” $25 in personNo e-bikes โ€” no trailers, 80 in / 50 lb max
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way) to Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch, about 1.4 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†’1st Ave at Hwy 1 (Ladysmith)20 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 1st Ave at Hwy 1 (Ladysmith).
Option two · five legs
The long way round, but it works.
CarrierRideYour bike
๐ŸšŒEbusVancouver โ€“ KelownaKelowna (Orchard Park Mall) โ†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)331 kmRides in the hold โ€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
๐Ÿš†Amtrak CascadesVancouver โ€“ Seattle (Cascades)Pacific Central Station (Vancouver) โ†’Seattle Downtown WA194 kmRoll on the bike carReserve bike spotBike fee
Two daily round trips from Pacific Central; reserve bike space when you book. Passport required.
โ›ด๏ธVictoria ClipperVictoria Clipper (Victoria - Seattle)Seattle Downtown WA โ†’Victoria Belleville Terminal119 kmReserve ahead by phone โ€” space very limited, first booked first served$30 USD each way โ€” about $41 CADRides on the open deck โ€” bags and accessories off; waiver at check-in
Daily year-round, with extra sailings in summer. Bike space is very limited; reserve by phone when you book. Passport required.
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Victoria Belleville Terminal to Legislature Exch (Belleville St) Bay G (Victoria), about 0.7 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, Bluebird Cabs, Sidney Taxi might help.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit66 CVX Cowichan - Victoria ExpressLegislature Exch (Belleville St) Bay G (Victoria) โ†’Duncan54 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 Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan Expressor the 36 Ladysmith-Duncan Express (doesn't run every day)Duncan โ†’1st Ave at Hwy 1 (Ladysmith)26 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 1st Ave at Hwy 1 (Ladysmith).
Option three · five legs
Same as Option two, but a coach bus instead of the train.
CarrierRideYour bike
๐ŸšŒEbusVancouver โ€“ KelownaKelowna (Orchard Park Mall) โ†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)331 kmRides in the hold โ€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
๐ŸšŒFlixBus (operated by MTRWestern)Vancouver โ€“ Seattle via Bellingham & EverettPacific Central Station (Vancouver) โ†’Seattle Downtown WA204 kmRack on the bus โ€” space not guaranteedAbout $19โ€“37Book bike as add-onNo e-bikes, tandems or trailers
โ›ด๏ธVictoria ClipperVictoria Clipper (Victoria - Seattle)Seattle Downtown WA โ†’Victoria Belleville Terminal119 kmReserve ahead by phone โ€” space very limited, first booked first served$30 USD each way โ€” about $41 CADRides on the open deck โ€” bags and accessories off; waiver at check-in
Daily year-round, with extra sailings in summer. Bike space is very limited; reserve by phone when you book. Passport required.
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Victoria Belleville Terminal to Legislature Exch (Belleville St) Bay G (Victoria), about 0.7 km.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit66 CVX Cowichan - Victoria ExpressLegislature Exch (Belleville St) Bay G (Victoria) โ†’Duncan54 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 Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan Expressor the 36 Ladysmith-Duncan Express (doesn't run every day)Duncan โ†’1st Ave at Hwy 1 (Ladysmith)26 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 1st Ave at Hwy 1 (Ladysmith).
Option four · six legs
Buses bookending a beautiful sailing.
CarrierRideYour bike
๐ŸšŒEbusVancouver โ€“ KelownaKelowna (Orchard Park Mall) โ†’Merritt100 kmRides in the hold โ€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
๐ŸšŒRider ExpressVancouver โ€“ Calgary (Hwy 1)Merritt โ†’Downtown Vancouver (Dunsmuir at Cambie)231 kmRides in the hold โ€” bagged, wrapped, or boxed$50 per bike โ€” non-refundable
๐ŸšŽTransLink257 Horseshoe Bay ExpressDowntown Vancouver (Dunsmuir at Cambie) โ†’Horseshoe Bay19 kmRack on the bus, free2 bikes โ€” first come, first servedE-bikes OK
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesHorseshoe Bay โ€“ Departure BayHorseshoe Bay โ†’Departure Bay (Nanaimo)53 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšŽBC Transit20/20A Hammond Bay / Doveror the 25 Ferry ShuttleDeparture 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†’1st Ave at Hwy 1 (Ladysmith)20 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 1st Ave at Hwy 1 (Ladysmith).
Show three moreShow fewer
Option five · five legs
The same idea as Option two, on different routes.
CarrierRideYour bike
๐ŸšŒEbusVancouver โ€“ KelownaKelowna (Orchard Park Mall) โ†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)331 kmRides in the hold โ€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
๐Ÿš†Amtrak CascadesVancouver โ€“ Seattle (Cascades)Pacific Central Station (Vancouver) โ†’Seattle Downtown WA194 kmRoll on the bike carReserve bike spotBike fee
Two daily round trips from Pacific Central; reserve bike space when you book. Passport required.
โ›ด๏ธVictoria ClipperVictoria Clipper (Victoria - Seattle)Seattle Downtown WA โ†’Victoria Belleville Terminal119 kmReserve ahead by phone โ€” space very limited, first booked first served$30 USD each way โ€” about $41 CADRides on the open deck โ€” bags and accessories off; waiver at check-in
Daily year-round, with extra sailings in summer. Bike space is very limited; reserve by phone when you book. Passport required.
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Victoria Belleville Terminal to Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria), about 0.7 km.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit66 CVX Cowichan-Victoria ExpressDouglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria) 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 Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan Expressor the 36 Ladysmith-Duncan Express (doesn't run every day)Duncan โ†’1st Ave at Hwy 1 (Ladysmith)26 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 1st Ave at Hwy 1 (Ladysmith).
Option six · five legs
Another way: same as Option two, but a coach bus instead of the train.
CarrierRideYour bike
๐ŸšŒEbusVancouver โ€“ KelownaKelowna (Orchard Park Mall) โ†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)331 kmRides in the hold โ€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
๐ŸšŒFlixBus (operated by MTRWestern)Vancouver โ€“ Seattle via Bellingham & EverettPacific Central Station (Vancouver) โ†’Seattle Downtown WA204 kmRack on the bus โ€” space not guaranteedAbout $19โ€“37Book bike as add-onNo e-bikes, tandems or trailers
โ›ด๏ธVictoria ClipperVictoria Clipper (Victoria - Seattle)Seattle Downtown WA โ†’Victoria Belleville Terminal119 kmReserve ahead by phone โ€” space very limited, first booked first served$30 USD each way โ€” about $41 CADRides on the open deck โ€” bags and accessories off; waiver at check-in
Daily year-round, with extra sailings in summer. Bike space is very limited; reserve by phone when you book. Passport required.
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Victoria Belleville Terminal to Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria), about 0.7 km.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit66 CVX Cowichan-Victoria ExpressDouglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria) 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 Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan ExpressDuncan โ†’1st Ave at Hwy 1 (Ladysmith)26 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 1st Ave at Hwy 1 (Ladysmith).
Option seven · six legs📅 seasonal
A few connections, but each one moves you closer.
CarrierRideYour bike
๐ŸšŒEbusVancouver โ€“ KelownaKelowna (Orchard Park Mall) โ†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)331 kmRides in the hold โ€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
๐ŸšSkyTrainTransLinkPacific Central Station (Vancouver) โ†’Vancouver Canada PlaceRoll on, free โ€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
๐ŸšŒSquamish ConnectorSquamish โ€“ VancouverVancouver Canada Place โ†’Horseshoe Bay16 kmBook aheadMax 2 bikes per tripSome buses have an outside rack โ€” otherwise carried in the luggage hold$15 each wayNo e-bikes
Bikes welcome May to September; check schedule outside that window.
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesHorseshoe Bay โ€“ Departure BayHorseshoe Bay โ†’Departure Bay (Nanaimo)53 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšŽBC Transit20/20A Hammond Bay / Doveror the 25 Ferry ShuttleDeparture 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†’1st Ave at Hwy 1 (Ladysmith)20 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 1st Ave at Hwy 1 (Ladysmith).
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: Ladysmith to Kelowna (best: bus + ferry + SkyTrain)

Connections from Kelowna: Summerland (best: bus) · Port Coquitlam (best: bus + SkyTrain + train) · Nanaimo (best: bus + SkyTrain + ferry) · Haida Gwaii (best: bus + train + ferry)

Connections from Ladysmith: Salt Spring Island (best: bus + ferry) · Denman Island (best: bus + carpool + ferry) · Chase (best: bus + ferry + SkyTrain) · Prince Rupert (best: bus + rental car + ferry)

Check out BC Bike Stops in Kelowna and Ladysmith