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, trains, rental cars and flights can carry you and your bike from Ladysmith to Burns Lake.

For scale
As the crow flies597 km
Biking whole wayWe can't compute the bike route from the ferry dock but it may be rideable: please consult other sources.
By car1,173 km ยท 14 h 09 m

We found eight 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 · five legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Ride The Canadian through the mountains.
CarrierRideYour bike
๐ŸšŽBC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan Express1st Ave at Hwy 1 (Ladysmith) โ†’Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch20 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 Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch to Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way), about 1.4 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, A.C. Taxi, Yellow Cab Nanaimo might help.
โ›ด๏ธHulloHullo (Nanaimo โ€“ Vancouver)Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way) โ†’CXH (Vancouver)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 CXH (Vancouver) to Vancouver Canada Place, about 0.8 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, Black Top Cabs, Maclure'S Cabs might help.
๐ŸšSkyTrainTransLinkVancouver Canada Place โ†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)Roll on, free โ€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
๐Ÿš†VIA RailThe Canadian (Vancouver โ€“ Kamloops North โ€“ Jasper)Pacific Central Station (Vancouver) โ†’Jasper AB541 kmChecked baggage โ€” staffed stations only, including Vancouver BC and Jasper AB$25 per directionE-bikes OK โ€” battery disconnected at check-in
Two departures a week in season; bikes can be checked on and off at Vancouver and Jasper only.
๐Ÿš†VIA RailSkeena (Prince Rupert โ€“ Prince George โ€“ Jasper)Jasper AB โ†’Burns Lake531 kmChecked baggage โ€” staffed stations only, including Vancouver BC and Jasper AB$25 per directionE-bikes OK โ€” battery disconnected at check-in
Three departures a week; the trip includes an overnight stop in Prince George (book your own hotel).
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Burns Lake.
Option two · five legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
A one-way rental fills in the missing piece.
CarrierRideYour bike
๐ŸšŽBC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan Express1st Ave at Hwy 1 (Ladysmith) โ†’Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch20 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 Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch to Downtown Nanaimo Exchange, about 0.5 km.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit20/20A Hammond Bay / DoverDowntown Nanaimo Exchange โ†’Departure Bay (Nanaimo)3.3 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 Departure Bay (Nanaimo) to Downtown Nanaimo, about 1.3 km.
๐Ÿš™National Car & Truck Rental (Vancouver Island)One-way rental: Port Hardy โ€“ Nanaimoor Budget (One-way rental: Port Hardy โ€“ Nanaimo)Downtown Nanaimo โ†’YZT (Port Hardy)295 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 YZT (Port Hardy) to Bear Cove (Port Hardy), about 8 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, Waivin Flags Taxi might help.
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesPort Hardy โ€“ Prince Rupert (Inside Passage)Bear Cove (Port Hardy) โ†’Downtown Prince Rupert (2nd Ave at 3rd St)445 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
Sails alternate days, roughly 3โ€“4 sailings a week each way in summer.
๐Ÿš†VIA RailSkeena (Prince Rupert โ€“ Prince George โ€“ Jasper)Downtown Prince Rupert (2nd Ave at 3rd St) โ†’Burns Lake391 kmChecked baggage โ€” staffed stations only, including Vancouver BC and Jasper AB$25 per directionE-bikes OK โ€” battery disconnected at check-in
Three departures a week; the trip includes an overnight stop in Prince George (book your own hotel).
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Burns Lake.
Option three · five legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Same as Option two, but a coach bus instead of the train.
CarrierRideYour bike
๐ŸšŽBC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan Express1st Ave at Hwy 1 (Ladysmith) โ†’Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch20 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 Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch to Downtown Nanaimo Exchange, about 0.5 km.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit20/20A Hammond Bay / DoverDowntown Nanaimo Exchange โ†’Departure Bay (Nanaimo)3.3 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 Departure Bay (Nanaimo) to Downtown Nanaimo, about 1.3 km.
๐Ÿš™National Car & Truck Rental (Vancouver Island)One-way rental: Port Hardy โ€“ Nanaimoor Budget (One-way rental: Port Hardy โ€“ Nanaimo)Downtown Nanaimo โ†’YZT (Port Hardy)295 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 YZT (Port Hardy) to Bear Cove (Port Hardy), about 8 km.
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesPort Hardy โ€“ Prince Rupert (Inside Passage)Bear Cove (Port Hardy) โ†’Downtown Prince Rupert (2nd Ave at 3rd St)445 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
Sails alternate days, roughly 3โ€“4 sailings a week each way in summer.
๐ŸšŒBC Bus North (Tahltan NST Busing Ltd.)Prince George โ€“ Prince Rupert (Hwy 16 West)Downtown Prince Rupert (2nd Ave at 3rd St) โ†’Burns Lake418 kmLuggage bay on the Prince Rupert routeOther routes: bagged or boxed โ€” checked as luggage
Twice a week: Monday and Thursday westbound, Tuesday and Friday eastbound.
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Burns Lake.
Option four · six legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
A transport smorgasbord: city bus, ferry, SkyTrain, coach buses, and train.
CarrierRideYour bike
๐ŸšŽBC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan Express1st Ave at Hwy 1 (Ladysmith) โ†’Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch20 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 Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch to Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way), about 1.4 km.
โ›ด๏ธHulloHullo (Nanaimo โ€“ Vancouver)Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way) โ†’CXH (Vancouver)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 CXH (Vancouver) to Vancouver Canada Place, about 0.8 km.
๐ŸšSkyTrainTransLinkVancouver Canada Place โ†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)Roll on, free โ€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
๐ŸšŒEbusVancouver โ€“ Kamloopsor Ebus (Vancouver โ€“ Calgary (Hwy 1)) or Rider Express (Vancouver โ€“ Calgary)Pacific Central Station (Vancouver) โ†’Kamloops301 kmRides in the hold โ€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
๐ŸšŒEbusKamloops โ€“ Prince GeorgeKamloops โ†’Downtown Exch Bay B (Prince George)456 kmRides in the hold โ€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
Runs Wed/Fri/Sun toward Prince George and Mon/Thu/Sat toward Kamloops; no service on Tuesdays.
๐Ÿš†VIA RailSkeena (Prince Rupert โ€“ Prince George โ€“ Jasper)Downtown Exch Bay B (Prince George) โ†’Burns Lake200 kmChecked baggage โ€” staffed stations only, including Vancouver BC and Jasper AB$25 per directionE-bikes OK โ€” battery disconnected at check-in
Three departures a week; the trip includes an overnight stop in Prince George (book your own hotel).
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Burns Lake.
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Option five · six legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Same as Option four, but a coach bus instead of the train.
CarrierRideYour bike
๐ŸšŽBC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan Express1st Ave at Hwy 1 (Ladysmith) โ†’Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch20 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 Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch to Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way), about 1.4 km.
โ›ด๏ธHulloHullo (Nanaimo โ€“ Vancouver)Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way) โ†’CXH (Vancouver)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 CXH (Vancouver) to Vancouver Canada Place, about 0.8 km.
๐ŸšSkyTrainTransLinkVancouver Canada Place โ†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)Roll on, free โ€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
๐ŸšŒEbusVancouver โ€“ Kamloopsor Ebus (Vancouver โ€“ Calgary (Hwy 1)) or Rider Express (Vancouver โ€“ Calgary)Pacific Central Station (Vancouver) โ†’Kamloops301 kmRides in the hold โ€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
๐ŸšŒEbusKamloops โ€“ Prince GeorgeKamloops โ†’Downtown Exch Bay B (Prince George)456 kmRides in the hold โ€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
Runs Wed/Fri/Sun toward Prince George and Mon/Thu/Sat toward Kamloops; no service on Tuesdays.
๐ŸšŒBC Bus North (Tahltan NST Busing Ltd.)Prince George โ€“ Prince Rupert (Hwy 16 West)Downtown Exch Bay B (Prince George) โ†’Burns Lake201 kmLuggage bay on the Prince Rupert routeOther routes: bagged or boxed โ€” checked as luggage
Twice a week: Monday and Thursday westbound, Tuesday and Friday eastbound.
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Burns Lake.
Option six · six legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Nothing direct, but it strings together.
CarrierRideYour bike
๐ŸšŽBC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan Express1st Ave at Hwy 1 (Ladysmith) โ†’Duncan26 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
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Legislature Exch (Belleville St) Bay G (Victoria) to Victoria Belleville Terminal, about 0.7 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, Bluebird Cabs, Sidney Taxi might help.
โ›ด๏ธVictoria ClipperVictoria Clipper (Victoria - Seattle)Victoria Belleville Terminal โ†’Seattle Downtown WA119 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.
๐Ÿš†Amtrak CascadesVancouver โ€“ Seattle (Cascades)Seattle Downtown WA โ†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)194 kmRoll on the bike carReserve bike spotBike fee
Two daily round trips from Pacific Central; reserve bike space when you book. Passport required.
๐Ÿš†VIA RailThe Canadian (Vancouver โ€“ Kamloops North โ€“ Jasper)Pacific Central Station (Vancouver) โ†’Jasper AB541 kmChecked baggage โ€” staffed stations only, including Vancouver BC and Jasper AB$25 per directionE-bikes OK โ€” battery disconnected at check-in
Two departures a week in season; bikes can be checked on and off at Vancouver and Jasper only.
๐Ÿš†VIA RailSkeena (Prince Rupert โ€“ Prince George โ€“ Jasper)Jasper AB โ†’Burns Lake531 kmChecked baggage โ€” staffed stations only, including Vancouver BC and Jasper AB$25 per directionE-bikes OK โ€” battery disconnected at check-in
Three departures a week; the trip includes an overnight stop in Prince George (book your own hotel).
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Burns Lake.
Option seven · six legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Same as Option six, but a coach bus instead of the train.
CarrierRideYour bike
๐ŸšŽBC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan Express1st Ave at Hwy 1 (Ladysmith) โ†’Duncan26 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
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Legislature Exch (Belleville St) Bay G (Victoria) to Victoria Belleville Terminal, about 0.7 km.
โ›ด๏ธVictoria ClipperVictoria Clipper (Victoria - Seattle)Victoria Belleville Terminal โ†’Seattle Downtown WA119 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.
๐ŸšŒFlixBus (operated by MTRWestern)Vancouver โ€“ Seattle via Bellingham & EverettSeattle Downtown WA โ†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)204 kmRack on the bus โ€” space not guaranteedAbout $19โ€“37Book bike as add-onNo e-bikes, tandems or trailers
๐Ÿš†VIA RailThe Canadian (Vancouver โ€“ Kamloops North โ€“ Jasper)Pacific Central Station (Vancouver) โ†’Jasper AB541 kmChecked baggage โ€” staffed stations only, including Vancouver BC and Jasper AB$25 per directionE-bikes OK โ€” battery disconnected at check-in
Two departures a week in season; bikes can be checked on and off at Vancouver and Jasper only.
๐Ÿš†VIA RailSkeena (Prince Rupert โ€“ Prince George โ€“ Jasper)Jasper AB โ†’Burns Lake531 kmChecked baggage โ€” staffed stations only, including Vancouver BC and Jasper AB$25 per directionE-bikes OK โ€” battery disconnected at check-in
Three departures a week; the trip includes an overnight stop in Prince George (book your own hotel).
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Burns Lake.
Option eight · six legs✈ the splurge⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Every leg of this works, there are just a lot of them.
CarrierRideYour bike
๐ŸšŽBC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan Express1st Ave at Hwy 1 (Ladysmith) โ†’Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch20 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 Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch to Nanaimo Harbour, about 1.1 km.
๐Ÿ›ฉ๏ธHarbour AirVancouver Harbour โ€“ Nanaimo HarbourNanaimo Harbour โ†’CXH (Vancouver)60 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
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from CXH (Vancouver) to Vancouver Canada Place, about 0.8 km.
๐ŸšSkyTrainTransLinkVancouver Canada Place โ†’Vancouver Airport (YVR) (Richmond)Roll on, free โ€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
โœˆ๏ธPacific Coastal AirlinesVancouver โ€“ Port HardyVancouver Airport (YVR) (Richmond) โ†’YZT (Port Hardy)343 kmRides in the hold โ€” small aircraft, limited spaceAbout $105 per directionNo e-bikes
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from YZT (Port Hardy) to Bear Cove (Port Hardy), about 8 km.
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesPort Hardy โ€“ Prince Rupert (Inside Passage)Bear Cove (Port Hardy) โ†’Downtown Prince Rupert (2nd Ave at 3rd St)445 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
Sails alternate days, roughly 3โ€“4 sailings a week each way in summer.
๐Ÿš†VIA RailSkeena (Prince Rupert โ€“ Prince George โ€“ Jasper)Downtown Prince Rupert (2nd Ave at 3rd St) โ†’Burns Lake391 kmChecked baggage โ€” staffed stations only, including Vancouver BC and Jasper AB$25 per directionE-bikes OK โ€” battery disconnected at check-in
Three departures a week; the trip includes an overnight stop in Prince George (book your own hotel).
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Burns Lake.
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: Burns Lake to Ladysmith (best: train + SkyTrain + ferry)

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

Connections from Burns Lake: Houston (best: train) · Gibsons (best: train + bus + ferry) · Chilliwack (best: train + bus) · Fernie (best: train + bus)

Check out BC Bike Stops in Ladysmith and Burns Lake