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, water taxis and rental cars can carry you and your bike from Merritt to Campbell River.

For scale
As the crow flies318 km
Biking whole way539 km Β· 33 h 35 m
By car521 km Β· 6 h 42 m

We found 10 ways to get you there, ferries doing the heavy lifting.

πŸŽ’ 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
A one-way rental fills in the missing piece.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚌EbusVancouver – Kelownaor Ebus (Vancouver – Kamloops) or Ebus (Vancouver – Calgary (Hwy 1)) or Rider Express (Vancouver – Calgary (Hwy 1))Merritt β†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)230 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
Runs the same Highway 1 corridor as Rider Express, so compare schedules and fares.
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkPacific Central Station (Vancouver) β†’Vancouver Canada PlaceRoll on, free β€” 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.
⛴️HulloHullo (Nanaimo – Vancouver)CXH (Vancouver) β†’Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way)61 kmBook online ahead β€” 6 bike spots per sailing, 1 per guest$19.99 one way β€” $25 in personNo e-bikes β€” no trailers, 80 in / 50 lb max
🚲Travel the short hop from Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way) to Downtown Nanaimo, about 1.5 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, A.C. Taxi, Yellow Cab Nanaimo might help.
πŸš™BudgetOne-way rental: Campbell River – NanaimoDowntown Nanaimo β†’Campbell River134 kmOne-way between BC Budget branches β€” bookable onlineBike rides inside β€” SUV or minivan, seats folded, wheels offConfirm one-way and vehicle when booking
🚲Travel the short hop from Campbell River to Campbell River, about 0.3 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, Bee-Line Taxi might help.
🚲You arrive at Campbell River.
Option two · five legs
A little bit of everything.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚌EbusVancouver – Kelownaor Ebus (Vancouver – Kamloops) or Ebus (Vancouver – Calgary (Hwy 1)) or Rider Express (Vancouver – Calgary (Hwy 1))Merritt β†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)230 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
Runs the same Highway 1 corridor as Rider Express, so compare schedules and fares.
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkPacific Central Station (Vancouver) β†’Stadium-Chinatown (Vancouver)Roll on, free β€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚎TransLink257 Horseshoe Bay ExpressStadium-Chinatown (Vancouver) β†’Horseshoe Bay17 kmRack on the bus, free2 bikes β€” first come, first servedE-bikes OK
⛴️BC FerriesHorseshoe Bay – Departure BayHorseshoe Bay β†’Departure Bay (Nanaimo)53 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Departure Bay (Nanaimo) to Downtown Nanaimo, about 1.3 km.
πŸš™National Car & Truck Rental (Vancouver Island)One-way rental: Campbell River – NanaimoDowntown Nanaimo β†’YBL (Campbell River)127 kmOne-way between Island branches β€” no drop chargeBike rides inside β€” SUV or minivan, seats folded, wheels offConfirm one-way and vehicle when booking
🚲At the far end, Central Campbell River is about 8.3 km from YBL (Campbell River). Ride it, or take a local bus or taxi.
Option three · five legs
Beautiful BC from a coach window.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚌EbusVancouver – Kelownaor Ebus (Vancouver – Kamloops) or Rider Express (Vancouver – Calgary (Hwy 1))Merritt β†’Surrey (Guildford Rec Centre)207 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
🚲Travel the short hop from Surrey (Guildford Rec Centre) to Surrey Central, about 3.4 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, Aldergrove-Langley Taxi Ltd., Green Cab might help.
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkSurrey Central β†’Vancouver Canada PlaceRoll on, free β€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚲Travel the short hop from Vancouver Canada Place to CXH (Vancouver), about 0.8 km.
⛴️HulloHullo (Nanaimo – Vancouver)CXH (Vancouver) β†’Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way)61 kmBook online ahead β€” 6 bike spots per sailing, 1 per guest$19.99 one way β€” $25 in personNo e-bikes β€” no trailers, 80 in / 50 lb max
🚲Travel the short hop from Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way) to Downtown Nanaimo Exchange, about 1 km.
🚎BC Transit20/20A Hammond Bay / DoverDowntown Nanaimo Exchange β†’Departure Bay (Nanaimo)3.3 kmFront rack, no fee β€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only β€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Departure Bay (Nanaimo) to Downtown Nanaimo, about 1.3 km.
πŸš™National Car & Truck Rental (Vancouver Island)One-way rental: Campbell River – NanaimoDowntown Nanaimo β†’YBL (Campbell River)127 kmOne-way between Island branches β€” no drop chargeBike rides inside β€” SUV or minivan, seats folded, wheels offConfirm one-way and vehicle when booking
🚲At the far end, Central Campbell River is about 8.3 km from YBL (Campbell River). Ride it, or take a local bus or taxi.
Option four · six legs
Nothing direct, but it strings together.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚌EbusVancouver – Kelownaor Ebus (Vancouver – Kamloops) or Rider Express (Vancouver – Calgary (Hwy 1))Merritt β†’Surrey (Guildford Rec Centre)207 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
🚲Travel the short hop from Surrey (Guildford Rec Centre) to Surrey Central, about 3.4 km.
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkSurrey Central β†’Stadium-Chinatown (Vancouver)Roll on, free β€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚎TransLink257 Horseshoe Bay ExpressStadium-Chinatown (Vancouver) β†’Horseshoe Bay17 kmRack on the bus, free2 bikes β€” first come, first servedE-bikes OK
⛴️BC FerriesHorseshoe Bay – Departure BayHorseshoe Bay β†’Departure Bay (Nanaimo)53 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚎BC Transit20/20A Hammond Bay / DoverDeparture Bay (Nanaimo) β†’Downtown Nanaimo Exchange3.3 kmFront rack, no fee β€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only β€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Downtown Nanaimo Exchange to Downtown Nanaimo, about 0.6 km.
πŸš™BudgetOne-way rental: Campbell River – NanaimoDowntown Nanaimo β†’Campbell River134 kmOne-way between BC Budget branches β€” bookable onlineBike rides inside β€” SUV or minivan, seats folded, wheels offConfirm one-way and vehicle when booking
🚲Travel the short hop from Campbell River to Campbell River, about 0.3 km.
🚲You arrive at Campbell River.
Show seven moreShow fewer
Option five · six legs
A proper expedition.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚌EbusVancouver – Calgary (Hwy 1)or Ebus (Vancouver – Kamloops) or Rider Express (Vancouver – Calgary (Hwy 1))Merritt β†’Chilliwack139 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
Runs the same Highway 1 corridor as Rider Express, so compare schedules and fares.
🚲Travel the short hop from Chilliwack to Downtown Chilliwack Bay B, about 1.3 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, Chilliwack Taxi might help.
🚎BC Transit66 Fraser Valley ExpressDowntown Chilliwack Bay B β†’Lougheed Stn Bay 5 (Burnaby)76 kmFront rack, no fee β€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only β€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkLougheed Stn Bay 5 (Burnaby) β†’Vancouver Canada PlaceRoll on, free β€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚲Travel the short hop from Vancouver Canada Place to CXH (Vancouver), about 0.8 km.
⛴️HulloHullo (Nanaimo – Vancouver)CXH (Vancouver) β†’Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way)61 kmBook online ahead β€” 6 bike spots per sailing, 1 per guest$19.99 one way β€” $25 in personNo e-bikes β€” no trailers, 80 in / 50 lb max
🚲Travel the short hop from Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way) to Downtown Nanaimo Exchange, about 1 km.
🚎BC Transit20/20A Hammond Bay / DoverDowntown Nanaimo Exchange β†’Departure Bay (Nanaimo)3.3 kmFront rack, no fee β€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only β€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Departure Bay (Nanaimo) to Downtown Nanaimo, about 1.3 km.
πŸš™National Car & Truck Rental (Vancouver Island)One-way rental: Campbell River – NanaimoDowntown Nanaimo β†’YBL (Campbell River)127 kmOne-way between Island branches β€” no drop chargeBike rides inside β€” SUV or minivan, seats folded, wheels offConfirm one-way and vehicle when booking
🚲At the far end, Central Campbell River is about 8.3 km from YBL (Campbell River). Ride it, or take a local bus or taxi.
Option six · seven legs
A few connections, but each one moves you closer.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚌EbusVancouver – Calgary (Hwy 1)or Ebus (Vancouver – Kamloops) or Rider Express (Vancouver – Calgary (Hwy 1))Merritt β†’Chilliwack139 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
Runs the same Highway 1 corridor as Rider Express, so compare schedules and fares.
🚲Travel the short hop from Chilliwack to Downtown Chilliwack Bay B, about 1.3 km.
🚎BC Transit66 Fraser Valley ExpressDowntown Chilliwack Bay B β†’Lougheed Stn Bay 5 (Burnaby)76 kmFront rack, no fee β€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only β€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkLougheed Stn Bay 5 (Burnaby) β†’Stadium-Chinatown (Vancouver)Roll on, free β€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚎TransLink257 Horseshoe Bay ExpressStadium-Chinatown (Vancouver) β†’Horseshoe Bay17 kmRack on the bus, free2 bikes β€” first come, first servedE-bikes OK
⛴️BC FerriesHorseshoe Bay – Departure BayHorseshoe Bay β†’Departure Bay (Nanaimo)53 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚎BC Transit20/20A Hammond Bay / DoverDeparture Bay (Nanaimo) β†’Downtown Nanaimo Exchange3.3 kmFront rack, no fee β€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only β€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Downtown Nanaimo Exchange to Downtown Nanaimo, about 0.6 km.
πŸš™BudgetOne-way rental: Campbell River – NanaimoDowntown Nanaimo β†’Campbell River134 kmOne-way between BC Budget branches β€” bookable onlineBike rides inside β€” SUV or minivan, seats folded, wheels offConfirm one-way and vehicle when booking
🚲Travel the short hop from Campbell River to Campbell River, about 0.3 km.
🚲You arrive at Campbell River.
Option seven · six legs
The same idea as Option five, on different routes.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚌EbusVancouver – Calgary (Hwy 1)Merritt β†’Chilliwack139 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
Runs the same Highway 1 corridor as Rider Express, so compare schedules and fares.
🚎BC Transit66 Fraser Valley Express (FVX)Chilliwack β†’Lougheed Stn Bay 5 (Burnaby)77 kmFront rack, no fee β€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only β€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkLougheed Stn Bay 5 (Burnaby) β†’Vancouver Canada PlaceRoll on, free β€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚲Travel the short hop from Vancouver Canada Place to CXH (Vancouver), about 0.8 km.
⛴️HulloHullo (Nanaimo – Vancouver)CXH (Vancouver) β†’Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way)61 kmBook online ahead β€” 6 bike spots per sailing, 1 per guest$19.99 one way β€” $25 in personNo e-bikes β€” no trailers, 80 in / 50 lb max
🚲Travel the short hop from Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way) to Downtown Nanaimo Exchange, about 1 km.
🚎BC Transit20/20A Hammond Bay / DoverDowntown Nanaimo Exchange β†’Departure Bay (Nanaimo)3.3 kmFront rack, no fee β€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only β€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Departure Bay (Nanaimo) to Downtown Nanaimo, about 1.3 km.
πŸš™National Car & Truck Rental (Vancouver Island)One-way rental: Campbell River – NanaimoDowntown Nanaimo β†’YBL (Campbell River)127 kmOne-way between Island branches β€” no drop chargeBike rides inside β€” SUV or minivan, seats folded, wheels offConfirm one-way and vehicle when booking
🚲At the far end, Central Campbell River is about 8.3 km from YBL (Campbell River). Ride it, or take a local bus or taxi.
Option eight · six legs
Another way: the same idea as Option five, on different routes.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚌EbusVancouver – Kamloopsor Rider Express (Vancouver – Calgary (Hwy 1))Merritt β†’Abbotsford166 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
🚎BC Transit66 Fraser Valley Express (FVX)Abbotsford β†’Lougheed Stn Bay 5 (Burnaby)50 kmFront rack, no fee β€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only β€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkLougheed Stn Bay 5 (Burnaby) β†’Vancouver Canada PlaceRoll on, free β€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚲Travel the short hop from Vancouver Canada Place to CXH (Vancouver), about 0.8 km.
⛴️HulloHullo (Nanaimo – Vancouver)CXH (Vancouver) β†’Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way)61 kmBook online ahead β€” 6 bike spots per sailing, 1 per guest$19.99 one way β€” $25 in personNo e-bikes β€” no trailers, 80 in / 50 lb max
🚲Travel the short hop from Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way) to Downtown Nanaimo Exchange, about 1 km.
🚎BC Transit25 Ferry ShuttleDowntown Nanaimo Exchange β†’Departure Bay (Nanaimo)3.3 kmFront rack, no fee β€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only β€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Departure Bay (Nanaimo) to Downtown Nanaimo, about 1.3 km.
πŸš™National Car & Truck Rental (Vancouver Island)One-way rental: Campbell River – NanaimoDowntown Nanaimo β†’YBL (Campbell River)127 kmOne-way between Island branches β€” no drop chargeBike rides inside β€” SUV or minivan, seats folded, wheels offConfirm one-way and vehicle when booking
🚲At the far end, Central Campbell River is about 8.3 km from YBL (Campbell River). Ride it, or take a local bus or taxi.
Option 9 · five legs📅 seasonal
Same as Option two, but a coach bus instead of the city bus.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚌EbusVancouver – Kelownaor Ebus (Vancouver – Kamloops) or Ebus (Vancouver – Calgary (Hwy 1)) or Rider Express (Vancouver – Calgary (Hwy 1))Merritt β†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)230 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
Runs the same Highway 1 corridor as Rider Express, so compare schedules and fares.
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkPacific Central Station (Vancouver) β†’Vancouver Canada PlaceRoll on, free β€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚌Squamish ConnectorSquamish – VancouverVancouver Canada Place β†’Horseshoe Bay16 kmBook aheadMax 2 bikes per tripSome buses have an outside rack β€” otherwise carried in the luggage hold$15 each wayNo e-bikes
Bikes welcome May to September; check schedule outside that window.
⛴️BC FerriesHorseshoe Bay – Departure BayHorseshoe Bay β†’Departure Bay (Nanaimo)53 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Departure Bay (Nanaimo) to Downtown Nanaimo, about 1.3 km.
πŸš™National Car & Truck Rental (Vancouver Island)One-way rental: Campbell River – NanaimoDowntown Nanaimo β†’YBL (Campbell River)127 kmOne-way between Island branches β€” no drop chargeBike rides inside β€” SUV or minivan, seats folded, wheels offConfirm one-way and vehicle when booking
🚲At the far end, Central Campbell River is about 8.3 km from YBL (Campbell River). Ride it, or take a local bus or taxi.
Option 10 · eight legs📅 seasonal⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Another way: nothing direct, but it strings together.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚌EbusVancouver – KelownaMerritt β†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)230 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkPacific Central Station (Vancouver) β†’Stadium-Chinatown (Vancouver)Roll on, free β€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚎TransLink257 Horseshoe Bay ExpressStadium-Chinatown (Vancouver) β†’Horseshoe Bay17 kmRack on the bus, free2 bikes β€” first come, first servedE-bikes OK
⛴️BC FerriesHorseshoe Bay – LangdaleHorseshoe Bay β†’Langdale (Gibsons)16 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚌Sunshine Coast ConnectorLangdale – Powell RiverLangdale (Gibsons) β†’Powell River106 kmReserve bike spot β€” rack space is limited$20 bike Β· $40 e-bikeNo box needed β€” rack on the bus
Includes the Earls Cove–Saltery Bay ferry leg.
🚲Travel the short hop from Powell River to Town Centre Mall Bay A (Powell River), about 1.1 km.
🚎BC Transit14 LundTown Centre Mall Bay A (Powell River) β†’Lund Harbour23 kmFront rack, no fee β€” 2 bikes, first come; space not guaranteedE-bikes under 25 kg only β€” lithium battery off the bike and carried on board
Runs Monday, Tuesday and Friday most of the year, six days a week from mid-May to Labour Day; some stretches are on-request. Front bike rack; e-bikes under 25 kg allowed.
πŸ›₯️Lund Water TaxiLund – Savary IslandLund Harbour β†’Savary Island Government Dock4.1 kmPolicy not on file β€” check with the operator
Year-round walk-on service, near-hourly in July and August; reservations required. E-bikes not carried (barge by arrangement).
πŸ›₯️Qaya Way West TransportationCampbell River – Savary IslandSavary Island Government Dock β†’Coast Marina (Island Hwy) (Campbell River)40 kmPolicy not on file β€” check with the operator
Southern run daily June 26 to September 7, calling at Manson's Landing and Hernando; reservations required.
🚲You arrive at Coast Marina (Island Hwy) (Campbell River).
Not an option · four legs🚫 not possible with a bike
Two coach buses, a SkyTrain, and a ferry.
🚫  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
🚌EbusVancouver – Kelownaor Ebus (Vancouver – Kamloops) or Ebus (Vancouver – Calgary (Hwy 1)) or Rider Express (Vancouver – Calgary (Hwy 1))Merritt β†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)230 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
Runs the same Highway 1 corridor as Rider Express, so compare schedules and fares.
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkPacific Central Station (Vancouver) β†’Vancouver Canada PlaceRoll on, free β€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚲Travel the short hop from Vancouver Canada Place to CXH (Vancouver), about 0.8 km.
⛴️HulloHullo (Nanaimo – Vancouver)CXH (Vancouver) β†’Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way)61 kmBook online ahead β€” 6 bike spots per sailing, 1 per guest$19.99 one way β€” $25 in personNo e-bikes β€” no trailers, 80 in / 50 lb max
🚲Travel the short hop from Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way) to Downtown Nanaimo Exchange, about 1 km.
🚌Island LinkIsland Express BusDowntown Nanaimo Exchange β†’Campbell River138 kmDoes not carry bikes
🚲You arrive at Campbell River.
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: Campbell River to Merritt (best: rental car + ferry + SkyTrain)

Connections from Merritt: Logan Lake (best: bus) · White Rock (best: bus + SkyTrain) · Courtenay (Comox Valley) (best: bus + SkyTrain + ferry) · Whitehorse, YT (best: bus + SkyTrain + plane)

Connections from Campbell River: Lund (best: water taxi) · Galiano Island (best: rental car + ferry + SkyTrain) · Chase (best: rental car + ferry + SkyTrain) · Whitehorse, YT (best: rental car + ferry + SkyTrain)

Check out BC Bike Stops in Merritt and Campbell River