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 Penelakut Island to Quadra Island.

For scale
As the crow flies164 km
Biking whole way211 km ยท 13 h 07 m
By car203 km ยท 2 h 54 m

We found two 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 · seven legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Fill in the gap with a rental car.
CarrierRideYour bike
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesChemainus โ€“ Thetis โ€“ PenelakutPenelakut Island โ†’Chemainus9.4 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Chemainus to Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan), about 1.3 km.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit34 Ladysmith-ChemainusPine & Daniel (North Cowichan) โ†’Coronation Mall (Ladysmith)8.1 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 Transit36 Ladysmith-Duncan ExpressCoronation Mall (Ladysmith) โ†’Duncan24 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†’Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch46 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. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, A.C. Taxi, Yellow Cab Nanaimo might help.
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: Campbell River โ€“ Nanaimoor Budget (One-way rental: Campbell River โ€“ Nanaimo)Downtown Nanaimo โ†’YBL (Campbell River)127 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 YBL (Campbell River) to Campbell River, about 8.3 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, Bee-Line Taxi might help.
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesCampbell River โ€“ Quathiaski Cove (Quadra)Campbell River โ†’Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island)2.9 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island).
Not an option · six legs🚫 not possible with a bike⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
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 FerriesChemainus โ€“ Thetis โ€“ PenelakutPenelakut Island โ†’Chemainus9.4 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Chemainus to Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan), about 1.3 km.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit34 Ladysmith-ChemainusPine & Daniel (North Cowichan) โ†’Coronation Mall (Ladysmith)8.1 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 Transit36 Ladysmith-Duncan ExpressCoronation Mall (Ladysmith) โ†’Duncan24 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†’Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch46 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.
๐ŸšŒIsland LinkIsland Express BusDowntown Nanaimo Exchange โ†’Campbell River138 kmDoes not carry bikes
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesCampbell River โ€“ Quathiaski Cove (Quadra)Campbell River โ†’Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island)2.9 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island).
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 FerriesChemainus โ€“ Thetis โ€“ PenelakutPenelakut Island โ†’Chemainus9.4 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Chemainus to Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan), about 1.3 km.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit34 Ladysmith-ChemainusPine & Daniel (North Cowichan) โ†’Coronation Mall (Ladysmith)8.1 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 Transit36 Ladysmith-Duncan ExpressCoronation Mall (Ladysmith) โ†’Duncan24 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 Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria), about 1.3 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, Bluebird Cabs, Sidney Taxi might help.
๐ŸšŒIsland LinkVictoria Express Busor West Coast Trail Express (Juan de Fuca Trail route) (seasonal)Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria) โ†’Downtown Nanaimo Exchange92 kmDoes not carry bikes
๐ŸšŒIsland LinkIsland Express BusDowntown Nanaimo Exchange โ†’Campbell River138 kmDoes not carry bikes
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesCampbell River โ€“ Quathiaski Cove (Quadra)Campbell River โ†’Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island)2.9 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island).
Not an option · seven legs🚫 not possible with a bike⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Another way: 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 FerriesChemainus โ€“ Thetis โ€“ PenelakutPenelakut Island โ†’Chemainus9.4 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Chemainus to Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan), about 1.3 km.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit34 Ladysmith-ChemainusPine & Daniel (North Cowichan) โ†’Coronation Mall (Ladysmith)8.1 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 Transit36 Ladysmith-Duncan ExpressCoronation Mall (Ladysmith) โ†’Duncan24 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
๐ŸšŒIsland LinkVictoria Express BusDouglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria) โ†’Downtown Nanaimo Exchange92 kmDoes not carry bikes
๐ŸšŒIsland LinkIsland Express BusDowntown Nanaimo Exchange โ†’Campbell River138 kmDoes not carry bikes
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesCampbell River โ€“ Quathiaski Cove (Quadra)Campbell River โ†’Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island)2.9 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island).
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Not an option · eight legs🚫 not possible with a bike⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
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
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesChemainus โ€“ Thetis โ€“ PenelakutPenelakut Island โ†’Chemainus9.4 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Chemainus to Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan), about 1.3 km.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit34 Ladysmith-ChemainusPine & Daniel (North Cowichan) โ†’Coronation Mall (Ladysmith)8.1 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 Transit36 Ladysmith-Duncan ExpressCoronation Mall (Ladysmith) โ†’Duncan24 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
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Douglas & Finlayson - Mayfair (Victoria) to Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria), about 1.9 km.
๐ŸšŒIsland LinkVictoria Express BusDouglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria) โ†’Downtown Nanaimo Exchange92 kmDoes not carry bikes
๐ŸšŒIsland LinkIsland Express BusDowntown Nanaimo Exchange โ†’Campbell River138 kmDoes not carry bikes
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesCampbell River โ€“ Quathiaski Cove (Quadra)Campbell River โ†’Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island)2.9 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island).
Option six · eight legs✈ the splurge⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
The long way round, but it works.
CarrierRideYour bike
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesChemainus โ€“ Thetis โ€“ PenelakutPenelakut Island โ†’Chemainus9.4 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Chemainus to Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan), about 1.3 km.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit34 Ladysmith-ChemainusPine & Daniel (North Cowichan) โ†’Coronation Mall (Ladysmith)8.1 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 Transit36 Ladysmith-Duncan ExpressCoronation Mall (Ladysmith) โ†’Duncan24 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.
๐Ÿ›ฉ๏ธHarbour AirVancouver Harbour โ€“ Victoria HarbourVictoria Belleville Terminal โ†’CXH (Vancouver)98 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. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, Black Top Cabs, Maclure'S Cabs might help.
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€“ Campbell RiverVancouver Airport (YVR) (Richmond) โ†’YBL (Campbell River)173 kmRides in the hold โ€” small aircraft, limited spaceAbout $105 per directionNo e-bikes
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from YBL (Campbell River) to Campbell River, about 8.3 km.
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesCampbell River โ€“ Quathiaski Cove (Quadra)Campbell River โ†’Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island)2.9 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island).
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.
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Heading back: Quadra Island to Penelakut Island (best: ferry + rental car + bus)

Connections from Penelakut Island: Lake Cowichan (best: ferry + bus) · Langford (best: ferry + bus) · Port Alberni (best: ferry + bus + rental car) · Seattle, WA (best: ferry + bus)

Connections from Quadra Island: Lund (best: ferry) · West Vancouver (best: ferry + rental car) · Princeton (best: ferry + rental car + SkyTrain) · Calgary, AB (best: ferry + rental car + SkyTrain)