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.
Transit connects Port Renfrew and Cortes Island, but every chain we know includes a leg that will not take your bike. We show the chains anyway so you can see exactly where it breaks.
For scale
As the crow flies173 km
Biking whole way348 km · 21 h 48 m
By car329 km · 5 h 10 m
Not an option · four legs🚫 not possible with a bike
Two coach buses and two ferries.
🚫 This chain exists, but West Coast Trail Express and Island Link does not carry bikes, so it cannot work with yours. We show it so you can see where the connection breaks.
⛴️BC FerriesCampbell River – Quathiaski Cove (Quadra)Campbell River →Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island)2.9 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island) to Heriot Bay (Quadra Island), about 6.8 km.
⛴️BC FerriesHeriot Bay (Quadra) – Whaletown (Cortes)Heriot Bay (Quadra Island) →Whaletown (Cortes Island)11 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲At the far end, Central Cortes Island is about 7.4 km from Whaletown (Cortes Island). Ride it, or take a local bus or taxi.
Not an option · four legs🚫 not possible with a bike
A coach bus, a rental car, and two ferries.
🚫 This chain exists, but West Coast Trail Express does not carry bikes, so it cannot work with yours. We show it so you can see where the connection breaks.
🚲Travel the short hop from Downtown Nanaimo Exchange to Downtown Nanaimo, about 0.6 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, A.C. Taxi, Yellow Cab Nanaimo might help.
🚙BudgetOne-way rental: Campbell River – NanaimoDowntown Nanaimo →Campbell River134 kmOne-way between BC Budget branches — bookable onlineBike rides inside — 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.
⛴️BC FerriesCampbell River – Quathiaski Cove (Quadra)Campbell River →Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island)2.9 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island) to Heriot Bay (Quadra Island), about 6.8 km.
⛴️BC FerriesHeriot Bay (Quadra) – Whaletown (Cortes)Heriot Bay (Quadra Island) →Whaletown (Cortes Island)11 kmRoll on, free — no reservation neededE-bikes OK — no charging on board
🚲At the far end, Central Cortes Island is about 7.4 km from Whaletown (Cortes Island). Ride it, or take a local bus or taxi.
Two workarounds riders use: rent a bike at the far end instead of bringing yours, or ship your bike ahead to a shop or your accommodation.
Route facts last checked July 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.
Connections from Port Renfrew:Sooke(best: bus) · North Vancouver(best: bus + ferry) · Summerland(best: bus + ferry + SkyTrain) · Calgary, AB(best: bus + ferry + SkyTrain)
Connections from Cortes Island:Powell River(best: ferry + rental car + bus) · Sointula(best: ferry + rental car + bus) · Bella Coola(best: ferry + rental car) · New Hazelton(best: ferry + rental car + bus)
