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, rental cars and flights can carry you and your bike from Quadra Island to Penelakut Island.

For scale
As the crow flies164 km
Biking whole way210 km ยท 12 h 55 m
By car203 km ยท 2 h 53 m

We found three 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
A one-way rental fills in the missing piece.
CarrierRideYour bike
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesCampbell River โ€“ Quathiaski Cove (Quadra)Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island) โ†’Campbell River2.9 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Campbell River to YBL (Campbell River), about 8.3 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, Bee-Line Taxi might help.
๐Ÿš™National Car & Truck Rental (Vancouver Island)One-way rental: Campbell River โ€“ Nanaimoor Budget (One-way rental: Campbell River โ€“ Nanaimo)YBL (Campbell River) โ†’Downtown Nanaimo127 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 Downtown Nanaimo to Departure Bay (Nanaimo), about 1.3 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, A.C. Taxi, Yellow Cab Nanaimo might help.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit20/20A Hammond Bay / DoverDeparture 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†’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 Transit36 Ladysmith-Duncan ExpressDuncan โ†’Coronation Mall (Ladysmith)24 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 Transit34 Ladysmith-ChemainusCoronation Mall (Ladysmith) โ†’Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan)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
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan) to Chemainus, about 1.3 km.
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesChemainus โ€“ Thetis โ€“ PenelakutChemainus โ†’Penelakut Island9.4 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Penelakut Island.
Option two · eight legs📅 seasonal⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Four ways to travel, one destination.
CarrierRideYour bike
๐ŸšฒFirst, get from Central Quadra Island to Heriot Bay (Quadra Island), about 6.8 km. Ride it, or take a local bus or taxi.
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesHeriot Bay (Quadra) โ€“ Whaletown (Cortes)Heriot Bay (Quadra Island) โ†’Whaletown (Cortes Island)11 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Whaletown (Cortes Island) to Manson's Landing (Cortes Island), about 7.4 km.
๐Ÿ›ฅ๏ธQaya Way West TransportationCampbell River โ€“ Savary Islandor Discovery Launch Water Taxi (Campbell River โ€“ Cortes Island) (doesn't run every day)Manson's Landing (Cortes Island) โ†’Coast Marina (Island Hwy) (Campbell River)19 kmPolicy not on file โ€” check with the operator
Southern run daily June 26 to September 7, calling at Manson's Landing and Hernando; reservations required.
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Coast Marina (Island Hwy) (Campbell River) to YBL (Campbell River), about 8.7 km.
๐Ÿš™National Car & Truck Rental (Vancouver Island)One-way rental: Campbell River โ€“ Nanaimoor Budget (One-way rental: Campbell River โ€“ Nanaimo)YBL (Campbell River) โ†’Downtown Nanaimo127 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 Downtown Nanaimo to Departure Bay (Nanaimo), about 1.3 km.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit20/20A Hammond Bay / DoverDeparture 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†’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 Transit36 Ladysmith-Duncan ExpressDuncan โ†’Coronation Mall (Ladysmith)24 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 Transit34 Ladysmith-ChemainusCoronation Mall (Ladysmith) โ†’Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan)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
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan) to Chemainus, about 1.3 km.
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesChemainus โ€“ Thetis โ€“ PenelakutChemainus โ†’Penelakut Island9.4 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Penelakut 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 FerriesCampbell River โ€“ Quathiaski Cove (Quadra)Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island) โ†’Campbell River2.9 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšŒIsland LinkIsland Express BusCampbell River โ†’Downtown Nanaimo Exchange138 kmDoes not carry bikes
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†’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 Transit36 Ladysmith-Duncan ExpressDuncan โ†’Coronation Mall (Ladysmith)24 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 Transit34 Ladysmith-ChemainusCoronation Mall (Ladysmith) โ†’Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan)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
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan) to Chemainus, about 1.3 km.
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesChemainus โ€“ Thetis โ€“ PenelakutChemainus โ†’Penelakut Island9.4 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Penelakut 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 FerriesCampbell River โ€“ Quathiaski Cove (Quadra)Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island) โ†’Campbell River2.9 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšŒIsland LinkIsland Express BusCampbell River โ†’Downtown Nanaimo Exchange138 kmDoes not carry bikes
๐ŸšŒIsland LinkVictoria Express Busor West Coast Trail Express (Juan de Fuca Trail route) (seasonal)Downtown Nanaimo Exchange โ†’Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria)92 kmDoes not carry bikes
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria) to Legislature Exch (Belleville St) Bay G (Victoria), about 1.3 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 Transit36 Ladysmith-Duncan ExpressDuncan โ†’Coronation Mall (Ladysmith)24 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 Transit34 Ladysmith-ChemainusCoronation Mall (Ladysmith) โ†’Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan)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
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan) to Chemainus, about 1.3 km.
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesChemainus โ€“ Thetis โ€“ PenelakutChemainus โ†’Penelakut Island9.4 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Penelakut Island.
Show three moreShow fewer
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 FerriesCampbell River โ€“ Quathiaski Cove (Quadra)Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island) โ†’Campbell River2.9 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšŒIsland LinkIsland Express BusCampbell River โ†’Downtown Nanaimo Exchange138 kmDoes not carry bikes
๐ŸšŒIsland LinkVictoria Express BusDowntown Nanaimo Exchange โ†’Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria)92 kmDoes not carry bikes
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria) to Douglas & Finlayson - Mayfair (Victoria), about 1.9 km.
๐ŸšŽBC Transit99 SVX Shawnigan Lake - Victoria ExpressDouglas & Finlayson - Mayfair (Victoria) โ†’Deloume Park & Ride (Mill Bay)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
๐ŸšŽBC Transit8 Mill Bay via Telegraph Rd/Duncan via Shawnigan Lkor the 9 Mill Bay via Shawnigan Lk/Duncan via Telegraph RdDeloume Park & Ride (Mill Bay) โ†’Duncan17 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 ExpressDuncan โ†’Coronation Mall (Ladysmith)24 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 Transit34 Ladysmith-ChemainusCoronation Mall (Ladysmith) โ†’Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan)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
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan) to Chemainus, about 1.3 km.
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesChemainus โ€“ Thetis โ€“ PenelakutChemainus โ†’Penelakut Island9.4 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Penelakut 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 FerriesCampbell River โ€“ Quathiaski Cove (Quadra)Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island) โ†’Campbell River2.9 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšŒIsland LinkIsland Express BusCampbell River โ†’Downtown Nanaimo Exchange138 kmDoes not carry bikes
๐ŸšŒIsland LinkVictoria Express BusDowntown Nanaimo Exchange โ†’Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria)92 kmDoes not carry bikes
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 Transit36 Ladysmith-Duncan ExpressDuncan โ†’Coronation Mall (Ladysmith)24 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 Transit34 Ladysmith-ChemainusCoronation Mall (Ladysmith) โ†’Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan)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
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan) to Chemainus, about 1.3 km.
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesChemainus โ€“ Thetis โ€“ PenelakutChemainus โ†’Penelakut Island9.4 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Penelakut Island.
Option seven · 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 FerriesCampbell River โ€“ Quathiaski Cove (Quadra)Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island) โ†’Campbell River2.9 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Campbell River to YBL (Campbell River), about 8.3 km.
โœˆ๏ธPacific Coastal AirlinesVancouver โ€“ Campbell RiverYBL (Campbell River) โ†’Vancouver Airport (YVR) (Richmond)173 kmRides in the hold โ€” small aircraft, limited spaceAbout $105 per directionNo e-bikes
๐ŸšSkyTrainTransLinkVancouver Airport (YVR) (Richmond) 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.
๐Ÿ›ฉ๏ธHarbour AirVancouver Harbour โ€“ Victoria HarbourCXH (Vancouver) โ†’Victoria Belleville Terminal98 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 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 Transit36 Ladysmith-Duncan ExpressDuncan โ†’Coronation Mall (Ladysmith)24 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 Transit34 Ladysmith-ChemainusCoronation Mall (Ladysmith) โ†’Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan)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
๐ŸšฒTravel the short hop from Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan) to Chemainus, about 1.3 km.
โ›ด๏ธBC FerriesChemainus โ€“ Thetis โ€“ PenelakutChemainus โ†’Penelakut Island9.4 kmRoll on, free โ€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK โ€” no charging on board
๐ŸšฒYou arrive at Penelakut 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.
Explore more

Heading back: Penelakut Island to Quadra Island (best: ferry + bus + rental car)

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)

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)