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, rental cars and flights can carry you and your bike from Thetis Island to Powell River.

For scale
As the crow flies113 km
Biking whole way204 km Β· 12 h 19 m
By car194 km Β· 3 h 59 m

We found three 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 · eight legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Fill in the gap with a rental car.
CarrierRideYour bike
⛴️BC FerriesChemainus – Thetis – PenelakutPreedy Harbour (Thetis Island) β†’Chemainus7.7 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Chemainus to Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan), about 1.3 km.
🚎BC Transit34 Ladysmith-ChemainusPine & Daniel (North Cowichan) β†’Coronation Mall (Ladysmith)8.1 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
🚎BC Transit36 Ladysmith-Duncan ExpressCoronation Mall (Ladysmith) β†’Duncan24 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
🚎BC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan ExpressDuncan β†’Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch46 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 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.
🚎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: Comox – NanaimoDowntown Nanaimo β†’Comox Airport (YQQ)88 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
🚎BC Transit11 Airport via Powell R. Ferry / DowntownComox Airport (YQQ) β†’Little River (Comox)4.3 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
One loop serves both the Little River ferry terminal and Comox airport; about 5–7 trips a day, and Sunday service is unconfirmed.
⛴️BC FerriesWestview – Little River (Comox)Little River (Comox) β†’Marine & Duncan (Powell River)30 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚲You arrive at Marine & Duncan (Powell River).
Option two · eight legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
The long way round, but it works.
CarrierRideYour bike
⛴️BC FerriesChemainus – Thetis – PenelakutPreedy Harbour (Thetis Island) β†’Chemainus7.7 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Chemainus to Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan), about 1.3 km.
🚎BC Transit34 Ladysmith-ChemainusPine & Daniel (North Cowichan) β†’Coronation Mall (Ladysmith)8.1 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
🚎BC Transit36 Ladysmith-Duncan ExpressCoronation Mall (Ladysmith) β†’Duncan24 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
🚎BC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan ExpressDuncan β†’Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch46 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 Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch to Downtown Nanaimo Exchange, about 0.5 km.
🚎BC Transit20/20A Hammond Bay / Doveror the 25 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
⛴️BC FerriesHorseshoe Bay – Departure BayDeparture Bay (Nanaimo) β†’Horseshoe Bay53 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
⛴️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.
🚲You arrive at Powell River.
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
⛴️BC FerriesChemainus – Thetis – PenelakutPreedy Harbour (Thetis Island) β†’Chemainus7.7 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Chemainus to Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan), about 1.3 km.
🚎BC Transit34 Ladysmith-ChemainusPine & Daniel (North Cowichan) β†’Coronation Mall (Ladysmith)8.1 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
🚎BC Transit36 Ladysmith-Duncan ExpressCoronation Mall (Ladysmith) β†’Duncan24 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
🚎BC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan ExpressDuncan β†’Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch46 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 Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch to Downtown Nanaimo Exchange, about 0.5 km.
🚌Island LinkIsland Express BusDowntown Nanaimo Exchange β†’Courtenay97 kmDoes not carry bikes
🚎BC Transit11 Airport via Powell R. Ferry / DowntownCourtenay β†’Little River (Comox)13 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
One loop serves both the Little River ferry terminal and Comox airport; about 5–7 trips a day, and Sunday service is unconfirmed.
⛴️BC FerriesWestview – Little River (Comox)Little River (Comox) β†’Marine & Duncan (Powell River)30 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚲You arrive at Marine & Duncan (Powell River).
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
⛴️BC FerriesChemainus – Thetis – PenelakutPreedy Harbour (Thetis Island) β†’Chemainus7.7 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Chemainus to Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan), about 1.3 km.
🚎BC Transit34 Ladysmith-ChemainusPine & Daniel (North Cowichan) β†’Coronation Mall (Ladysmith)8.1 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
🚎BC Transit36 Ladysmith-Duncan ExpressCoronation Mall (Ladysmith) β†’Duncan24 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
🚎BC Transit66 CVX Cowichan - Victoria ExpressDuncan β†’Legislature Exch (Belleville St) Bay G (Victoria)54 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 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.
🚌Island LinkVictoria Express BusDouglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria) β†’Downtown Nanaimo Exchange92 kmDoes not carry bikes
🚌Island LinkIsland Express BusDowntown Nanaimo Exchange β†’Courtenay97 kmDoes not carry bikes
🚎BC Transit11 Airport via Powell R. Ferry / DowntownCourtenay β†’Little River (Comox)13 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
One loop serves both the Little River ferry terminal and Comox airport; about 5–7 trips a day, and Sunday service is unconfirmed.
⛴️BC FerriesWestview – Little River (Comox)Little River (Comox) β†’Marine & Duncan (Powell River)30 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚲You arrive at Marine & Duncan (Powell River).
Show three moreShow fewer
Not an option · eight legs🚫 not possible with a bike📅 seasonal⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Another way: 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
⛴️BC FerriesChemainus – Thetis – PenelakutPreedy Harbour (Thetis Island) β†’Chemainus7.7 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Chemainus to Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan), about 1.3 km.
🚎BC Transit34 Ladysmith-ChemainusPine & Daniel (North Cowichan) β†’Coronation Mall (Ladysmith)8.1 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
🚎BC Transit36 Ladysmith-Duncan ExpressCoronation Mall (Ladysmith) β†’Duncan24 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
🚎BC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan ExpressDuncan β†’Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch46 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 Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch to Downtown Nanaimo Exchange, about 0.5 km.
🚌Island LinkIsland Express BusDowntown Nanaimo Exchange β†’Campbell River138 kmDoes not carry bikes
🚲Travel the short hop from Campbell River to Coast Marina (Island Hwy) (Campbell River), about 0.4 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, Bee-Line Taxi might help.
πŸ›₯️Qaya Way West TransportationCampbell River – Savary IslandCoast Marina (Island Hwy) (Campbell River) β†’Savary Island Government Dock40 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.
πŸ›₯️Lund Water TaxiLund – Savary IslandSavary Island Government Dock β†’Lund Harbour4.1 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).
🚎BC Transit14 LundLund Harbour β†’Town Centre Mall Bay A (Powell River)23 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.
🚲You arrive at Town Centre Mall Bay A (Powell River).
Not an option · eight legs🚫 not possible with a bike⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Another way: 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
⛴️BC FerriesChemainus – Thetis – PenelakutPreedy Harbour (Thetis Island) β†’Chemainus7.7 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Chemainus to Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan), about 1.3 km.
🚎BC Transit34 Ladysmith-ChemainusPine & Daniel (North Cowichan) β†’Coronation Mall (Ladysmith)8.1 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
🚎BC Transit36 Ladysmith-Duncan ExpressCoronation Mall (Ladysmith) β†’Duncan24 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
🚎BC Transit66 CVX Cowichan-Victoria ExpressDuncan β†’Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria)46 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
🚌Island LinkVictoria Express BusDouglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria) β†’Downtown Nanaimo Exchange92 kmDoes not carry bikes
🚌Island LinkIsland Express BusDowntown Nanaimo Exchange β†’Courtenay97 kmDoes not carry bikes
🚎BC Transit11 Airport via Powell R. Ferry / DowntownCourtenay β†’Little River (Comox)13 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
One loop serves both the Little River ferry terminal and Comox airport; about 5–7 trips a day, and Sunday service is unconfirmed.
⛴️BC FerriesWestview – Little River (Comox)Little River (Comox) β†’Marine & Duncan (Powell River)30 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚲You arrive at Marine & Duncan (Powell River).
Option seven · six legs✈ the splurge📅 seasonal⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
A splurge, but an unforgettable ride.
CarrierRideYour bike
⛴️BC FerriesChemainus – Thetis – PenelakutPreedy Harbour (Thetis Island) β†’Chemainus7.7 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚲Travel the short hop from Chemainus to Pine & Daniel (North Cowichan), about 1.3 km.
🚎BC Transit34 Ladysmith-ChemainusPine & Daniel (North Cowichan) β†’Coronation Mall (Ladysmith)8.1 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
🚎BC Transit36 Ladysmith-Duncan ExpressCoronation Mall (Ladysmith) β†’Duncan24 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
🚎BC Transit66 CVX Cowichan - Victoria ExpressDuncan β†’Legislature Exch (Belleville St) Bay G (Victoria)54 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 Legislature Exch (Belleville St) Bay G (Victoria) to Victoria Belleville Terminal, about 0.7 km.
πŸ›©οΈHarbour AirVancouver Harbour – Victoria HarbourVictoria Belleville Terminal β†’CXH (Vancouver)98 kmFront wheel must come off$20 handling fee β€” bike weight counts toward your baggage allowanceNot on the Twin Otter β€” other floatplanes are fine; confirm when booking
πŸ›©οΈHarbour AirVancouver Harbour – Powell River (seasonal)CXH (Vancouver) β†’Powell Lake (Powell River)122 kmFront wheel must come off$20 handling fee β€” bike weight counts toward your baggage allowanceNot on the Twin Otter β€” other floatplanes are fine; confirm when booking
Seasonal service.
🚲At the far end, Central Powell River is about 5.7 km from Powell Lake (Powell River). Ride it, or take a local bus or taxi.
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: Powell River to Thetis Island (best: bus + ferry)

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

Connections from Powell River: Comox (best: ferry) · Port Moody (best: bus + ferry + SkyTrain) · Oliver (best: bus + ferry) · Calgary, AB (best: bus + ferry)

Check out BC Bike Stops in Powell River