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 and flights can carry you and your bike from Thetis Island to Vancouver.

For scale
As the crow flies52 km
Biking whole way121 km Β· 6 h 53 m
By car193 km Β· 4 h 12 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 · five 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 Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way), about 1.4 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, A.C. Taxi, Yellow Cab Nanaimo might help.
⛴️HulloHullo (Nanaimo – Vancouver)Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way) β†’CXH (Vancouver)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
🚲You arrive at CXH (Vancouver).
Option two · five legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Same as Option one, but a coach bus instead of the ferry.
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.
🚌Wilson's Transportation (BC Connector)BC Ferries Connector β€” Vancouver / VictoriaDouglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria) β†’Downtown Vancouver101 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or boxed$42 per bike β€” 50 lb maxReserve bike spot β€” recommended
⛴️ Downtown to downtown via the Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay ferry crossing.
🚲You arrive at Downtown Vancouver.
Option three · seven legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Not far, just fiddly.
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
🚎TransLink257 Horseshoe Bay ExpressHorseshoe Bay β†’Downtown Vancouver (Dunsmuir at Cambie)19 kmRack on the bus, free2 bikes β€” first come, first servedE-bikes OK
🚲You arrive at Downtown Vancouver (Dunsmuir at Cambie).
Option four · eight legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Option three, plus a SkyTrain at the finish.
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.
🚎BC Transit70 Swartz Bay / Downtownor the 72 Swartz Bay / Downtown (via Saanichton)Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria) β†’Swartz Bay (North Saanich)29 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 FerriesTsawwassen – Swartz BaySwartz Bay (North Saanich) β†’Tsawwassen (Delta)41 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚎TransLink620 Bridgeport Station / Tsawwassen FerryTsawwassen (Delta) β†’Bridgeport (Richmond)22 kmRack on the bus, free2 bikes β€” first come, first servedE-bikes OK
The 620 is year-round, roughly hourly, timed to sailings, with two bike-rack spots. On busy summer ferry days the seasonal 900 Bike Bus can carry an extra 10 bikes.
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkBridgeport (Richmond) β†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)Roll on, free β€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚲You arrive at Pacific Central Station (Vancouver).
Show six moreShow fewer
Option five · six legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Every leg of this works, there are just a lot of them.
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 Transit8 Mill Bay via Telegraph Rd/Duncan via Shawnigan Lkor the 9 Mill Bay via Shawnigan Lk/Duncan via Telegraph RdDuncan β†’Deloume Park & Ride (Mill Bay)17 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 Transit99 SVX Shawnigan Lake - Victoria ExpressDeloume Park & Ride (Mill Bay) β†’Douglas & Finlayson - Mayfair (Victoria)28 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 Douglas & Finlayson - Mayfair (Victoria) to Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria), about 1.9 km.
🚌Wilson's Transportation (BC Connector)BC Ferries Connector β€” Vancouver / VictoriaDouglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria) β†’Downtown Vancouver101 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or boxed$42 per bike β€” 50 lb maxReserve bike spot β€” recommended
⛴️ Downtown to downtown via the Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay ferry crossing.
🚲You arrive at Downtown Vancouver.
Option six · five legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Another way: same as Option one, but a coach bus instead of the ferry.
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
🚌Wilson's Transportation (BC Connector)BC Ferries Connector β€” Vancouver / VictoriaDouglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria) β†’Downtown Vancouver101 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or boxed$42 per bike β€” 50 lb maxReserve bike spot β€” recommended
⛴️ Downtown to downtown via the Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay ferry crossing.
🚲You arrive at Downtown Vancouver.
Option seven · eight legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Another way: option three, plus a SkyTrain at the finish.
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
🚎BC Transit70 Swartz Bay / Downtownor the 72 Swartz Bay / Downtown (via Saanichton)Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria) β†’Swartz Bay (North Saanich)29 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 FerriesTsawwassen – Swartz BaySwartz Bay (North Saanich) β†’Tsawwassen (Delta)41 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚎TransLink620 Bridgeport Station / Tsawwassen FerryTsawwassen (Delta) β†’Bridgeport (Richmond)22 kmRack on the bus, free2 bikes β€” first come, first servedE-bikes OK
The 620 is year-round, roughly hourly, timed to sailings, with two bike-rack spots. On busy summer ferry days the seasonal 900 Bike Bus can carry an extra 10 bikes.
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkBridgeport (Richmond) β†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)Roll on, free β€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚲You arrive at Pacific Central Station (Vancouver).
Option eight · six legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Option one, plus a train at the finish.
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.
⛴️Victoria ClipperVictoria Clipper (Victoria - Seattle)Victoria Belleville Terminal β†’Seattle Downtown WA119 kmReserve ahead by phone β€” space very limited, first booked first served$30 USD each way β€” about $41 CADRides on the open deck β€” bags and accessories off; waiver at check-in
Daily year-round, with extra sailings in summer. Bike space is very limited; reserve by phone when you book. Passport required.
πŸš†Amtrak CascadesVancouver – Seattle (Cascades)Seattle Downtown WA β†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)194 kmRoll on the bike carReserve bike spotBike fee
Two daily round trips from Pacific Central; reserve bike space when you book. Passport required.
🚲You arrive at Pacific Central Station (Vancouver).
Option 9 · six legs⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Option one, plus a coach bus at the finish.
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.
⛴️Victoria ClipperVictoria Clipper (Victoria - Seattle)Victoria Belleville Terminal β†’Seattle Downtown WA119 kmReserve ahead by phone β€” space very limited, first booked first served$30 USD each way β€” about $41 CADRides on the open deck β€” bags and accessories off; waiver at check-in
Daily year-round, with extra sailings in summer. Bike space is very limited; reserve by phone when you book. Passport required.
🚌FlixBus (operated by MTRWestern)Vancouver – Seattle via Bellingham & EverettSeattle Downtown WA β†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)204 kmRack on the bus β€” space not guaranteedAbout $19–37Book bike as add-onNo e-bikes, tandems or trailers
🚲You arrive at Pacific Central Station (Vancouver).
Option 10 · five legs✈ the splurge⚠ doesn't run every day — check the schedule
Same as Option one, but a plane instead of the ferry.
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
🚲You arrive at CXH (Vancouver).
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: Vancouver to Thetis Island (best: ferry + bus)

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

Connections from Vancouver: Gibsons (best: bus + ferry) · Hope (best: bus) · Port McNeill (best: ferry + bus + rental car) · Haida Gwaii (best: train + ferry)

Check out BC Bike Stops in Vancouver