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 Vernon to Thetis Island.

For scale
As the crow flies348 km
Biking whole way548 km Β· 35 h 34 m
By car566 km Β· 7 h 55 m

We found seven 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 · seven legs
A transport smorgasbord: coach buses, SkyTrain, ferries, and city buses.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚌EbusKamloops – Kelowna (via Salmon Arm)or Ebus (Kelowna/Salmon Arm – Golden)Downtown Exchange (Vernon) β†’Kelowna (Orchard Park Mall)46 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
🚌EbusVancouver – KelownaKelowna (Orchard Park Mall) β†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)331 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkPacific Central Station (Vancouver) β†’Vancouver Canada PlaceRoll on, free β€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚲Travel 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.
⛴️HulloHullo (Nanaimo – Vancouver)CXH (Vancouver) β†’Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way)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
🚲Travel the short hop from Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way) to Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch, about 1.4 km. If pedalling it doesn't appeal, A.C. Taxi, Yellow Cab Nanaimo might help.
🚎BC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan ExpressBay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch β†’Duncan46 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 Transit6 Crofton-ChemainusDuncan β†’Chemainus20 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 FerriesChemainus – Thetis – PenelakutChemainus β†’Preedy Harbour (Thetis Island)6.7 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚲You arrive at Preedy Harbour (Thetis Island).
Option two · seven legs
The same idea as Option one, on different routes.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚌EbusKamloops – Kelowna (via Salmon Arm)Downtown Exchange (Vernon) β†’Kamloops142 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
🚌EbusVancouver – KamloopsKamloops β†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)301 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkPacific Central Station (Vancouver) β†’Vancouver Canada PlaceRoll on, free β€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚲Travel the short hop from Vancouver Canada Place to CXH (Vancouver), about 0.8 km.
⛴️HulloHullo (Nanaimo – Vancouver)CXH (Vancouver) β†’Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way)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
🚲Travel the short hop from Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way) to Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch, about 1.4 km.
🚎BC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan ExpressBay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch β†’Duncan46 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 Transit6 Crofton-ChemainusDuncan β†’Chemainus20 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 FerriesChemainus – Thetis – PenelakutChemainus β†’Preedy Harbour (Thetis Island)6.7 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚲You arrive at Preedy Harbour (Thetis Island).
Option three · seven legs
Another way: the same idea as Option one, on different routes.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚌EbusKamloops – Kelowna (via Salmon Arm)Downtown Exchange (Vernon) β†’Sorrento76 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
🚌EbusVancouver – Calgary (Hwy 1)or Rider Express (Vancouver – Calgary (Hwy 1))Sorrento β†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)369 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
Runs the same Highway 1 corridor as Rider Express, so compare schedules and fares.
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkPacific Central Station (Vancouver) β†’Vancouver Canada PlaceRoll on, free β€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚲Travel the short hop from Vancouver Canada Place to CXH (Vancouver), about 0.8 km.
⛴️HulloHullo (Nanaimo – Vancouver)CXH (Vancouver) β†’Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way)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
🚲Travel the short hop from Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way) to Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch, about 1.4 km.
🚎BC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan ExpressBay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch β†’Duncan46 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 Transit6 Crofton-ChemainusDuncan β†’Chemainus20 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 FerriesChemainus – Thetis – PenelakutChemainus β†’Preedy Harbour (Thetis Island)6.7 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚲You arrive at Preedy Harbour (Thetis Island).
Option four · seven legs
Another way: the same idea as Option one, on different routes.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚌EbusKelowna/Salmon Arm – GoldenDowntown Exchange (Vernon) β†’Hudson Ave NE & 6 St NE (Salmon Arm)52 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
🚌EbusVancouver – Calgary (Hwy 1)or Rider Express (Vancouver – Calgary (Hwy 1))Hudson Ave NE & 6 St NE (Salmon Arm) β†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)393 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
Runs the same Highway 1 corridor as Rider Express, so compare schedules and fares.
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkPacific Central Station (Vancouver) β†’Vancouver Canada PlaceRoll on, free β€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚲Travel the short hop from Vancouver Canada Place to CXH (Vancouver), about 0.8 km.
⛴️HulloHullo (Nanaimo – Vancouver)CXH (Vancouver) β†’Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way)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
🚲Travel the short hop from Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way) to Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch, about 1.4 km.
🚎BC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan ExpressBay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch β†’Duncan46 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 Transit6 Crofton-ChemainusDuncan β†’Chemainus20 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 FerriesChemainus – Thetis – PenelakutChemainus β†’Preedy Harbour (Thetis Island)6.7 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚲You arrive at Preedy Harbour (Thetis Island).
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Option five · eight legs
The coach takes care of the long stretch.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚎BC Transit90 UBCO/VernonDowntown Exchange (Vernon) β†’UBCO Exchange (Kelowna)38 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 Transit97 OkanaganUBCO Exchange (Kelowna) β†’Kelowna (Orchard Park Mall)9.3 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
🚌EbusVancouver – KelownaKelowna (Orchard Park Mall) β†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)331 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkPacific Central Station (Vancouver) β†’Vancouver Canada PlaceRoll on, free β€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚲Travel the short hop from Vancouver Canada Place to CXH (Vancouver), about 0.8 km.
⛴️HulloHullo (Nanaimo – Vancouver)CXH (Vancouver) β†’Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way)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
🚲Travel the short hop from Hullo Nanaimo Terminal (Port Way) to Bay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch, about 1.4 km.
🚎BC Transit70 NCX Nanaimo - Cowichan ExpressBay D at Downtown Nanaimo Exch β†’Duncan46 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 Transit6 Crofton-ChemainusDuncan β†’Chemainus20 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 FerriesChemainus – Thetis – PenelakutChemainus β†’Preedy Harbour (Thetis Island)6.7 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚲You arrive at Preedy Harbour (Thetis Island).
Option six · seven legs
Beautiful BC from a coach window.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚎BC Transit90 UBCO/VernonDowntown Exchange (Vernon) β†’UBCO Exchange (Kelowna)38 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 Transit97 OkanaganUBCO Exchange (Kelowna) β†’Kelowna (Orchard Park Mall)9.3 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
🚌EbusVancouver – KelownaKelowna (Orchard Park Mall) β†’Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)331 kmRides in the hold β€” bagged or cloth-wrapped (no plastic), or boxed$30 per bike
🚌Wilson's Transportation (BC Connector)BC Ferries Connector β€” Vancouver / VictoriaPacific Central Station (Vancouver) β†’Douglas St at Pandora Ave (Victoria)103 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.
🚲Travel 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.
🚎BC Transit66 CVX Cowichan - Victoria ExpressLegislature Exch (Belleville St) Bay G (Victoria) β†’Duncan54 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 Transit6 Crofton-ChemainusDuncan β†’Chemainus20 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 FerriesChemainus – Thetis – PenelakutChemainus β†’Preedy Harbour (Thetis Island)6.7 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚲You arrive at Preedy Harbour (Thetis Island).
Option seven · eight legs✈ the splurge
A lot of connections, but it gets you there.
CarrierRideYour bike
🚎BC Transit90 UBCO/VernonDowntown Exchange (Vernon) β†’UBCO Exchange (Kelowna)38 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 Transit23 Lake CountryUBCO Exchange (Kelowna) β†’Kelowna Airport2.2 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
✈️Air CanadaVancouver (YVR) – Kelowna (YLW)Kelowna Airport β†’Vancouver Airport (YVR) (Richmond)288 kmBox or sturdy bag requiredBook ahead for your bikeAbout $50 per directionNo e-bikes
🚝SkyTrainTransLinkVancouver Airport (YVR) (Richmond) β†’Vancouver Canada PlaceRoll on, free β€” 2 bikes per carAvoid rush hourE-bikes OK
🚲Travel the short hop from Vancouver Canada Place to CXH (Vancouver), about 0.8 km.
πŸ›©οΈHarbour AirVancouver Harbour – Victoria HarbourCXH (Vancouver) β†’Victoria Belleville Terminal98 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
🚲Travel the short hop from Victoria Belleville Terminal to Legislature Exch (Belleville St) Bay G (Victoria), about 0.7 km.
🚎BC Transit66 CVX Cowichan - Victoria ExpressLegislature Exch (Belleville St) Bay G (Victoria) β†’Duncan54 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 Transit6 Crofton-ChemainusDuncan β†’Chemainus20 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 FerriesChemainus – Thetis – PenelakutChemainus β†’Preedy Harbour (Thetis Island)6.7 kmRoll on, free β€” no reservation neededE-bikes OK β€” no charging on board
🚲You arrive at Preedy Harbour (Thetis Island).
Route facts last checked October 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: Thetis Island to Vernon (best: ferry + bus + SkyTrain)

Connections from Vernon: Enderby (best: bus) · Chilliwack (best: bus) · Salt Spring Island (best: bus + SkyTrain + ferry) · Whitehorse, YT (best: bus + plane)

Connections from Thetis Island: Mayne Island (best: ferry + bus) · Langford (best: ferry + bus) · Coquitlam (best: ferry + bus + SkyTrain) · Port Hardy (best: ferry + bus + rental car)

Check out BC Bike Stops in Vernon