Travel tips for cyclists

Check in with a ticket agent at the foot passenger entrance. You will then board the ferry via the vehicle deck, where you will be able to securely stow your gear during the sailing. If your departure terminal does not have a ticket agent or foot passenger entrance, board the ferry at the direction of the crew. There is no fee for your bicycle.

  • Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
  • Pay standard foot passenger fare.
  • Check in through the vehicle ticket booth or foot passenger ticket booth as directed at the terminal.  
  • Follow designated bike routes to the waiting area, or as directed by the crew.
  • Priority boarding – bikes load prior to vehicles, late arrivals will remain at the back of the deck.
  • Be sure to walk your bike on the ramp to board the vessel.
  • Limited bike racks are available at the terminal and on board vessels.
  • Bikes are to remain on the main car deck at all times.
  • Take all personal belongings with you.
  • Bikes at the front of the vessel disembark prior to traffic, if you are late you will disembark last.
  • Do not disembark without your bike – this causes a person overboard response.

Follow these rules of the road

Stay safe by following these rules: 

  • Get acquainted with traffic laws; cyclists must follow the same rules as motorists.
  • Ride single-file in the direction of traffic.
  • Remain alert, keep your head up and look around; watch for opening car doors and other hazards.
  • Use hand signals when turning and use extra care at intersections.
  • Never hitch onto cars.
  • Before entering traffic, stop and look left, right, left again and over your shoulder.

Frequently asked questions

Travelling with your bicycle FAQs
Is there an extra fee for bringing my bike on the ferry?
There is no extra fee for your bike. It is included in your foot passenger fare.

Do I need to make a reservation for my bike?
Cyclists are not required to make a reservation. However, if you wish to book in advance, you can make a foot passenger reservation. Please note, foot passenger reservations are non-refundable. Changes can be made up to 2 hours before the scheduled sailing.
 
Where do I check in?
Cyclists are to follow posted signage upon arriving at the terminal to check in either at a vehicle booth or foot passenger entrance. Ticket agents will provide directions to the designated bike route through the terminal. Please select your departure and arrival terminal from the above list of Terminal specific information for more detailed instructions.

How early should I check in?
Cyclists are to check in between 60 to 30 minutes ahead of the scheduled departure, to allow sufficient time to navigate to the berth waiting area. Cyclists board and disembark the vessel as directed by a crew member.

Are there bike racks at the terminal?
Some terminals have bike racks at the berth waiting areas. Please check the amenities page specific to the terminal(s) you are travelling through. We recommend you always lock your bike and do not leave belongings unattended. Limited bike racks are available on board the vessel.

What is the process for boarding and disembarking with a bike?
A BC Ferries crew member will advise you when to board the ferry. You will board from the vehicle deck, where you can stow your gear during the sailing (limited bike racks are available on board the ferry). Dismount and walk your bike on and off the ferry.

Can I stay with my bike on the main car deck? Per Transport Canada safety regulations, passengers loaded on enclosed lower decks are required to leave their vehicle/bike during the sailing.

You can find the regulation in Section 152 of the Cargo, Tackle and Fumigation Regulations under the Canada Shipping Act. For more information, visit tc.gc.ca

Which ferries does Transport Canada’s regulation apply to?
  • Spirit of British Columbia
  • Spirit of Vancouver Island
  • Coastal Renaissance
  • Coastal Inspiration
  • Coastal Celebration
  • Queen of Alberni
  • Queen of Coquitlam (while operating on Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay route)
  • Queen of Cowichan (while operating on the Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay route)
  • Queen of New Westminster
  • Queen of Oak Bay (if operating on Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay route)
  • Salish Orca
  • Salish Eagle
  • Salish Raven
  • Northern Expedition
  • Northern Adventure
  • Northern Sea Wolf (Not currently in operation)

Which routes does Transport Canada’s regulation apply to?
  • Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Victoria (Swartz Bay)
  • Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Nanaimo (Duke Point)
  • Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) – Nanaimo (Departure Bay)
  • Powell River (Westview) – Comox (Little River)
  • Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Southern Gulf Islands

Do you offer EV charging stations for bikes?
We are not equipped for EV charging stations at this time.

Terminal specific information for cyclists

Metro Vancouver
Tsawwassen (Vancouver)

Cyclists arriving at Tsawwassen terminal:

1. Use the designated bike lane on the causeway to approach the terminal.
2. Check in at vehicle booth 5 on the left side. If closed, go to the nearest open booth.
3. Follow lane 19 towards the berths and directional signs to the berth number printed on your ticket.
4. When instructed by a crew member, walk your bike onto the ferry.

Limited bike racks are available at berth #5

Cyclists exiting Tsawwassen terminal:
1. When instructed by a crew member, walk your bike off the ferry.
2. Follow exit signs and designated bike lane to the south, towards Berth 1.
3. Follow the exit bike lane.

Horseshoe Bay

Cyclists arriving to Horseshoe Bay terminal:

1. Check in at the foot passenger ticket booth.
2. Dismount and walk your bike through the plaza towards the ticket booth.
3. You will be issued your boarding pass along with a gate code to gain access to the terminal.
4. Proceed around the left side of the building, use the crosswalk to cross the street, then turn right and enter your gate code at the black gate.
5. Upon entering the terminal, dismount and walk your bike to your assigned berth number.
6. When instructed by a crew member, walk your bike onto the ferry.

Cyclists exiting Horseshoe Bay terminal:

1. Exit the terminal by following the same path outlined above.
2. Dismount and walk your bike through the terminal to the street exit.

Swartz Bay

Cyclists arriving to Swartz Bay terminal:

1. Approach the terminal via Dolphin Road bike path.
2. Stop at the stop sign and wait for the next available ticket booth.
3. Receive your boarding pass and berth number information at the booth.
4. Enter the terminal and follow the bike lane on the right.
5. Continue to the bottom of the terminal by following the bike path around "Lands End".
6. Dismount at the Pet Area and walk your bike to your assigned berth.
7. Exercise caution due to heavy traffic around ferrys loading and unloading; follow crew directions.
8. When instructed by a crew member, walk your bike onto the ferry.

Bike racks are available at the “Lands End” building as well as the shelter at the berth area.

Cyclists exiting Swartz Bay terminal:

1. When instructed, walk your bike off of the ferry.
2. Follow the Exit signs to the bike lane on the left. Exit the terminal by following the same path outlined above.
3. If exiting the terminal on the last sailing of the night vehicle booths will be closed, you will need to exit following the foot passenger path to the arrivals area.
4. Go up the elevator and exit from the upper parking lot. From here is a connection to the Lochside Trail.

Departure Bay

Cyclists arriving to Departure Bay terminal:

1. Check in at the foot passenger ticket booth.
2. Follow signs to the passenger drop-off area.
3. Dismount and walk your bike at the crosswalk near the bus stop.
4. Use the bike racks outside the Departures building.
5. Enter the Departures building to obtain your boarding pass.
6. Exit the Departures building, turning left, and follow the path to the terminal gate.
7. At the gate, press the intercom button, and show your boarding pass to the camera for access.
8. Follow the shared pedestrian/bike path to the berth waiting area.
9. When instructed by a crew member, walk your bike onto the ferry.

Bike racks are available outside the departures building.

Cyclists exiting Departure Bay terminal:

1. When instructed, walk your bike off the ferry.
2. Exiting the terminal follows the same path as noted above.

Duke Point

Cyclists arriving to Duke Point terminal:

1. Check in at the foot passenger ticket booth.
2. Follow signs to the passenger drop-off area.
3. Use the bike racks outside the departures building.
4. Enter the departures building to obtain your boarding pass.
5. Exit the departures building to the left and proceed to the terminal gate.
6. Press the intercom button and show your boarding pass to the camera at the gate for access.
7. Walk your bike down the bike path to the berth waiting area.
8. When instructed by a crew member, walk your bike onto the ferry.

Bike racks are available outside the departures building.

Cyclists exiting Duke Point terminal:

1. When instructed, walk your bike off the ferry.
2. Exiting the terminal following the same path as noted above.

Langdale

Cyclists arriving to Langdale terminal:

1. Follow signs to the passenger drop-off area.
2. Enter the terminal at the luggage drop-off point.
3. Dismount and walk your bike along the pedestrian walkway to the berth.
4. Find the waiting room on the right at the walkway's end.
5. When instructed by a crew member, walk your bike onto the ferry.

Cyclists exiting Langdale terminal:

1. When instructed, walk your bike off the ferry.
2. Continue to the foot passenger exit walkway.

Southern Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island
Fulford Harbour

Cyclists arriving to Fulford Harbour terminal:

1. Approach the terminal cautiously due to limited shoulder and no bike lane on public roads. Watch out for hidden driveways.
2. Upon reaching the terminal, dismount and walk your bike along the foot passenger path located to the left of the terminal, leading to the berth waiting area.
3. When instructed by a crew member, walk your bike onto the ferry.
Bike racks are available outside of the waiting room.

Cyclists exiting Fulford Harbour terminal:

1. When instructed, walk your bike off the ferry.
2. Continue to walk your bike along the foot passenger exit walkway.
3. We strongly recommend waiting till all traffic has disembarked before going onto the road.
Exercise caution on public roads with limited shoulder and no bike lane when exiting the terminal.

Long Harbour

Cyclists arriving to Long Harbour terminal:

1. Exercise caution on public roads with limited shoulder and no bike lane when approaching the terminal.
2. Follow signs to the passenger drop-off area at the terminal.
3. Dismount and walk your bike across the street to the terminal building.
4. Use the bike racks located outside the terminal building.
5. Obtain your boarding pass inside the terminal building.
6. When instructed by a crew member, walk your bike onto the ferry.

Bike racks are available outside of the terminal building.

Cyclists exiting Long Harbour terminal:

1. When instructed, walk your bike off the ferry.
2. Continue to walk your bike up the ramp to the roadway.
3. We strongly recommend waiting till all traffic has disembarked before going onto the road.

Exercise caution on public roads with limited shoulder and no bike lane when exiting the terminal

Vesuvius

Cyclists arriving to Vesuvius terminal:

1. Exercise caution due to limited shoulder and no bike lane on public roads when reaching the terminal.
2. Watch out for hidden driveways.
3. Follow foot passenger signs and stay left upon arriving at the terminal.
4. Dismount at the booth and walk your bike down the trestle to the berth waiting area.
5. When instructed by a crew member, walk your bike onto the ferry.

Cyclists exiting Vesuvius terminal:

1. When instructed, walk your bike off the ferry.
2. Continue to walk your bike up the ramp following the foot passenger exit walkway.
3. We strongly recommend waiting till all traffic has disembarked before going onto the road.
Exercise caution on public roads with limited shoulder and no bike lane when exiting the terminal.

Saturna

Cyclists arriving to Lyall Harbour terminal:

1. Exercise caution on public roads with limited shoulder and no bike lane when approaching the terminal.

2. Look for the terminal attendant in the orange hard hat and safety gear to purchase your ticket, if necessary. 3. Wait with your bicycle on the government dock, out of the way of traffic.
4. When instructed by a crew member, walk your bike onto the ferry.

Cyclists exiting Lyall Harbour terminal:

1. When instructed, walk your bike off the ferry.
2. Continue to walk your bike up the roadway.
3. We strongly recommend waiting till all traffic has disembarked.

Exercise caution on public roads with limited shoulder and no bike lane when exiting the terminal.

Mayne

Cyclists arriving to Village Bay terminal:

1. Exercise caution on public roads with limited shoulder and no bike lane when approaching the terminal.
2. Follow signs to the cyclist and passenger side of the main ticket booth using the sidewalk provided
3. Check in with the Ticket Agent, and obtain boarding pass, listen to their directions to the berths.
4. A) Dismount and walk your bike to the berths using the passenger walkway, OR
4. B) If instructed by the Ticket Agent walk your bike down lane 10 to berth 2
5. A) Using passenger walkway, park bikes in between the 2 berths until directed to load, OR
5. B) If instructed to use lane 10, please park bikes near lane 11 on the outside of the median until direct to load
6. When instructed by a crew member, walk your bike onto the ferry.

Bike racks are available at the top of the hill inside the terminal near the entrance.

Cyclists exiting Village Bay terminal:

1. When instructed, walk your bike off the ferry
2. Walk your bike up the covered passenger walkway and continue using the marked crosswalk until exiting the terminal, OR
3. If directed by terminal staff, exit the ferry using the vehicle exit, keep to your left and walk your bikes up Lane 10, use the front gate to exit.
Exercise caution on public roads with limited shoulder and no bike lane when exiting the terminal.

Otter Bay

Cyclists arriving to Otter Bay terminal:

1. Exercise caution on public roads with limited shoulder and no bike lane when approaching the terminal.
2. Approach vehicle ticket window, stop, and state your destination. Pay if applicable. (Sunday and Holiday Monday when the foot booth is open, you will be directed to the alternate foot booth)
3. Use the bike racks in the parking lot if you wish to leave your bike on property and walk on board.
4. You are welcome to ride your bike down Lane 5. Dismount your bicycle when you get to the white fence and walk from there for everyone’s safety. There is a bike rack by the flagpole in gravel area for storing before the ferry departs.
5. When instructed by a crew member, walk your bike onto the ferry.

Bike racks are available in the short term parking area.

Cyclists exiting Otter Bay terminal:

1. When instructed, walk your bike off the ferry.
2. Continue to walk your bike up the ramp to the safe walking route. Cyclists are not to exit the terminal via the exit lane both for safety and it slows down the offload of vehicles. E bikes are heavy and you are welcome to ride your bike up the safe walking area near lane 5 using caution and continue up the safe walking route.
3. We strongly recommend waiting till all traffic has disembarked before going onto the road.

Exercise caution on public roads with limited shoulder and no bike lane when exiting the terminal.

Sturdies Bay

Cyclists arriving to Sturdies Bay terminal:

1. Exercise caution on public roads with limited shoulder and no bike lane when approaching the terminal.
2. Follow signs to the passenger side of the ticket booth.
3. Purchase your ticket on the left hand (foot passenger side) of the ticket booth.
4. There are bike racks at the bottom of the lot on the left.
5. There is a bike marshalling area at the end of the dock on the right hand side. Please wait there prior to boarding.
6. When instructed by a crew member, walk your bike onto the ferry.

Cyclists exiting Sturdies Bay terminal:

1. When instructed, walk your bike off the ferry.
2. We strongly encourage you to wait on the dock until all traffic has disembarked.
 
Northern Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island
Little River Terminal

Cyclists arriving to Little River terminal:

1. Exercise caution – Traffic is entering and exiting two parking lots.
2. Do not use the vehicle traffic lane when arriving come into the pay parking lot.
3. Cyclist’s buy tickets at the foot passenger ticket window at the front of the booth.
4. Make your way down to the ship after purchasing your ticket using the same crosswalk and walking towards the waiting room with the blue roof along the safe walking path.
5. When instructed by a crew member, walk your bike onto the ferry.

Cyclists exiting Little River terminal:

1. When instructed, walk your bike off the ferry.
2. We strongly encourage you to wait on the dock until all traffic has disembarked.

Westview

Cyclists arriving to Westview terminal:

1. Check in at the foot passenger ticket booth on Willingdon Ave.
2. After purchasing a ticket proceed south on Willingdon along the sidewalk until Warf St.
3. Turn Right (west) on Warf St. and follow the sidewalk down onto the trestle until you reach the foot passenger waiting area.
4. Wait at the foot passenger gate until directed onto the ramp to board the ferry.
5. Please walk bicycles whenever boarding or disembarking via our ramps.

Cyclists exiting Westview terminal:

1. When instructed, walk your bike off the ferry.
2. Walk your bike up the Warf St. sidewalk before resuming your ride on Willingdon Ave.

Saltery Bay

Cyclists arriving to Saltery Bay terminal:

1. Check in at the foot passenger ticket agent booth accessible via the breezeway doors on either side of the ticket booth.
2. After purchasing a ticket walk your bike south-east down the covered walkway and across the crosswalk to the foot passenger waiting area.
3. Wait at the foot passenger gate until directed onto the ramp to board the ferry.
4. Please walk bicycles whenever boarding or disembarking via our ramps.

Cyclists exiting Saltery Bay terminal:

1. When instructed, walk your bike off the ferry.
2. Walk your bike up the covered foot passenger walkway and resume riding at Jenkinson Rd.
3. Recommend you wait for vehicle discharge to end at the lower crosswalk and resume riding directly onto the highway shoulder.

Earls Cove

Cyclists arriving to Earls Cove terminal:

1. No ticket purchase is required at Earls Cove. However, if a crew member is stationed at the entrance of the terminal please check in with them for directions to the lower lot.
2. If no crew member is present at the terminal’s entrance, proceed down the right hand shoulder towards the amenities building (blue roof).
3. Turn right at the amenities building to travel around the public parking to the foot passenger shelter.
4. Wait at the foot passenger shelter until directed onto the ramp to board the ferry.
5. Please walk bicycles whenever boarding or disembarking via our ramps.

Cyclists exiting Earls Cove terminal:

1. When instructed, walk your bike off the ferry.
2. Stay to the right towards the ‘crew only’ area and the food truck.
3. When safe to do so continue to ride directly along the highway shoulder.

Campbell River

Cyclists arriving at the Campbell River Terminal:

1. Enter through the fence behind the admin building and proceed to the back ticket booth window to purchase tickets. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased at the kiosk in the waiting room.
2. Cyclist’s walk their bicycles from the ticket booth, down the designated safe walking path, toward the foot passenger walkway.
3. Cyclist’s walk their bicycles on board the ferry amidst the other foot passengers.

One bike rack are available beside the ticket booth, along the fence (ocean side)

Cyclists exiting Campbell River terminal:

1. When instructed, walk your bike off the ferry.
2. Use the passenger exit walkway, which will take you to South Island Highway.

Little River

Cyclists arriving at the Little River Terminal:

*Use caution: Cross traffic is entering/exiting the terminal from multiple directions.

1. Do not use the vehicle traffic lane when arriving come into the pay parking lot.
2. Cyclist’s buy their tickets at the foot passenger ticket window at the front of the booth.
3. Use the crosswalk beside the ticket booth and come to the front of the booth.
4. Make your way down to the ship after purchasing your ticket using the same crosswalk and walking towards the waiting room with the blue roof along the safe walking path.
5. You will load with the foot passenger’s traffic onto the ship.
Bike racks are available beside the ticket booth near the parking lot.

Cyclists exiting Little River terminal:

1. When instructed, walk your bike off the ferry.
2. Continue to walk your bike off the ramp.
3. Walking your bike follow the foot passenger exit walkway to the parking lot.

Buckley Bay

Cyclists arriving at the Buckley Bay Terminal:

*Use caution: Cross traffic is entering/exiting the terminal from multiple directions.

1. Do not use the vehicle traffic lane when arriving- come to the front window of the main ticket booth. (Unless the main booth is closed and you are directed by staff to go to the 2nd booth.)
2. Cyclist’s buy their tickets at the foot passenger ticket window at the front window of the booth.
3. Approach the front of the booth with caution & courtesy to others; walk your bike, do not ride it.
4. Make your way down to the ship after purchasing your ticket, using the sidewalk down the side of the booth and walking towards the waiting room along the safe walking routes on either side of the terminal.
5. You will load first with the foot passenger traffic onto the ship, walking your bike. If you arrive after loading has started, you will wait at the top of the ramp until directed to walk your bike down onto the ferry.

*Bike racks are available in front of the main booth and the waiting room.
* Sailing cut off is 3 min prior to scheduled sailing time…. if you arrive after cut off, you will be sold a ticket for the following sailing.

Cyclists exiting Buckley Bay terminal:

1. Once instructed by ship’s crew, you’ll walk your bike off the ferry and up the ramp, do not ride.
2. Still walking your bike, follow the foot passenger exit walkway on either side of the terminal until you have exited the terminal above the booth. Use caution when exiting up near ticket booth.

Denman West Terminal

Cyclists arriving to Denman West terminal:

1. Exercise caution due to limited shoulder and limited bike lane on public roads when reaching the terminal.
2. Watch out for hidden driveways.
3. Follow foot passenger signs and stay right upon arriving at the terminal.
4. Dismount and walk your bike to the berth and waiting area.
5. When instructed by a crew member, walk your bike down the trestle and onto the ferry.

Cyclists exiting Denman West terminal:

1. When instructed, walk your bike off the ferry.
2. Continue to walk your bike up the ramp and exit on the right side of the terminal.

Gravelly Bay Terminal (Denman East)

Cyclists arriving to Gravelly Bay terminal:

1. Exercise caution due to limited shoulder and limited bike lane on public roads when reaching the terminal.
2. Watch out for hidden driveways.
3. Follow foot passenger signs and stay right upon arriving at the terminal.
4. Dismount and walk your bike down to the berth and waiting area.
5. When instructed by a crew member, walk your bike onto the ferry.

Cyclists exiting Gravelly terminal:

1. When instructed, walk your bike off the ferry.
2. Continue to walk your bike up the ramp and exit on the left side of the terminal.

Shingle Spit Terminal (Hornby Island)

Cyclists arriving to Shingle Spit terminal:

1. Exercise caution due to limited shoulder and limited bike lane on public roads when reaching the terminal.
2. Watch out for hidden driveways.
3. Follow foot passenger signs and stay right upon arriving at the terminal.
4. Dismount and walk your bike down the trestle to the berth waiting area.
5. When instructed by a crew member, walk your bike onto the ferry.

Cyclists exiting Shingle Spit terminal:

1. When instructed, walk your bike off the ferry.
2. Continue to walk your bike up the ramp and exit on the left side of the terminal.

Whale Town Terminal (Cortes Island)

Cyclists arriving to Whale Town terminal:

1. Exercise caution due to limited shoulder and limited bike lane on public roads when reaching the terminal.
2. Watch out for hidden driveways.
3. Follow foot passenger signs and stay left upon arriving at the terminal.
4. Dismount and walk your bike down the trestle.
5. When instructed by a crew member, walk your bike onto the ferry.

Cyclists exiting Whale Town terminal:

1. When instructed, walk your bike off the ferry.
2. Continue to walk your bike up the ramp and exit through the right side of the terminal.

Quathiaski Cove Terminal (Quadra)

Cyclists arriving at Quathiaski Cove terminal:

1. Exercise caution when approaching the terminal and be cautious of traffic turning into the pay parking lot on the right hand side.
2. Dismount and walk your bike down the trestle.
3. When instructed by a crew member, walk your bike onto the ferry.

Cyclists exiting Quathiaski terminal:

1. When instructed, walk your bike off the ferry.
2. Continue to walk your bike up the ramp/trestle following the foot passenger exit walkway.

Heriot Bay Terminal (Quadra)

Cyclists arriving at Heriot Bay terminal:

1. Exercise caution due to limited shoulder and no bike lane on public roads when reaching the terminal.
2. Dismount and walk your bike down the trestle.
3. When instructed by a crew member, walk your bike onto the ferry.

Cyclists exiting Heriot Bay terminal:

1. When instructed, walk your bike off the ferry.
2. Continue to walk your bike up the ramp/trestle following the foot passenger exit walkway.
 
Very weak Weak Medium Strong Very strong password.strength.unsafepwd Too short Use %d - %m characters with a mix of any 3 [upper case letters, lower case letters, numbers & symbols] 8 32 Password must be more than eight characters and contain a mix of any three of the following: upper case letters, numbers and symbols. Password must be less than 32 characters and contain a mix of any three of the following: upper case letters, numbers and symbols. Enter current password Enter valid email address Password not valid Select account type Enter first name Enter last name Confirm Email Not Valid Password must be more than eight characters and contain a mix of any three of the following: upper case letters, numbers and symbols. Passwords do not match Enter valid postal/zip code Loading... Please wait... Stores loaded View schedule from View sailing status from Discover our routes from to