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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

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.
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 ahead of traffic.

*If you arrive late, you will board the vessel after the vehicle traffic.
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?
You will board the ferry ahead of vehicle traffic via the vehicle deck, where you can stow your gear during the sailing (limited bike racks are available on board the vessel). Cyclists will disembark ahead of traffic.

Important: For your safety, you must walk your bicycle when boarding and disembarking the vessel.
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.
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