Vancouver Island Bike and Ferry Loop

This is a three day, two night loop around the south of Vancouver Island. You could do it with a single overnight easily enough if you could coordinate the ferry rides.  It includes four ferry rides. The trip starts in Victoria on the assumption you would get there on the MV Coho from Port Angeles. You could start by taking the Washington State Ferry to Sidney from Anacortes just as easily, or even start in Vancouver BC. The actual riding distance is under 100 miles. Elevation gain is about 3000 feet, with only one big climb, on Salt Spring Island.

The main route north (about 65 miles) follows the Rotary Route (either option), and the part from Sidney to Victoria is on the Lochside Regional Trail and the Galloping Goose Trail. Salt Spring riding is on narrow surface streets. The Rotary Ride people say the shoulders are best if you ride south to north, so it’s best not to reverse the route.

The trip to camp on Newcastle Island in Nanaimo is optional, and the ferry to the park only runs in the summer. I have not worked out ferry schedules or places to camp yet.

Google map

Rotary Route PDF download

 

Ferries:

• Nanaimo – Tsawwassen ferry
• Tsawassen – Salt Spring ferry
• Brentwood Bay – Mill Bay ferry
• Salt Spring – Sidney ferry
• Port Angeles – Victoria ferry
• Anacortes to Sidney ferry

Rotary Route

(in case the PDF disappears):

Google Map (not adjusted to match Rotary Route)

Salt Spring Route

Google Map

Sidney to Victoria Route

Google Map

Bike Ride Day 1 Details