Although this route wends its way about a
bit and is not as direct as the Highway it is also far less busy and more
enjoyable that the alternative (Highway 1, the trans Canada)
Small hill out of the ferry terminal at
Brentwood but then mostly flat all the way to Swartz Bay ferry terminal. For much of the route on the Saanich
peninsula you are following old railway lines (Wallace Dr and Lochside)
Catch ferry to Fulford Harbour on
Saltspring. There are two ways
across this part of Saltspring, the lower (still has some hills) way is along
the Fulford Ganges Rd. or the way shown here, which is higher and steeper but
much less traffic. (Note your ferry fair also includes getting off the island
also note that if you want to overnight it there is a fantastic campsite at
Ruckle Prov. Park, walk in sites only and all along the water in open meadows.)
If you are in a hurry and can get between
Fulford and Vesuvius in an hour you should connect nicely with the ferry to
Crofton, otherwise take your time and enjoy all that Saltspring has to offer
Crofton to Ladysmith via Chemainus is quite
straightforward. Going north,
there is a good shoulder to ride on between Chemainus and Ladysmith but the
roads are not busy anyway and there are nice ocean glimpses along the way. Just south of Ladysmith you can follow
the Trans Canada Trail for a bit, although it’s better to just cycle through
town. (You can also cycle the
highway, busy but the speed limit through town is lower than outside town
limits)
North of town you have no choice but to
cycle the highway for a couple of kms till you get to Brenton Page Road
Cycling through the Cedar area is very
pleasant for the most part, some hills, lots of flat sections and there is
always the Crow and Gate pub for a great pint and lunch (Watch for signs, the
pub is a couple of k down the yellow pint road, not directly on this route but
well worth a visit.
Once in Nanaimo there are many options,
there is a bypass route that follows the main highway up the hill (cycle path),
or head into town on the old highway, or follow the route given on this map
which hooks up to a cycle route that follows the railway out of town. (To go to the ferry terminal, just ignore the railway section and head along Stuart Ave. to Departure Bay Ferry Terminal.) North of Nanaimo you are stuck with the Highway till Parksville.  At Parksville you can follow the old island highway along the coast, also great camping at Parksville (Rathtrevor Beach Prov. Park).  For points north, just follow the old coastal Island Highway.
