Three Ferries Ride : A Victoria Classic Ride

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Victoria, BC, British Columbia, CA

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Salty Beard Bikepacking

Giving you the DIRT on bikepacking routes

100 mi.

4,415 ft.

This is a classic Victoria area ride. Long enough for a great day on the bike. Just short enough to enjoy a few stops along the way. Too many places to mention. Tacos, Pastries, Coffee, Crepes... pick your vice and you'll find something along the way! Or camp at Ruckle Prov Park to make it a nice overnight trip.

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# The Three Ferries Ride: a Victoria area classic

If you're in the Victoria area this is a must-do ride, and yes as the name suggests you will enjoy three ferry rides to make this happen.  At almost 150km (with ferries) this is an all-day affair. Especially if you intend to stop along the way to sample some great food and fill up the storage on your camera.  There is no shortage of any of these commodities.

While there are many different versions of this ride, essentially they are all the same, with minor changes, especially once on Salt Spring Island.  Strong riders who are fast may decide to take a few detours up a few of mountaintops for great views. This ride can also be done counter-clockwise, however, I have found completing it clockwise works better for ferry times, allowing for a longer day if you wish.

There are so many bakeries, cafes, and roadside fruit stands along the way, I easily suggest three-dozen places to stop.  All of which would not dissapoint. I've included a number that I enjoy as POIs on the map.

**WHERE TO START?** Like many of my routes, I show them starting at the *"switch bridge"*  which is the junction of two major bike paths, the Galloping Goose and Lochside Trail.  However, you can launch from just about anywhere you desire.

To give youself ample time to complete this loop, I would suggest you rise early to catch the 1st or 2nd Brentwood bay sailiing to Mill Bay. Don't be suprised if you see large peletons going in either direction of this entire route.  Local clubs & teams train along this route.

**AS A BIKEPACKING TRIP?**  While Salt Spring is an amazing island, there isn't much camping oportinites. You have two choices.  [Ruckle Point Provincial Park](https://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/ruckle/) is quite an amazing spot, and had a no-turn away policy for hikers/cyclists.  Many of the waterfront spots are first come first server. However, there are a number of sites you can reserve in advanbce.  The other campground is the privatly owned [Mowhinna Creek Campround. ](https://mowhinnacreekcampground.com) which has tening, and a few little cabins too.

**HIGHLIGHTS:**  
**@point[Cowichan Bay:](d,101760.58)** there is a string of eateries, and coffee shops. Take the time to climb up @point[viewing tower](d,101133.85) at the north just past all the shops, this will provide a wonderful view of the inlet. 
**@point[Gangese](d,53610.83):** This is the main settlemenet on the island and home to the Saturday Farmer's market.  The harbour front is full of food trucks and coffee shops. If you haven't been here before, make sure you do a few laps to see all the great places to eat or see. **@poi[Mt Maxwell Prov Park:](47811282)** Need a hill workout, or time to ride.  Test your resolve and climb up for a great view. As you climb out of Gangese, and right across from Mowhinna Creek Campground, keep an eye out for the Mt. Maxwell sign turnoff onto Cranberry Rd.  After climbing for a few kilometers, turn up (left) onto Mt. Maxwell Rd, and settle in for the climb.  The views are well worth it.  **@poi[Mt. Tuam:](47811283)** So you have MORE in your legs?  This detour will require you to ride south of Fulford Harbour (ferry) and up Musgrave Rd to access Mt. Tuam Rd.

**FERRY INFORMATION**
* Brentwood Bay Ferry Schedule: [here](https://www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/schedules/seasonal/BTW-MIL)
* Crofton Ferry Schedule: [here](https://www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/schedules/daily/VES-CFT#ReturnSchedule)
* Fulford Harbour Ferry Schedule: [here](https://www.bcferries.com/routes-fares/schedules/daily/SWB-FUL#ReturnSchedule)

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Three Ferries Ride : A Victoria Classic Ride

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