Day 6 - Victoria to Tsawassen - Ferry Good Times: Cycling the Salish Sea

June 3, 2025

Day 6 - Victoria to Tsawassen

Sunny Riding

Part 1 - to Schwartz Bay

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Today’s ride is short and flat, and, once we cross the first bridge on our way out of Victoria, almost all on bicycle trails or wide, traffic-separated bike lanes. It’s so enjoyable to ride in these conditions, and the weather is fantastic — in the low 60s, sunny, and the wind is at our back. It doesn’t get better than this!

We stop often to take pictures or just enjoy the views, and arrive at Schwartz Bay ferry a little after 1:00. I’ve gotten separated from Gen and Jim because we took separate roads into the port. Rich finds me, I call them, and we meet at the Lands End Cafe, a kind of fast food cafe that you might find in a food court at a mall. We have a few bites and then head down to get in line for our ferry.

The ferry ride itself seems quick. Gen and I spend time exploring the ship and taking pictures and videos, while Jim and Rich chill out in the passenger area. When we arrive at the dock, and while we’re waiting to disembark there’s a bit of drama. There’s something wrong with one of the huge ropes that hold the ferry in place at the dock — the one on the left is whipping about and the winch that pulls it tight is groaning loudly. It sounds like a bull elephant calling the alarm. The staff are convening and looking over the situation. After a while, someone loosens the rope on the right a little and that seems to align things better so they can tighten both ropes again. Finally, they open the gates and allow us to walk up the ramp to the exit.

View from the start of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail.

Old farmer Roy doesn’t look too happy about being leaned upon.

There’s quite a bit of farming going on in this coastal community.

The head of a sea serpent cresting the grass.

The workers changing shifts for the next ferry going to Vancouver.

View from the ferry as we glide between islands.

Part 2 - From the Ferry to Tsawassen Inn

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It’s a short, 4-mile ride from the ferry to the Tsawassen Inn. The hotel is very nice. Rich and I have a suite, with a small sitting room, separate washing and toilet areas, and an actual bedroom with king bed. This would be comfortable for a longer term stay, though we will be here only one night.

After getting situated and showered we go next door to the Social Club (I think that’s what it’s called) for dinner, which turns out to be surprisingly good.

Tomorrow we have another short ride to Blain, WA, which means we must cross the border into the US. I must say I have really enjoyed this brief visit in Canada.

Today's ride: 26 miles (42 km)
Total: 113 miles (182 km)

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