Port Angeles and Victoria are strikingly different cities. Port Angeles is a small town filled with retirees, while Victoria is a world class city. It feels as if you’ve crossed the Atlantic to arrive in Europe when you sail into Victoria’s metropolitan harbor.

Get ready for a long wait as all of the walk on passengers will get to customs ahead of you with your bike. Once you get off, you are in the heart of Victoria, and I recommend spending at least one night so that you can visit this microcosm of Europe.

Leaving the city is not particularly attractive, and you will need to pay close attention to your map so as not to take the wrong route. Once you get out of town, however, there is a dedicated bike route for about two thirds of the route to Sidney.

If you are headed back to Seattle from Sidney, catch the ferry through the San Juan Islands to Anacortes and head to the Mt Vernon Amtrak station. Alternatively, you can ride north to Bellingham or south along Whidbey island the Mukilteo ferry crossing.

If you are continuing north on Vancouver island, continue riding north from Sidney until you get to Swartz bay, and cross to Salt Spring Island. There is also a short cut to Nanaimo if you cross at Brentwood bay. The ride is not nearly as scenic and you have the added challenge of finding a place to stay.