With over 100 km (62 mi) of designated bikeways throughout the city, Vancouver is a cycle-friendly destination. Whether you prefer a park, urban forest, river or lake setting, Vancouver has a route for you.
Since 1990, the city has constructed 16 bikeways that connect to form an impressive cycling network. More are currently in the planning stage.
Perhaps Vancouver's most irresistible cycling tour is along the Seaside Bicycle Route. Approximately 29 km (18 mi) long each way, the path extends from Spanish Bank near the University of British Columbia, through the West End's Stanley Park and on to Coal Harbour, with its luxurious sailboats and yachts.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Bicycles are permitted on many transit services
- Rentals available from several locations around the city
A word or two on safety:
- Bicycle helmets are mandatory in BC
- Lights are required at night
- Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers
- Obey posted signs and keep to designated trails
Stanley Park Seawall
Located just minutes from downtown Vancouver in the city's West End,
Stanley Park is an urban oasis. Cyclists are in for a treat.
Your cycling excursion around the Stanley Park Seawall is a counter-clockwise trip along a paved path past the famous Brockton Point totem poles, under the Lions Gate Bridge, along two of the city's most popular beaches with a finish at English Bay.
Approximately 10 km (6 mi) in length, the path boasts spectacular views of mountains, ocean, forest and city.
Stanley Park is within easy cycling or walking distance of downtown Vancouver.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Rated: easy
- Approximate time required: 1-2 hours
> Stanley Park website.
Seaside Bicycle Route
Arguably the world's most beautiful urban bike path, the Seaside Bicycle Route begins at Sunset Beach, on the northeast shore of English Bay. Snaking past marinas, parks and some of the city's priciest condos it is paved and pedestrian-free up to the head of False Creek (a pedestrian path runs alongside the bike path to that point). From there, it traverses a combination of roadways and shared pedestrian/cycle paths until it reaches Granville Island, beyond which it's pedestrian/cycle all the way to Spanish Bank. About 20 km (12 mi), roundtrip, it's one of the most pleasurable ways to experience Vancouver and its famous ocean-mountain-city views.
Highlights of the route include the trendy Yaletown neighbourhood; Science World, which is housed in a spherical, silver building originally built for Expo '86; Granville Island, an artsy enclave filled with theatres, restaurants, market stalls, artists' studios and specialty shops; and Jericho Beach, a popular sunbathing, picnicking, fishing and sailing destination.
This route is a direct extension of the Stanley Park Seawall, so you can lengthen your ride by beginning with the seawall route. You can also connect to a forested trail system in Pacific Spirit Park from Spanish Bank, at the end of the route.
Sunset Beach is located just south of the downtown core, below the intersection of Thurlow Street and Beach Avenue.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Rated: easy
- Approximate time required: 3 hours roundtrip