Cycling is a great way to explore the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region. There's a substantial network of trails to choose from, in a range of settings. The most popular routes include both the easygoing, flat paths found in and around Steveston Village just south of Vancouver, as well as the Stanley Park Seawall, one of the world’s most beautiful urban bike paths. For more of a challenge, try the Whistler to D'Arcy route. Wine-lovers should head to the Fraser Valley, while those who prefer wild, sunny coastlines can cycle around Sechelt. Though most of the region's trails are open year round, the best weather conditions occur between April and October. Cycling Safety Tips:
- Bicycle helmets are mandatory in BC
- Lights required at night
- Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers
- Obey posted signs and keep to designated trails
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Stanley Park Seawall
Located in downtown Vancouver in the city's West End, Stanley Park is an urban oasis. Cyclists are in for a treat. A 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 10km/6 mi in length, the easy path boasts spectacular views of mountains, ocean, forest and city and takes one to two hours. > Stanley Park website
Alternative shoreline routes in Vancouver include Kitsilano and Jericho Beaches, and Northwest and Southwest Marine Drive through the UBC Endowment Lands. Delta, Ladner, Tsawwassen, and White Rock are also beautiful areas to ride their mix of coastal and rural farmland scenery.
Richmond
Richmond's flat topography and intricate network of over 40km/25mi of developed trails make it a cycling mecca for visitors and locals alike. The Steveston Trail leads cyclists on a winding journey through the historic fishing village of Steveston. The South Dyke Trail takes riders on a scenic tour past farms and historic sites, while the West Dyke Trail overlooks tidal flats, offering cyclists front-row views of mountains and migratory birds. Both South Dyke and West Dyke Trails connect with the Steveston Trail.
The Sea Island Cycling Route follows country roads to beaches and parks, with excellent views of the area around Vancouver International Airport. Drop by the Richmond Visitor Centre, off Highway 99 just north of the Massey Tunnel, for more information and for detailed cycling route maps.
Richmond is a 30-minute drive south from downtown Vancouver, on Highway 99.
> Richmond cycling website
Whistler to D’Arcy
If the grueling climbs on the Whistler to D’Arcy route don't take your breath away, the views certainly will! It’s classic Coast Mountain bicycle touring all the way: mountains, rivers, creeks and deep-green forest. The first portion of the route runs on Highway 99, which has wide shoulders for the most part. A few stretches have no shoulder at all, so exercise caution. The Whister to D'Arcy route starts in Whistler, runs north to the town of Pemberton and then veers east, to the community of Mount Currie. From there, it turns onto the D'Arcy-Anderson Lake Road, which runs alongside the Birkenhead River in a narrow valley. The road climbs 300m/985ft to Pemberton Pass and then descends to D'Arcy, a tiny village that sits on the shore of Anderson Lake.
Rated as "difficult", the best time for cycling from Whistler to D’Arcy is May through September and takes between one and two days depending on skill level.
In Whistler the trails around Lost Lake are ideal for families and the paved Whistler Valley Trail provides an excellent way to explore Whistler. There is also peaceful scenic riding through parts of the Squamish and Pemberton Valleys.
Riding along one of the many paths that follow the area's extensive system of river dikes is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon in Mighty Fraser Country. In early fall look out for one of British Columbia's legendary salmon or steelhead runs . Try the Poco Dike Trail and Alouette River Dive Trails, easily accessible from several points in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge. For great pastoral scenery with flat surface biking and a touch of history, the Othello Tunnels near Hope are an amazing set of four railway tunnels. Ranging from 100 to 556 feet long, they stretch along the old Kettle Valley Railway, which is now part of the Trans Canada Trail, and suit all ability levels.
To include a winery stop or two, head to the Campbell Valley Regional Park in the south west corner of Langley. Look out for winery signs along the paved back roads.
Facing southward overlooking the blue waters of Georgia Strait and sheltered by Vancouver Island's rain shadow, the Sunshine Coast has an enviable microclimate providing more days of sunshine than most other areas south-west BC. The 22km/13mi Angus Creek Bike Loop in Sechelt is a well marked route ideal for a leisurely afternoon ride. It has some challenging sections, but gorgeous views, peaceful forests and gurgling creeks reward you along the way. Porpoise Bay Provincial Park on Sechelt Inlet is a great starting point to camp or just stop for a swim or picnic after the ride.
The Inland Lake Trail on the Upper Sunshine Coast is a relaxing 13km/8 mi day ride around the shoreline of a beautiful lake near Powell River. Several camping and picnic sites are located around the lake.