Explore by Bike This Spring
Vancouver is a bike-friendly place with car-free cycling paths throughout the city. Pick up a bike and spend the day exploring beaches, parks, cafes, viewpoints, and unique neighbourhoods on two wheels.
Stanley Park Seawall
The Stanley Park Seawall is Vancouver's most iconic bike ride. It's a 10-kilometre-long paved path around Stanley Park open only to pedestrians and cyclists. The route follows the coastline, so you'll get great views of downtown Vancouver, the Lions Gate Bridge, and the North Shore Mountains.
There are several bike rental shops just outside the park near the corner of Georgia and Denman Streets. From there, follow the bike route to circle the park counterclockwise. While the views from the seawall are incredible, there are a few worthwhile detours. In the spring, don't miss the blooms in the Rose Garden near the park entrance or the Rhododendron Garden near Lost Lagoon. You can also spot cherry blossoms near Lumberman's Arch and Lost Lagoon.
Stop for refreshments at Stanley Park Brewing near Second Beach. Sip one of the twenty craft beers on tap on their patio while you share one of their pizzas. Or save your appetite for after your ride. Nearby Denman Street has tons of restaurants and cafes. Try Japanese small plates at Kingyo, dim sum at Jingle Bao, or Mexican at Holy Guacamole.
False Creek Seawall
The Seawall doesn't end at Stanley Park - it keeps going around False Creek in the heart of the city. You can extend your ride from Second Beach in Stanley Park towards Yaletown, or pick up the False Creek route partway along near Science World. Rent a bike from Cycle BC in Mount Pleasant, then bike down Ontario Street to the Seawall.
Head west through Olympic Village towards Granville Island. Lock up your bikes, then head inside the Public Market to browse the food stalls. Don't miss Lee’s Donuts. They have been making donuts since 1979. Take your treats to go and enjoy them under the cherry blossoms at Sutcliffe Park near the community centre. You can find even more blossoms at the southeast end of Granville Island in Ron Basford Park.
Hop back on the bikes to continue west to Fisherman's Wharf and more cherry trees at Creekside Park. This is also a great spot for fish and chips at Go Fish. Ride under the Burrard Street Bridge, then detour to the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre to admire more cherry blossoms outside the front entrance.
North Shore Spirit Trail
When it is finished, the North Shore Spirit Trail will stretch across North and West Vancouver. In the meantime, you can cycle a scenic 7-kilometre section between the Lonsdale Quay and Ambleside Park, all on a separated bike path. Watch for unique pieces of Indigenous art along the route.
You can rent a bike at Spokes near Waterfront Station in Downtown Vancouver and bring it across on the Seabus. Or wait until you're in North Vancouver and visit the Shipyards District location of Reckless Bikes.
Once you're ready to roll, ride west along the waterfront past the unique float homes at the Mosquito Creek Marina. Stop to enjoy the city views at Kings Mill Walk Park, then continue west through the Squamish Nation Reserve. After crossing the Capilano River, follow the path to Ambleside Beach. Grab a sweet treat at Theirry across the street from the park and snap some photos of the Lions Gate Bridge and Stanley Park from the beach.
On your way back, allow some time to poke around the food stalls and cafes at the Lonsdale Quay and the Shipyards District. Don't miss the views from the end of the Shipyards Pier. Finish your day with dinner and craft beer at Tap & Barrel.
More Places to Bike
Arbutus Greenway: This 9-kilometre separated bike path on the Arbutus Greenway follows an old rail line through Vancouver's west side. Be sure to stop at the cafes in Kerrisdale for a snack partway along.
West Dyke Trail: Head to Richmond to ride the flat gravel West Dyke Trail. It has incredible views of the ocean. Finish your ride with fish and chips in historic Steveston.
UBC Campus: The leafy University of British Columbia campus has quiet streets, perfect for biking. In the spring, you can enjoy the blooms at Nitobe Memorial Garden, UBC Botanical Garden, and the UBC Rose Garden.
