Robert WebbIf you’re ready to ditch the dull commute and experience Vancouver on two wheels, you’re in for a treat! I’ve pedaled my way through the city’s finest bike routes.
Between the stunning views and the occasional squirrel standoff, it’s an adventure worth every pedal. Whether you’re chasing the perfect view or just want to feel the wind in your hair, these routes have something for every cyclist.
So, hop on your bike and let’s roll through Vancouver’s best-kept cycling secrets!
Cycle through Scenic Views along the Stanley Park Seawall
Media credit: minaj.mp
Difficulty: Easy
Website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park.aspx
Address: Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4
Contact details: +1 604-681-6728
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9am to 5pm
Biking in Stanley Park is truly a passageway to experiencing the natural beauty of Vancouver. This bike route starts at the Vancouver Convention Centre, and takes you through the iconic Stanley Park and all the way to Spanish Banks.
This bike route offers a mix of breathtaking views and natural beauty. As you ride, you’ll be surrounded by incredible ocean and mountain scenery on one side, and lush rainforest on the other.
Biking through Stanley Park typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to soak in the scenery. Along the way, you can make several stops to admire the views or even pause for a picnic at one of the park’s beautiful beaches.
Pro tip:
The best time to go is during summer, early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds.
Pedal Your Way along the Lions Gate Bridge
Difficulty: Intermediate
Website: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/ATIS/lgcws/index.html
Address: Lions Gate Bridge Rd
Just north of Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge stands as a fantastic lookout spot where you can take in views of Stanley Park, the city skyline, and the North Shore mountains. Fair warning though: there’s a steep incline to reach the middle, so make sure to pedal at a steady pace!
When you reach the middle of the bridge, you can enjoy the easy coast down the other side. On the southbound ride, you’re treated to even more breathtaking views of the ocean, the park, and West Vancouver.
Cycling across the Lions Gate Bridge is a must for any visitor—it’s truly stunning! The pathway is shared with pedestrians, and the bridge’s arch can be a bit of a challenge if you’re on a standard bike, but it’s definitely worth it.
Plus, the low barriers offer perfect, unobstructed shots of downtown Vancouver from the bridge deck.
Pro tip:
Be sure to hold onto your phone, as there’s a large gap between the walking surface and the railing.
Glide through the Quiet Streets of the Arbutus Greenway
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Difficulty: Easy
Website: https://vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/arbutus-greenway.aspx
Address: West King Edward Avenue
Contact details: 604-873-7000
The Arbutus Greenway is a super accessible bike route in Vancouver. This 9-kilometer pathway used to be a railway corridor, but is now a favorite spot among Vancouverites, perfect for biking while soaking up city views.
This bike route has a section with community gardens that adds a touch of charm, making you feel like you’ve stepped into the countryside with a bit of whimsy thrown in.
The route has a gentle incline as you approach the highest point, which is around Kerrisdale, and then it’s a smooth downhill coast towards the Fraser River or downtown, depending on which direction you’re headed.
The pathway is clearly marked for both walkers and cyclists, and winds through some lovely neighborhoods, making it an enjoyable way to explore Vancouver.
Pro tip:
Some roads may have detours, so be sure to follow the signs to avoid heading the wrong way.
Explore the Lush Greenery of the Central Valley Greenway
Media credit: leannamil
Difficulty: Challenging
Website: https://vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/central-valley.aspx
Contact details: [email protected]
The Central Valley Greenway is a 25-kilometer trail that connects Vancouver with New Westminster and Burnaby. This multi-use route has a flat, separated pathway for walking, running, or cycling. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of parks, shopping spots, and transit hubs.
You start pedaling in False Creek, and follow the Expo and Millennium SkyTrain lines, extending all the way to the Fraser River. It’s a great way to cover some serious ground and take in a variety of urban and natural landscapes.
It’s a safe and scenic route that offers a great way to explore the area and enjoy some diverse urban landscapes.
Pro tip:
The main issue with this trail is the lack of washrooms. The nearest ones are located at the far end of Lower Hume Park.
Ride through the Peaceful Beauty of the UBC Cleveland Trail
Media credit: atmcreative
Difficulty: Easy
Website: https://www.universityendowmentlands.gov.bc.ca/
Address: 5495 Chancellor Boulevard
Contact details: 604-660-1808
For a mix of forested paths and stunning views of the Georgia Basin, the Cleveland Trail is a must-ride for cyclists seeking both beauty and challenge. You’ll encounter a variety of terrains, from flat stretches to more demanding climbs and descents, all surrounded by gorgeous scenery.
There are also dirt roads and single-track trails. The Cleveland Trail is a popular 697-meter gravel path and it’s a great option for a brief outdoor escape while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Pro tip:
If you need to catch your breath, there are plenty of rest stops along the way where you can refuel and take in the sights.
Media credit: hi_c_y
Difficulty: Easy
Website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/queen-elizabeth-park.aspx
Address: At the junction of Cambie Street and West 33rd Avenue
Contact details: +1 604-873-7000
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 6am to 10pm
Queen Elizabeth Park offers stunning city views and a variety of amenities to explore. With multiple entrances, including Ontario Street and West 33rd Avenue, it’s easy to access. The park features beautiful gardens, trails, tennis courts, and a pitch and putt course.
At the highest point in Vancouver, biking here is always a delight. Don’t miss the Bloedel Conservatory within the park, where you can experience a vibrant collection of exotic plants and free-flying birds inside its geodesic dome.
Pro tip:
Be prepared for the summer heat, as the park has limited shaded areas. It’s a good idea to bring a towel and stay hydrated.
Breeze through the Urban Forest of Pacific Spirit Regional Park
Media credit: pawdpiper
Difficulty: Hard
Website: https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-parks/park/pacific-spirit-regional-park
Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd
Contact details: +1 604-224-5739
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 7am to 10pm
If you’d like a more challenging bike ride, this uphill route runs from Jericho to Pacific Spirit Park along the water’s edge. Sure, it’s a route that only winds through forests, but the 90 hectares of lush greenery, kilometers of nature trails, and tough climbs make it a nice peaceful ride.
Pacific Spirit Park is a hidden gem right within the city. You don’t have to drive an hour to enjoy a bike ride—you can be there in just 10 minutes if you’re in Vancouver. It’s definitely worth checking out for biking enthusiasts.
Pro tip:
Most trails are off-leash, so be mindful of dogs while biking.
Cruise along 10th Avenue Corridor
Media credit: mindful.laura
Difficulty: Easy
Website: https://vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/10th-avenue-corridor-project.aspx
Address: 10th Avenue Corridor
One of the most popular bike routes in the city is the 10th Avenue Corridor. This bike route runs from Trafalgar Street to Victoria Drive and is renowned for its stunning cherry blossoms.
If you enjoy a scenic ride surrounded by cherry blossoms, this is definitely a route to check out. The 10th Avenue Corridor also links to many key destinations such as Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) and Commercial Dr. It also intersects some busy north-south cycling routes, like the Ontario Bikeway.
Pro tip:
Avoid using flashing lights at night. While they might seem to make you more visible, they can disorient drivers and increase the risk of accidents.
Embark on an Adventure along Vancouver Beaches
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Difficulty: Easy
This scenic seaside route starts at Sunset Beach on English Bay, where you’ll share the path with rollerbladers and joggers, and families.
As you pedal along the path, you’ll pass by some of the city’s iconic landmarks like Science World, the Vancouver Maritime Museum, and Granville Island where you can drop by the infamous Granville Island Public Market.
You finish your ride at Kitsilano Beach, a hotspot for outdoor fun with its sandy shores and grassy areas perfect for recreational games.
Pro tip:
What’s great about this bike route is that you have plenty of opportunities to take a refreshing dip in one of Vancouver’s iconic outdoor pools along the way. So, make sure to bring your swimsuit and towel!
Take in Stunning Waterfront Views on the Coal Harbour Seawall
Media credit: pscissons
Difficulty: Easy
Website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/coal-harbour-seawall.aspx
Address: Coal Harbour
The Coal Harbour seawall is a paved path perfect for walking and cycling, stretching from Stanley Park to the Vancouver Convention Centre. This route offers sweeping views of Vancouver Harbour, Stanley Park, downtown Vancouver, and the North Shore Mountains.
You can travel in either direction and still enjoy beautiful water views. The trail takes you through both natural and man-made wonders of the park before concluding at the scenic Coal Harbour.
Here, you can watch float planes take off against a backdrop of mountains, adding to the area’s picturesque charm.
Pro tip:
Be cautious when riding on roads without bike lanes; consider finding a smaller street. Also, watch out for elevation changes if you’re not on shoreline trails.
