Robert WebbI hate exercise with every fibre of my being. When I was a kid, if someone told me to run to them for candy or cash, I’d rather just starve or go broke.
So when my doctor said I needed to sneak in some exercise into my life, I had no idea how to start. But I’ve always loved the beach, especially the ocean—the breeze, the views, and the vibe. I thought there had to be a way to combine this with my workouts.
Luckily, I’ve got active friends who encouraged me to water bike in Vancouver. Not only did I get healthier, but I also saw the city in a new light! Check out our travel guide to see other cool experiences we found while pedaling around the city’s waters.
What is Vancouver Boat Rentals known for?
Vancouver Boat Rentals is known for offering hydrobikes and boat rentals for those who want to explore Granville Island and False Creek in more exciting ways.
Best Time to Go
The best time to go water biking in Vancouver is from June to September or late spring to early fall. This way, you can do water sports during warm, sunny days. You could also go very early to deal with fewer boats or much later to catch the sunset.
How to Get Around
Trains: You can hop on the Canada Line and get off at Yaletown-Roundhouse. Once you’re there, you can catch the #50 bus.
Buses: The #50 bus goes from downtown to Granville Island, so we believe this is among your best options. Just remember to step off at W 2nd Ave at Anderson St and you’ll be close to your destination.
Taxis: Naturally, we think taxis are the easiest pick here—just tell the driver your exact destination (Vancouver Boat Rentals) or the address (1807 Maritime Views) for a direct trip.
Car: Parking is available on Granville Island, but it can get pretty full on weekends. Our advice is to drive early to avoid any hassle.
What to Do with Vancouver Boat Rentals
Ride Hydrobikes
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Website: https://www.vancouverboatrentals.com/hydrobikes/
Address: 1807 Maritime Mews
Contact Details: +1 604 428 2628, [email protected]
Whether you call it hydro or water bikes, we believe this is a fun and healthy way to explore False Creek and Granville Island.
Its watercraft lets enthusiasts cycle on water and cruise at a speed of 8 to 14 km/hr—you can exercise while getting a great rush of adrenaline for the day!
We also love that Vancouver Boat Rentals can let you plan your own adventure. You can choose your own route, and we noticed that its docks are strategically placed too—you can pedal to many stunning attractions around.
Rent a Boat
Media credit: granvilleislandboatrentals
Website: https://boatrentalsvancouver.com/boat-rentals/
Address: 1699 Johnston Street, Granville Island
Contact Details: +1 604-682-6287, [email protected]
Besides water biking, you can go boating for a comprehensive tour! There’s 250 km worth of coast here to explore, so you can choose between a 2 to 3-hour and a 3 to 4-hour round trip.
The rental rates go from $60 to $115, but you can always check out its real-time boat availability online to be sure.
We suggest checking for promos too! At times, this boat rental company offers an hour free of rental charge if you take a 5-hour trip (or longer) departing before 9 am.
Where to Eat Throughout Your Water Biking Adventure
The Vancouver Fish Company
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Website: https://www.vanfish.com/
Address: 1517 Anderson St
Contact Details: +1 604 559 3474, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Want to experience superb West Coast hospitality after water biking in Vancouver? The Vancouver Fish Company is a breezy seafood restaurant and bar with high ceilings, patio dining, and plenty of craft beers on tap.
We favour the King Crab legs and wild salmon. These are gluten-free too, similar to many of its menu items. But if you can’t decide, we recommend going for the seafood platter with featured fish, grilled prawns, scallops, and more.
As for dessert, our pick is the chocolate torte with Nutella whip and mixed berry coulis (thin sauce or purée). But if you want a surprise, you can ask the server for the featured dessert of the day too!
Tony’s Fish & Oyster Cafe
Media credit: tonysfishandoystercafe
Website: http://www.tonysfishandoystercafe.com/
Address: 1511 Anderson St
Contact Details: +1 604 683 7127, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
If you want a casual option, Tony’s Fish & Oyster Cafe serves fish and chips with homemade sauce, great for a chill hangout with your crew. We like that this spot’s version of fish and chips isn’t too oily either!
You can also go for the breaded oysters, halibut burger, or butterfly prawns platter if you’re coming with a bigger crew. We say pair those with a micro-brewed Granville Island lager beer too!
To end on a sweet note, we think you’ve got to try its signature banana flambé (flamed). There aren’t many desserts here, but we think this one takes the cake—we noticed diners of all ages love it!
The Keg
Media credit: thekegsteakhouse
Website: http://www.thekeg.com/en/locations/granville-island
Address: 1499 Anderson St
Contact Details: +1 604 685 4735, [email protected]
Pricing: $$$
All about that steak? The Keg is one of the top steakhouses near the Vancouver Boat Rentals for some pretty good meat. The steaks here are typically fresh and aged for extra tenderness, so we think this spot knows what’s good.
We think its Prime Rib is the best one to start with. Otherwise, the BBQ pork ribs or blackened chicken sounds good for us too. In our opinion, the best accompaniments for the mains are the garlic mashed potatoes or Keg fries.
Also, most restaurants can only offer you rare to well-done steaks. But this one provides “blue rare.” It leaves the middle of the steak cool and bright red if that’s what you’re into.
Tap & Barrel
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Website: https://tapandbarrel.com/
Address: 1696 Duranleau St
Contact Details: +1 604 687 4400, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Tap & Barrel is a restaurant bar to go to if you want to end a long day of water sports with a nice round of drinks and laughter.
For us, this pub serves some great hummus. We suggest going for the hummus platter, as well as chicken burgers and salt and pepper wings. Another thing we think goes well with beers is the fried pickles—we say don’t knock ‘em until you try ‘em.
We like that most seats here also have a good TV view, so you and your pals can enjoy sports while munching to your hearts’ content.
Market Grill
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Website: http://publicmarketgrill.com/
Address: 1689 Johnston St
Contact Details: +1 604 689 1918, [email protected]
Pricing: $
Eating between mornings and afternoons? How about a nice brunch marketplace like the Market Grill? Here, breakfast is served from 8 to 11:30 am, while lunch is offered from 11:30 am until closing time.
It’s got breakfast plates and a bunch of burgers that we think are worth trying. Besides, we appreciate that there’s something for everyone, even the picky eaters, from beef and chicken to salmon and vegetables.
But if you want an alternative, there are tons of hot dogs here too! For one, we like the jalapeño cheese smokie flavour for a bit of a kick.
Where to Shop Before or After Water Biking in Vancouver
The Lobster Man
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Website: http://www.lobsterman.com/
Address: 1807 Mast Tower Ln
Contact Details: +1 604 687 4531, [email protected]
Craving fish now that you’ve been pedaling all over the ocean? The Lobster Man is one of the trendiest seafood markets nearby.
You can get lobsters, clams, mussels, and other fresh ingredients for your seafood platter. And when you’re buying oysters, we appreciate that the staff could help you with the best wine pairings for each kind.
But if you’re not up to cooking anything, we recommend trying the lobster rolls or sandwiches with a side of chips instead—a crowd favorite!
Net Loft
Media credit: granville_island
Website: http://www.granvilleisland.com/
Address: 1650 Johnston St
Contact Details: +1 604 666 6655
Want to shop a bit of everything before or after water biking? Net Loft is an industrial-chic space showcasing various handcrafted fashion items, specialty paper goods, and so on.
The way we see it, it’s the ultimate shopping destination since there are endless stalls. You’ll find kitchenware, clothing, artisanal, and other handy stores suitable for different interests. Do note that some stores don’t take cash, though.
We recommend clearing the rest of your schedule for this—we think the shops are pretty mesmerizing, especially at night.
MAKE
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Website: http://www.makevancouver.com/
Address: 1648 Duranleau St
Contact Details: +1 604 684 5105, [email protected]
Unsure what to give your loved ones next? MAKE has some of the most creative presents we think are worth a look.
We like the shop’s vibrant art styles on drinkware, hats, journals, shirts, books, toys, home decor, stickers, and more.
And if you want to take your gifts up a notch, you could have them customized too! Still, we think it’s best to reach out to the staff to ensure availability. Have your designs ready in advance too!
Granville Island Treasures
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Website: http://www.granvilleislandtreasures.com/
Address: 1510 Duranleau St
Contact Details: +1 604 682 4411, [email protected]
Love shopping for sustainable stuff? Granville Island Treasures is a shop that can provide you with ethically sourced goods made here and abroad.
Our personal favourites are the handicrafts! You can check authentic artworks, cushion covers, decor, boxes, and many other artisan-made metal art and wooden crafts. Great for gifts and personal collections, we say.
And if you’re interested in big jewelry pieces or gifting them, you’re in for a treat! There are many exclusive and unique sterling silver and costume jewelry pieces, as well as different scarves and handbags to complete your envisioned look.
Kids Market
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Website: https://kidsmarket.ca/
Address: 1496 Cartwright St
Contact Details: +1 604 689 8447, [email protected]
Want to spoil the youngsters? Kids Market is a warehouse-style shopping destination with everything the little ones could love—a play area, a caboose (small railway carriage), an arcade, as well as a bistro for the adults.
Of course, there are tons of adorable clothes and costumes, locally sourced games, toys, puppets, magic items, and more to explore. We bet you’ll enjoy doing early Christmas shopping here.
We also adore its unique activities or experiences. The kids could go through the “Kids Door” to find Jack climbing his beanstalk, capture colourful photos on the 2nd floor, or just look up to see floating hot air balloons and clouds on the ceiling.
Where to Stay After Water Biking in Vancouver
Granville Island Hotel
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Website: https://www.granvilleislandhotel.com/
Address: 1253 Johnston St
Contact Details: +1 604 683 7373, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Book Now
Granville Island Hotel is a 3-star hotel overlooking Downtown and is conveniently only a 2-minute walk from the Aquabus. For us, this is great for those looking for a daily ferry service to all major destinations in False Creek.
We also like its sophisticated rooms with 42-inch flat-screen TVs, minifridges, coffeemakers, and free internet. And if you need more space, the 1-bedroom suites add a living room with pull-out sofas. The luxe penthouses have kitchens and fireplaces too!
You don’t have to go far for a fancy meal too—a high-end dining spot here provides classic dishes, panoramic views, and dockside dining in cabanas. Should you want to burn off extra calories, there are also bike rentals available.
The Parker Hotel Vancouver
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Website: http://vancouverdowntownhotel.net/
Address: 1379 Howe St
Contact Details: +1 604 688 7678, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Book Now
The Parker Hotel Vancouver is a posh 4-star accommodation, amazing for sightseers. Not only is it an 8-minute walk from the Aquabus’ Hornby Street Station, but it’s also a 7-minute walk from the Vancouver International Film Centre.
We’re also fascinated by the rooms with wine-inspired themes. They come with modern furnishings, with the usual amenities and iPod docks too. And if you upgrade your room, you can get Jacuzzi tubs for better relaxation.
Apart from the elegant French restaurant, we find it handy that there are free perks like downtown shuttles for easier travel. There are complimentary wine tasting hours too!
Residence Inn Vancouver Downtown
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Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yvrdr-residence-inn-vancouver-downtown/overview/
Address: 1234 Hornby St
Contact Details: +1 604 688 1234
Pricing: $$
Book Now
Residence Inn is a high-rise, 3-star haven downtown for art enthusiasts who want a serene activity after a thrilling water bike adventure. It’s also only 11 minutes away from the Vancouver Art Gallery. By car, it’s 4 km from the Vancouver Aquarium as well!
We find it handy that its sleek studios come with well-equipped kitchens and free internet, and flat-screen TVs with premium cable, as well as iPod docks. But if you want a private balcony with bay views, we suggest going for the penthouse suite.
On top of that, we love the grocery delivery service and the 24/7 convenience store—perfect if you forgot to pack something. You may also enjoy the indoor pool if you just can’t get enough of being in the water.
HI Vancouver Downtown
Media credit: vancouver_hi
Website: http://www.hihostels.ca/vancouverdowntown
Address: 1114 Burnaby St
Contact Details: +1 604 684 4565, [email protected]
Pricing: $
Book Now
If you want a more budget-friendly option, the HI Vancouver Downtown is a 2-star downtown hostel within 1.8 km of the Vancouver Public Library Central Branch. It’s also 3.2 km from the Vancouver Aquarium and 6 km from VanDusen Botanical Garden.
So even if its dorm-style rooms only have simple decor and bunk beds, we appreciate that there are several places to enjoy outside if you’re mostly just exploring the area.
The hostel also offers a free continental breakfast in an informal dining room. Do note that the amenities include a well-equipped communal kitchen if you’re open to sharing. We like that there’s a game room with a pool table, a TV room, and a library as well.
Century Plaza Hotel
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Website: http://www.century-plaza.com/
Address: 1015 Burrard St
Contact Details: +1 604 687 0575, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Book Now
Century Plaza Hotel is for the shopping aficionados—this 3-star place is only a 6-minute walk from the fancy stores on Robson Street! It’s also a 4-minute walk from the restaurants and nightlife on Davie Street if you’re all about that life.
The studios offer either full or mini kitchens, so we feel it’s best to check with the staff first. If you want balconies, keep in mind that the 1-bedroom suites have them. But if you seek majestic English Bay views, we say go for the penthouse suite instead.
When it’s time to dine, you’ll find a swanky NYC-inspired dining spot here offering Italian grub. Plus, there’s a chill cafe and lively comedy club, depending on your mood at the end of the day.
Tips When Water Biking in Vancouver
Now that you’re familiar with hydrobiking in Vancouver, here are some tips and tricks to ensure you experience a hassle-free adventure:
Book in advance.
Water biking pots can fill up pretty quickly, especially during summer. Make sure not to miss your chance to get the best dates!
Plan what you wear.
Naturally, you’ll get splashed doing water sports, so it’s wise to dress smart with athletic or quick-dry clothes.
Don’t forget sun protection.
No matter how cold the water hits, you’re never 100% safe from the sun if you don’t apply (and reapply) enough sunscreen. We suggest bringing sunglasses too—the sun’s reflection off the water can be intense.
Waterproof everything.
We recommend using a waterproof pouch for valuables like phones if you’re taking yours. Otherwise, we believe it’s better to leave these items onshore.
Watch out for other boats!
While this might be common sense, we think many forget being careful when they’re in the middle of having fun. Safety first!
