Easy Bike Rides Around Vancouver

A group of cyclists on the seawall in Vancouver's Stanley Park.

Cycling on the Seawall in Stanley Park. Photo credit: Tourism Vancouver / Coast Mountain Photography

One of the best ways to see Vancouver is from the seat of a bike. Vancouver is a very bike-friendly city with kilometers of dedicated cycling paths and lanes. As a long-time Vancouver resident and cyclist, here are some of my favourite local bike routes. You can ride beside the ocean, through the forest or explore one of Vancouver’s unique neighbourhoods.

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Easy Bike Rides Around Vancouver

Walk, Bike or Roll on the Arbutus Greenway

Arbutus Greenway Photo: Rob Weiss

Proud. Pride with a capital P! Simply stated, as I cycled along the Arbutus Greenway, Vancouver’s newest shared recreational path, I felt a deep sense of pride. After only a few spins of the wheel, it became crystal clear to me; this route is more than a paved, car-free shared access Greenway; it is a vibrant, community space. Connecting our beloved Kitsilano neighbourhood to Marpole, the trail is several kilometres of terrific and I felt extremely proud of the community effort involved to bring this vision to reality!

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Walk, Bike or Roll on the Arbutus Greenway

Cycling False Creek – Endless Activities and Spectacular Views

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Lunch Break while cycling False Creek Photo: Rob Weiss

Last week I took to the waters to explore False Creek from the cockpit of my kayak.  As I paddled along I couldn’t help but notice the level of activity on the seawall as cyclists of all shapes and sizes pedalled their way along this protected, dedicated bike path.  I thought it would be interesting to return to the area, retrace the route on my bicycle and check out the views from a cyclist’s lens.

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Cycling False Creek – Endless Activities and Spectacular Views

Cycling Vancouver’s Sea to Sky Highway

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Horseshoe Bay Photo: Rob Weiss

Cyclists around the world have a love/hate relationship with hills.  For some, hills represent a mental challenge, others are intrigued by the physical challenge and for many it is simply the thrill of the descent after a long, difficult climb.  No matter what draws you to the hills, there is no more desirable, scenic or exciting climb than the Sea to Sky highway.  This demanding ride from Vancouver to Whistler is a visual smorgasbord offering panoramic views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains.  Recently, my husband and I decided to test our legs and set our sites on Whistler.

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Cycling Vancouver’s Sea to Sky Highway

2 Bridges, 1 Quay, the Spirit Trail & Stanley Park – Port of Vancouver by Bike

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View of the Sails from Crab Park at Portside Photo: R. Weiss

Call me crazy, but I love cycling over Vancouver’s bridges. There is a certain thrill to crossing Burrard Inlet on your bike. Bridges are often a source of angst for Vancouverites frustrated with traffic congestion and slow commutes home. However, on your bicycle you become one with the bridge and traffic issues are the least of your concerns. A long, slow grind to the “mid-span” and you are immediately rewarded with awe inspiring views of the City, the North Shore and a bustling marine highway. One of my favourite rides is a circle route from Canada Place to the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge, a jaunt along the North Shore and a return via the Lions Gate Bridge.

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2 Bridges, 1 Quay, the Spirit Trail & Stanley Park – Port of Vancouver by Bike