Biking in Vancouver

If you love to bike, Vancouver is a pretty good place to live. We have a great network of bike paths to get to work, along with some amazing bike-friendly places to visit on weekends. Here are some of my favourite lesser-known biking locations in the Lower Mainland, for your summer weekend pleasure!



Central Valley Greenway

The Greenway connects Vancouver to New Westminster, via Burnaby. You can access the Greenway from East Broadway at Victoria Dr. The Central Valley Greenway is a loop that pretty much follows the skytrain line. It's mostly bike trails, well signed (for the most part), and a lovely ride. There are a few hills to contend with, but nothing major. Since you're cycling in the city, you're always close to a coffee shop!



Photo by LetsGoBiking



Fraser River Reserve & Iona Island

Cycling to Iona is pretty well known, especially if you're part of the road biking community. It's a lovely cycle, very flat, and with some nice views. At the end of the peninsula you will find a variety of birds to watch, and a beautiful park to picnic at and explore. However, rather than just cycling along the road there is a great little trail along the river. Quiet, peaceful, and lots of blackberry bushes! You arrive at McDonald boat launch, where you take the side road back to the main road to continue along to Iona. Directions can be found on the Richmond bike trail map.



Photo from WillWong.Net



PoCo Trail 

25km of biking trails around Port Coquitlam. You can cycle along the Pitt River, then around through gorgeous woodland. It's pretty flat, so it's fun for the whole family. You're never too far from a coffee shop to for a pit stop, and you do pass through some city parks with play areas for the kids if you need to take a break! From Vancouver, you can cycle (if you're very fit) or take the Skytrain to Braid Station, and use the bike paths that run alongside United Blvd and Maryhill Bypass to connect to the trails. This starts you at the Colony Farm, which is always worth a visit!



From PortCoquitlam.ca



Richmond Dykes

It's beautiful, it's flat, there are some gorgeous look out points, and you can get fish and chips on the wharf in Steveston! Plus if you continue along Dyke Road heading east, there are some awesome blackberry bushes and apple trees. Maybe take a container or two, and plan on making a few stops along the way :)  Great trip for the family. You can reach the dyke really easily from Bridgeport or Aberdeen Canada Line Stations, as seen on the Richmond bike trail map. 



Photo by Stephen Rees


Do you have any other favourite bike routes you would like to share?