Biking in Vancouver
The biking in Vancouver is excellent year-round with numerous trails and a grid of designated bike corridors covering the city. Cycling is a great familyactivity and one of the best ways to explore Vancouver.
Please be advised that Vancouver has a mandatory helmet law for children under the age of 16.
Stanley Park
No visit to Vancouver would be complete without a ride around the Stanley Park seawall. The wide, paved path meanders around the 10 kilometre (6.2 miles) perimeter of the park. It offers spectacular views of the North Shore mountains and Lions Gate Bridge. Peddle beneath the giant trees in the park, ride past the rose garden and stop to watch the paddlers of the Vancouver Rowing Club.
Many quaint, little nooks await for resting, enjoying the scenery or picnicking on the beachside. Bikes of all sortsandem to mountainan be rented at the entrance to the park.
Seaside Bicycle Route
The seaside bicycle route is a 15-kilometre (9.4 mile) trek that begins at English Bay and continues around False Creek to the University of British Columbia. Some of this route follows city streets that are well marked with cycle-path signs. Lots to see and do along this route. The sights include: The Plaza of Nations, Science World, Granville Island, the Pacific Space Centre, the Kitsilano Pool and the Jericho Sailing Centre as well as the University of British Columbia which is home to Nitobe Japanese Gardens, Botanical Gardens and the lush Pacific Spirit Park.
Hiking in Vancouver
Vancouver's dramatic natural profile is breathtaking. Towering mountains just waiting to be explored soar thousands of vertical feet above the city at water's edge. The summits of The Lions, Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour, Golden Ears, Cypress Mountain and Garibaldi Provincial Park are all accessible to healthy, relatively experienced hikers who can follow instructions from a trail guide and are fit enough to carry a daypack containing the "ten essentials" of mountain safety, including a First Aid kit, matches/fire starters, extra food, a map and compass, flashlight with spare bulbs and
batteries, sunscreen and sunglasses, rain gear,
an army knife and water.
The Lions
The Lions is Vancouver hiking at it's finest. A long, moderately-grueling hike up the prominent peaks dominating the northern skyline. It is a clearly marked trail that offers spectacular views of Howe Sound on one side and Vancouver on the other.
The Lions is quite a popular hike owing to it's easy accessibility and proximity to the city. It is just off Mountainview Rd. in the quaint village of Lions Bay, about 20 minutes from Vancouver. There is a small parking lot adjacent to the trail head, with overflow parking at a school just down the road. Bring plenty of water, and a big, rewarding lunch.
Sea Kayaking
Sea kayaking is fast becoming one of the most popular Vancouver activities. A sleek one-person or tandem sea kayak is the most stable and nimble boat on the water, with its origins traced back to the North Coast Indians of the Alaskan Panhandle.
Vancouver's tranquil waters offer sea kayaking opportunities for hard-core paddlers and timid beginners.
Jericho Beach
A long time Vancouver treasure, Jericho Beach offers long, sandy beaches and cool ocean breezes. With Ecomarine now offering summer sea kayak rentals, it is becoming a hub for this growing summer activity, too.
The uncrowded waters and unobstructed views of the Coast Mountains and Vancouver skyline make this a great spot for beginners. The wide open spaces also attract sea kayak enthusiasts who participate in yearly races and endurance trials.
Indian Arm is a sea paddler's dream. A finger-shaped fjord just a short paddle from Downtown Vancouver. All along the 18-km inlet you are surrounded by pristine rain forest and towering old-growth firs.
False Creek
False creek is perfect for beginners to sea kayaking. Paddle through it's placid waters and marvel at the unique architecture and dazzling beauty of the Vancouver skyline. The inlet is framed by Yaletown to the north, Fairview Slopes on the south and Granville Island on the west.
Schools in the area. Runs offer glimpses of Vancouver's impressive skyline and the seemingly endless expanse of the Pacific Ocean. A must for skiers visiting Vancouver.