Cyclists on the Stanley Park Seawall. Photo: Destination BC/Heath Moffatt
Vancouver has lots of flat, car-free cycling paths that are perfect for a family outing. Ride next to the ocean, cruise through the forest, or bike through the heart of the city. Our guide to the best kid-friendly bike rides around Vancouver also includes pitstops along the way that little cyclists will love. (Think playgrounds, picnic areas, and places to get treats.)
Until further notice, in line with the public health order, non-essential travel into, within, and out of BC is not recommended. BC residents, let’s do our part by continuing to stay small and support local with your immediate household, in accordance with the latest guidelines.
Family Biking Tips
- Under British Columbia law, you must wear a helmet when you ride.
- If you don’t have one, it’s easy to rent a bike from one of Vancouver’s rental shops.
- If you haven’t ridden in a while, your bike might need a tune-up. Make sure your tires are pumped up and your brakes and gears work.
- Bring snacks and water to keep the whole family fueled-up and happy.
- Let your kids dictate the pace. Plan to stop to play along the way. Including kid-friendly stops like playgrounds or places to get a treat is always a great idea.
Arbutus Greenway
Opened in 2016, this dedicated walking and biking trail cuts a north-south swath through Vancouver on a former railbed, so it’s almost flat. Let little legs set the pace as you bike along as much of the the nine-kilometre route as they have energy for. Plan to stop for a treat at one of the many cafes in Kerrisdale near the intersection of Arbutus and 41st Avenue.
Bike path on the Arbutus Greenway. Photo: Vancouver.ca
False Creek Seawall
The paved bike path around the False Creek Seawall is a great destination for families. It has a fully separated bike lane so you never have to worry about cars. You can do an out-and-back trip on one section of the route, or make a loop by taking the Aquabus. You can also break up your trip with a stop at a playground. Try the play structures at Creekside Park next to Science World, Hinge Park at Olympic Village, or Charleson Park near Granville Island.
Cyclists loading bikes on to the Aquabus in False Creek. Photo: Joe Mabel/Wikimedia Commons. Used under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Stanley Park Seawall
The 10-kilometre loop around the Stanley Park Seawall is Vancouver’s most popular and most scenic bike ride. Take a snack break at the Legends of the Moon Cafe near the Totem Poles or the concession stand at Third Beach. Don’t miss the playground at Ceperly Meadow near Second Beach.
Cycling on the Stanley Park Seawall. Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Hubert Kang
Seymour Valley Trailway
This paved bike path in North Vancouver is unique because it heads 12-kilometres into the forest to finish at the Seymour Dam. That distance may to too far for younger kids, but they will enjoy the forest scenery and rolling hills no matter how far you pedal. Pack a lunch to enjoy at one of eight picnic areas along the trail.
Seymour Valley Trailway. Photo: Jeff Hitchcock, Wikimedia Commons. Used under CC BY 3.0.
West Dyke Trail
Richmond’s 12-kilometre-long West Dyke Trail has a flat gravel path that is a great place to bike as a family. If you’re not up for the full length, plan an out-and-back trip from either Terra Nova Park at the north end or in the village of Steveston in the south. Along the way watch for turtles in nearby ponds, cows in a farmer’s field, and great views of the Strait of Georgia. The playground at Terra Nova Park or an ice cream stop in Steveston are both great end-of-trip incentives for young bikers.
Stopping to watch the cows along the West Dyke Trail in Richmond. Photo: Tourism Richmond
Shoreline Trail
Bike along Burrard Inlet on Port Moody’s Shoreline Trail. The flat path runs six kilometres from Rocky Point Park to Old Orchard Park. Enjoy beautiful ocean views as you ride, then reward yourself at the end with ice cream or fish and chips at Rocky Point Park. On warm days, the spray park at Rocky Point Park is also a great way to cool off.
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