Biking the Seawall
The Vancouver Seawall is a gorgeous piece of urban infrastructure beloved by locals and visitors alike. It is a well-paved, meandering path that follows the coast line from downtown all the way to Point Grey.
Taking a bike tour along the Seawall is the perfect way to view many of the city's most popular landmarks and attractions. We've put together this itinerary to help you plan a day of fun (and exercise) on the Seawall!
Getting To The Seawall:
The best place to start the bike tour on the Seawall is around the intersection of Denman and Georgia streets. Parking in the area is scarce, so take a taxi cab (about $10 from most downtown hotels) or the bus (the #5 Downtown from anywhere on Robson St. gets you close, as do any of the buses along Georgia St.)Unless you've brought your own, you'll need to rent bikes and there are numerous rental shops on Denman near Georgia. It costs about $30 to rent a top-of-the-line bike for the day, and this includes a lock and helmet. Our Smartvisit card includes 3 hours free bike rental.
Getting Started:
Follow Alberni St. west from Denman and follow the path that heads under the bridge. Presto - you are on the Seawall and ready for your day of fun (and exercise)
Stanley Park
The first leg of the journey is the 8.8km loop around Stanley Park. Flat, well paved and filled with wonderful vistas of the North Shore Mountains, the downtown skyline and more, it is a stunning start to our day.You'll See:
Lion's Gate Bridge
Siwash Rock
Third Beach (stop for a dip or an ice cream)
Keep Peddlin'
English Bay
As you leave Stanley Park, you will bike along a section of the Seawall that surrounds English Bay. Home to some of the most stunning sunsets in the city, this tree-lined section is simply stunning. You'll See:
The Boathouse/Milestone's (two fantastic patios, the perfect spot for lunch)
Sunset & English Bay Beaches (wonderful urban beaches)
Burrard Bridge (large, gothic span across False Creek)
Yaletown
Once a hap dash collection of wharves and warehouses, Yaletown is now a booming area of hi-tech companies, glittering high rises and great shops and boutiques. This section of the Seawall is also one of the most ornate, with wonderful architecture and waterfront vistas.Check Out:
The Roundhouse Community Centre
Urban Fare (fancy-schmancy urban grocery store)
BC Place (domed stadium that is home to CFL's BC Lions)
Stop to Rest (and learn)
Telusphere at Science World
It might look like a giant metallic golf ball, but this building is home to one of the coolest attractions in the city. Science World features permanent exhibits and traveling attractions that will entertain and educate the young (and young at heart). Lock up the bikes and
spend a few hours touring about. Our Smartvisit card offers free admission to Science World on top of savings at most other Vancouver attractions.
Exhibits Include:
BodyWorks Gallery (Test your memory, dexterity and more!)
Illusions (Straight lines that appear to bend? Black & White pictures that are actually coloured?)
Eureka! Gallery (Uncover the science of water, light, sound, and motion)
Granville Island
Continue down the Seawall, under Cambie St. Bridge and past the charming condos around False Creek. Soon you will enter bustling and world-famous Granville Island. Home to numerous art galleries, shops, restaurants and the fabulous Public Market, it is one of the city's most popular attractions.Must Sees:
Glass blowers near Railspur Alley
Buskers near the food court
The thriving Public Market
Homeward Bound
AquaBus across False Creek
You'll probably be just about done with your bike at this point. Luckily, you can take the AquaBus across False Creek (bikes welcome!) and get let off back on the Seawall only minutes from the rental shops.
the Seawall to the entrance of Stanley Park, and then turn right down Stanley Park Drive. Follow this cute little road until it hits Lagoon Dr., then turn right down Robson until it hits Denman. That's right, you are done. Time to get off the bike and stretch!
