Fraser Shores
Explore Burnaby’s Fraser Foreshore Park and Vancouver’s River District Trail on this section of the Canyon to Coast Trail. Ride the Fraser River shoreline and look for tugboats, barges, and log booms. There are places to stop and view the river, eat at Romer’s Burger Bar at the foot of Kerr Street, or you can bring a picnic lunch and watch the river traffic go by.
Deep Cove
There’s lots to see and do in Deep Cove on this cycling and walking route. See the ruins of the old mill in Cates Park, ride through Dollarton, choose the flat Spirit Trail, or climb the hills and trails of Cove Cliff. Add on a stretch along Panorama for views of the cove and Indian Arm. Explore the quaint Deep Cove village — visit the wharf, stores and galleries, and stop at Honey’s for a famous RolyPoly donut!
Stoney Creek + Brunette River
Ride along two waterways in East Burnaby ― Stoney Creek and the Brunette River. You’ll see salmon habitat, a community garden, a dam...and maybe a DRAGON! Combining transit and trails, the route starts at Burquitlam Station and ends at Braid Station, or park near Stoney Creek Trailhead for a 26km out-and-back ride.
Belcarra Park + Sasamat Lake
How about a ride out to my neck of the woods ― Belcarra Park? It offers a variety of terrain: trails, shared roads, challenging hills, and a bit of singletrack. Visit Sasamat Lake, see views of Indian Arm, and explore Belcarra Park’s forested trails.
Glen Valley Glide
In the fall, the valley calls. Pick up a picnic lunch in Fort Langley and head east along River Road. The route starts with a small climb then meanders on quiet country roads east of Historic Fort Langley. You’ll see river views, turf farms, a winery, and maybe a cranberry harvest!
New Westminster Loop
On this loop you’ll ride past heritage houses, explore Queen’s Park, discover Pier Park, visit Westminster Quay, and see the riverfront. The ride is great anytime of the year, especially in the spring when the cherry blossoms are out, and in the fall riding over crunchy leaves.
Fort to Fort Trail
Sometimes there’s the perfect ride — this is one of my favourites — the river and valley views are spectacular. The route follows the The Great Trail through farm fields along the Fraser River to Fort Langley. For a shorter ride start at Derby Reach Park, explore the quaint town of Fort Langley and enjoy lunch or an ice-cream! Add on a visit to Brae Island Park or visit the 1827 Historic Fort.
Pitt River Greenway
This section of The Great Trail runs along the Pitt and Fraser rivers. You’ll ride by cranberry fields, see planes come and go from the Pitt Meadows Airport, and can have lunch at Stomping Grounds in Osprey Village.
Steveston South Dyke Trail
A favourite and easy ride — from art sculptures to boats, an old fishing village with many shops and restaurants, three museums, a boardwalk, wildlife — this ride has it all.
West Dyke + Middle Arm
Ride the Middle Arm dyke trail along the Fraser River with views of the airport, UBC rowing club, and Richmond Oval. From Terra Nova Park continue on West Dyke Trail looking for spotted cows, herons, ducks, and turtles. At Garry Point loop around the park trails then visit Steveston for fish and chips or an ice-cream at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Iona Jetty
Just north of the Vancouver Airport is an easy ride with a combo of dyke, road, and would you believe it — a 4km jetty into the ocean! You might see jets landing and taking off, and eagles, herons, and cormorants fishing. There are beaches, parks with picnic tables and it’s all flat!
Around Richmond
Loop around Richmond’s many trails. Ride along the Middle Arm Dyke then follow West Dyke Trail. Circle Garry Point Park for views over the Salish Sea. Visit the historic fishing village of Steveston on the Fraser River and have lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf. Meander along the South Dyke Trail, visit the Britannia Shipyards and Finn Slough. Return via Shell and Bridgeport Trails for a full circle tour.
Barnston Island + Surrey Bend
Here’s an easy ride that has a bonus of a ferry ride! It’s really a barge pushed by a tugboat, so that makes it all the better. Start at Surrey Bend Park and explore the trails, then bike onto the ferry and around Barnston Island. The road is flat and paved, there are views of the river and farms, and it’s especially fun in the fall during cranberry harvest. Bring a picnic!