BC Cycle Tourism Society
Photo: Craig BarkerPemberton, BC

Vancouver, Coast and Mountains

Ferries, fjords, and gravel above the inlets. Some of the best riding here starts an hour from downtown Vancouver.
142 rides from 15 publishers — all of them, no shortlist. Open any ride for its welcoming stops and how to get there; the maps, turn-by-turns and full details live on the publishers' sites, one click further.
Photo: Heath MoffattVancouver, Coast and Mountains, BC
Highlight
Bikepacking the Sea to Sky Trail
bikepacking.com · 101 km · Weekend or more
ChallengingCalm streets, some sharingMixed surfaceLots of singletrackLots of climbing

The Sea to Sky Trail runs 101 km from Squamish through Whistler to Pemberton, tracing a corridor the Coast Salish and Interior Salish peoples travelled long before highways. Nearly half is flowy singletrack, and the rest mixes doubletrack, gravel, and pavement past turquoise lakes, swimming holes, suspension bridges, and even an old train wreck. Climbs come short and punchy rather than long. Resupply is easy in all three towns, and public transit can carry you back to the start.

Stops, map + getting there →

Let's Go Biking

guidebook authorvisit site →
Let's Go Biking is a British Columbia cycling guidebook series written by Colleen MacDonald, a champion of slow, scenic, family-friendly riding. Her three guidebooks — Around Vancouver; Okanagan and Beyond; and Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and Sunshine Coast — come with a companion website of mapped rides, walks, and runs.
All 179 of their BC rides + their story →
Ridge Meadows Dyke
7 km · Afternoon

A flat gravel dyke ride between Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge, 7 km one way, with the river on one side and farmland on the other.

EasyComfortable for mostAlmost all gravelGentle grades
Photo: Indigenous Tourism BCAgassiz, BC
Pitt Lake (Trails)
50 km · Full day

Dyke trails to Pitt Lake: 20 km one way through polder country, eagles and herons for company, rough gravel in stretches.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMostly gravelChunky gravelGentle grades
Photo: Andrew StrainVancouver, Coast and Mountains, BC
Around the Mountain
23 km · Afternoon

Around Burnaby Mountain: a 27 km climb-and-descend loop linking Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Burnaby with open views up top.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMixed surface
Photo: Vision Event PhotographyVancouver, BC
Barnston Island (from Tynehead Park)
18 km · Afternoon

A tiny free ferry, a flat 10 km island lap: Barnston Island is the Fraser's best-kept cycling secret.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMixed surfaceChunky gravelGentle grades
Photo: Hubert KangNorth Vancouver, BC
Belcarra Park & Sasamat Lake 40km
21 km · Afternoon

Port Moody to Belcarra and Sasamat Lake: a 26 km forest loop with a swimming lake in the middle and sea views at the far end.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMostly pavedMax climbing
Photo: Kindred ScoutVancouver, Coast and Mountains, BC
Blue Heron Loop
18 km · Afternoon

The Blue Heron Loop: 18 km of quiet gravel through Pitt Meadows farmland and forest, where the herons outnumber the cars.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostAlmost all gravelChunky gravelSome climbing
Photo: Chris WheelerMaple Ridge, BC
BMUT - Burnaby Mountain Urban Trail
17 km · Afternoon

The Burnaby Mountain Urban Trail: 8.5 km of flat, forest-lined path, glowing with colour in fall.

EasyComfortable for mostMostly paved
Photo: Albert NormandinVancouver, BC
BMUT Lougheed to Gastown
42 km · Full day

Forest to waterfront to Gastown's brick streets: a 21 km one-way ride across the city, with SkyTrain at both ends.

ModerateComfortable for mostMixed surface
Photo: Tanya GoehringWest Vancouver, BC
Boundary Bay Dyke Trail
25 km · Afternoon

The Boundary Bay dyke: dead-flat gravel along Delta's shoreline, 15 to 40 km, and some of Canada's best birdwatching.

EasyComfortable for mostAlmost all gravelGentle grades
Photo: Albert NormandinVancouver, Coast and Mountains, BC
Burnaby Lakes & Creeks
28 km · Afternoon

Lakes, creeks, and forest paths through Burnaby's green heart, in loops of 11 to 29 km.

ModerateComfortable for mostMixed surfaceSome climbing
Photo: Kindred ScoutNorth Vancouver, BC
Burrard Inlet Trails
7 km · Afternoon

Waterfront paths and forest singletrack along Burrard Inlet between Burnaby and Port Moody, 4 to 20 km, easy or rowdy as you choose.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMostly gravelChunky gravel
Photo: Hubert KangNorth Vancouver, BC
Campbell Valley
26 km · Afternoon

Campbell Valley's quiet corner of South Langley: parkland trails, horse country, and wineries, 7 to 27 km.

EasyCalm streets, some sharingMixed surfaceGentle grades
Photo: Ben GirardiPemberton, BC
Canoe Pass Trail (Brunswick Point)
7 km · Afternoon

Brunswick Point's dyke trail near Ladner: flat, quiet, and open to the sea, with wildflowers in summer and raptors year-round.

EasyComfortable for mostMostly gravelChunky gravel
Photo: VancityWildRichmond, BC
Canyon to Coast Trail Loop
34 km · Full day

The Vedder River dyke near Chilliwack: 18 km one way of flat riverside riding from canyon country to the valley floor.

EasyComfortable for mostMostly gravelGentle grades
Photo: Viranlly Liemena viranllyChilliwack, BC
Central Valley Greenway
25 km · Afternoon

The Central Valley Greenway: 25 km of flat, connected riding from Vancouver through Burnaby to New Westminster, SkyTrain never far.

ModerateComfortable for mostMostly pavedSome climbing
Photo: Kindred ScoutNorth Vancouver, BC
Coquitlam Parks
18 km · Afternoon

A 15 to 18 km tour of Coquitlam's parks, linking Lafarge Lake, forest paths, and public art, with SkyTrain access.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMixed surfaceLots of climbing
Burnaby, BC
David's Loop
18 km · Afternoon

David's Loop: 18 km of forest, riverside, and parkland between Coquitlam and Port Moody, with a few punchy hills.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMostly pavedLots of climbing
Photo: Michael BednarVancouver, Coast and Mountains, BC
Deep Cove + Spirit Trail East
10 km · Afternoon

A 10 km loop out to Deep Cove: forest, seaside, one honest climb, and doughnuts at the far end.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMixed surfaceLots of climbing
Photo: Hubert KangVancouver, BC
Delta Watershed + Joe Brown Trails
35 km · Full day

The Delta Watershed's forest trails: 8 to 35 km of quiet gravel and easy singletrack hiding between Delta and Surrey.

EasyComfortable for mostMostly gravelGentle grades
Photo: Hubert KangNorth Vancouver, BC
Discovery Trail West
9 km · Afternoon

Abbotsford's Discovery Trail: east and west halves totalling up to 40 km of parkland and farmland riding.

EasyComfortable for mostMostly paved
Photo: The Fraser Valley GroupAbbotsford, BC
Fort to Fort Trail
12 km · Afternoon

The Fort to Fort Trail near Fort Langley: flat riverside gravel between historic sites, 12 to 30 km with a Brae Island add-on.

EasyComfortable for mostAlmost all gravelGentle grades
Photo: Andrew StrainVancouver, Coast and Mountains, BC
Fraser Loop
35 km · Full day

A 35 km riverside loop linking Burnaby, Vancouver, Richmond, and New Westminster along the working Fraser.

AmbitiousCalm streets, some sharingMixed surface
Photo: Nelson MouellicVancouver, BC
Fraser Shores
8 km · Afternoon

A quiet, flat 6 km riverside out-and-back on the Fraser between Burnaby and Vancouver, easy for any rider.

ModerateComfortable for mostMostly gravelSome climbing
Photo: Abby CooperVancouver, Coast and Mountains, BC
Friesen Loop White Rock to Crescent Beach
24 km · Afternoon

A 24 km seaside loop linking White Rock's promenade with Crescent Beach, mixing quiet roads and gravel paths.

EasyComfortable for mostMixed surface
Photo: Harbour AirVancouver, Coast and Mountains, BC
Glen Valley Glide
42 km · Full day

The Glen Valley Glide: 30 km of quiet farm roads and rail corridor along the Fraser between Fort Langley and Abbotsford.

ModerateRide with trafficMostly pavedGentle grades
Photo: Tyler GarnhamDelta, BC
Golden Dreams Loop - Whistler Valley Trail
15 km · Afternoon

Whistler's Valley Trail: a paved, nearly flat lake-to-lake loop past Lost, Green, and Alta Lakes, extendable to a five-lake tour.

ModerateComfortable for mostMostly pavedSome climbing
Photo: Heath MoffattWhistler, BC
Great Blue Heron Way
8 km · Afternoon

A short, flat seaside ride on Tsawwassen First Nation land, 4 km each way, with herons living up to the name.

EasyComfortable for mostMostly gravel
Photo: Hubert KangNorth Vancouver, BC
Green Necklace
7 km · Afternoon

North Vancouver's Green Necklace: a 7 km greenway loop around the city's parks, public art, and heritage streets.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMostly pavedMax climbing
Photo: Kindred ScoutNorth Vancouver, BC
Green Timbers Park + Greenway
11 km · Afternoon

Surrey's urban forest: Green Timbers and Tynehead parks linked by greenway, 2 to 18 km of quiet, shaded riding.

ModerateComfortable for mostMostly pavedSome climbing
Photo: Kindred ScoutVancouver, Coast and Mountains, BC
Harbour Loop
30 km · Full day

The Harbour Loop: 32 km around Burrard Inlet's working waterfront, linking Vancouver and North Vancouver by bridge and seaside path.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMostly paved
Photo: Indigenous Tourism BCAgassiz, BC
Iona Jetty
26 km · Afternoon

Ride 4 km straight out to sea: the Iona Jetty points into the Strait of Georgia, flat all the way, birds everywhere.

EasyComfortable for mostMostly gravelGentle grades
Photo: Indigenous Tourism BCAgassiz, BC
North Sunshine Coast
180 km · Weekend or more

The north Sunshine Coast around Powell River and Lund: ferry-to-ferry roads, Inland Lake's accessible loop, and options to 180 km.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMixed surface
Photo: Yvonna ChowPowell River, BC
Texada Island • Savary Island
100 km · Weekend or more

Two islands, two personalities: Texada's gravel hills and Savary's white-sand lanes, joined by ferry hops from Powell River.

AmbitiousCalm streets, some sharingMostly gravelChunky gravel
Photo: Shayd JohnsonLund, BC
Tiskwat • Powell River
16 km · Afternoon

Powell River (Tiskwat) by bike: the seawalk, the historic Townsite, and loops of 1.5 to 16 km, ocean never out of sight.

ModerateCalm streets, some sharingMostly paved
Photo: Heath MoffattVancouver, BC
Egmont to Secret Cove
36 km · Full day

Egmont to Secret Cove on the upper Sunshine Coast: hilly forest roads, coves, and the churning tide race at Skookumchuck Narrows.

ChallengingCalm streets, some sharingMixed surfaceChunky gravel
Photo: Albert NormandinMadeira Park, BC
Sechelt • Halfmoon Bay
50 km · Full day

Sechelt and Halfmoon Bay rides from 2 to 50 km: Porpoise Bay, Smuggler Cove, and quiet forest roads above the water.

AmbitiousCalm streets, some sharingMixed surface
Photo: Dolf VermeulenSechelt, BC
Sunshine Coast South
55 km · Full day

The southern Sunshine Coast from Davis Bay to Gibsons and Roberts Creek: seaside roads, forest, and a brewery at the end.

ModerateCalm streets, some sharingMostly paved
Photo: Nancy ShieldsGibsons, BC
Gibsons
55 km · Full day

Gibsons by bike: the Ocean Beach Esplanade, quiet forest roads to Port Mellon, and a brewery in town, 4 to 55 km.

ModerateRide with trafficMostly paved
Photo: Kindred ScoutNorth Vancouver, BC
Goin' to Bowen (Bowen Island)
32 km · Full day

Goin' to Bowen: a short ferry from Horseshoe Bay to an island of forest roads, swimming lakes, and viewpoints, 2 to 32 km.

AmbitiousCalm streets, some sharingMostly paved
Photo: Andrew StrainVancouver, Coast and Mountains, BC
Ladner Loop-de-Doop
34 km · Full day

The Ladner Loop-de-Doop: 38 flat km of riverside, seaside, and farmland around Delta, birds and history included.

EasyCalm streets, some sharingMixed surfaceGentle grades
Photo: Jonny BiermanBoston Bar, BC
Lynn Creek
6 km · Afternoon

Lynn Creek's forest trails: 4 to 9 km of gravel and easy singletrack along the creek in North Vancouver.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMostly gravelLots of climbing
Photo: Hubert KangNorth Vancouver, BC
Matsqui Meander
42 km · Full day

The Matsqui Meander: flat Fraser-side riding on Abbotsford's old rail corridor, from 7 km up to a 30 km loop.

EasyRide with trafficMixed surfaceGentle grades
Photo: Viranlly Liemena viranllyAbbotsford, BC
Millenium Trail Delta
15 km · Afternoon

Ladner's Millennium Trail: 6 flat km along the river dyke, quiet water, and old fishing-village history.

EasyComfortable for mostMixed surfaceGentle grades
Photo: VancityWildRichmond, BC
Minnekhada
19 km · Afternoon

Flat rail-trail and dyke riding to Minnekhada's marshes: 9 to 25 km between Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam.

ModerateComfortable for mostMostly gravelSome climbing
Photo: Hubert KangSquamish, BC
New Westminster Loop
13 km · Afternoon

A 15 km loop of New Westminster's riverfront, parks, and heritage streets, pink with cherry blossoms in spring.

EasyComfortable for mostMostly pavedGentle grades
Photo: VancityWildRichmond, BC
Nicomekl
10 km · Afternoon

The Nicomekl's quiet riverside forest in Langley: a 7 km loop plus flood-plain spur, birds and history along the banks.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMixed surfaceLots of climbing
Photo: Hubert KangLangley, BC
North Shore Spirit Trail
12 km · Afternoon

The Spirit Trail hugs the North Shore waterfront for 15 km, from the shipyards toward West Vancouver, flat and full of views.

EasyComfortable for mostMostly pavedGentle grades
Photo: VancityWildNorth Vancouver, BC
Pacific Spirit Park
16 km · Afternoon

Pacific Spirit Park's 16 km forest loop: quiet gravel trails under big trees, minutes from the city.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostAlmost all gravelLots of climbing
Photo: Hubert KangNorth Vancouver, BC
Pitt River Greenway
11 km · Afternoon

The Pitt River Greenway: 11 flat km of old rail line beside river and farmland, with the mountains standing over everything.

EasyComfortable for mostAlmost all gravelGentle grades
Photo: Hubert KangLangley, BC
PoCo Trail
25 km · Afternoon

The PoCo Trail circles Port Coquitlam on flat riverside paths, 25 to 35 km of parks, dykes, and old rail line.

EasyComfortable for mostMostly gravelGentle grades
Photo: Craig BarkerPemberton, BC
Quay & Pier Park
2 km · Afternoon

New Westminster's Quay and Pier Park: a short, flat riverfront roll of 2.5 km each way, museums and market included.

EasyMostly paved
Photo: Albert NormandinVancouver, BC
Queen Elizabeth Park Loop
20 km · Afternoon

A 20 km city loop climbing to Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver's highest point, for gardens and skyline views.

EasyComfortable for mostMostly pavedGentle grades
Photo: Hubert KangVancouver, Coast and Mountains, BC
Queensborough
19 km · Afternoon

Queensborough's flat river loop between New Westminster and Richmond, with a little ferry crossing and quiet waterfront the whole way.

EasyComfortable for mostMixed surfaceGentle grades
Photo: The Number CreativeRichmond, BC
Ridge Meadows Circle
29 km · Afternoon

The Ridge Meadows Circle: a flat 30 km lap of Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge on dykes and old rail corridors, birds everywhere.

EasyComfortable for mostMostly gravelGentle grades
Photo: Daniel MosquinAgassiz, BC
Ridgeway Loop
24 km · Afternoon

The Ridgeway Loop: 24 km of Vancouver's quiet bikeways and parks, strung with public art.

ModerateComfortable for mostMostly paved
Photo: The Number CreativeRichmond, BC
Roller Coaster
47 km · Full day

The Roller Coaster earns its name: 40 hilly km through quiet Abbotsford farmland on and off an old rail corridor.

EasyRide with trafficMixed surfaceGentle grades
Photo: Abby CooperCache Creek, BC
Sea Island Exploring
9 km · Afternoon

Sea Island beyond the airport: 10 to 15 km of riverside paths and dirt trails in Richmond's quietest corner.

EasyComfortable for mostMixed surfaceGentle grades
Photo: Andrew StrainGibsons, BC
Semiahmoo Trail
4 km · Afternoon

Surrey's Semiahmoo Trail: 5 km of flat, quiet forest path on one of the area's oldest travel corridors.

AmbitiousMostly gravelLots of climbing
Photo: Tyler GarnhamDelta, BC
South Langley Trail
21 km · Afternoon

The South Langley Trail near Aldergrove: 25 km one way of forest, farmland, and winery country, loopable or shuttled.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMostly gravelSome climbing
Photo: VancityWildAbbotsford, BC
South Surrey Trails
25 km · Afternoon

South Surrey's quiet corners in one 21 km loop: waterfront, river trails, and forest parkland with good birdwatching.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMostly gravelLots of climbing
Photo: VancityWildNorth Vancouver, BC
Southlands
14 km · Afternoon

Southlands: a quiet 12 km amble through Vancouver's horse country near the Fraser, where the city forgets to be a city.

ModerateComfortable for mostMixed surface
Photo: Hubert KangVancouver, Coast and Mountains, BC
Stanley Park Seawall
10 km · Afternoon

The Stanley Park seawall: 10 km around Canada's most famous urban park, ocean on one side, thousand-year forest on the other.

EasyMostly paved
Photo: Alex StrohlVancouver, BC
Stoney Creek & Brunette River
14 km · Afternoon

Creekside forest from Burnaby to Coquitlam: 13 km along Stoney Creek and the Brunette River, salmon streams and SkyTrain at both ends.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMostly gravelLots of climbing
Photo: Bill Reid GalleryNorth Vancouver, BC
Sumas Dyke Trails
13 km · Afternoon

The Sumas dykes near Abbotsford: 13 flat km of quiet farmland gravel where a lake used to be.

ModerateComfortable for mostAlmost all gravelChunky gravelGentle grades
Photo: The Fraser Valley GroupAbbotsford, BC
Surrey Shores
12 km · Afternoon

Surrey Shores: Crescent Beach, Elgin Park, and the Serpentine Fen in one flexible outing of 4 to 30 km, binoculars advised.

ModerateComfortable for mostMostly gravelSome climbing
Photo: Yvonna ChowRoberts Creek, BC
Three Bridges - Big Loop 51.6km
52 km · Full day

The Three Bridges big loop: 50 km of riverside rail-trail and parkland linking Port Coquitlam, Surrey, and Pitt Meadows.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMixed surface
Photo: Kazutoshi YoshimuraVancouver, BC
Three Bridges via North Route 44.5km
45 km · Full day

The Three Bridges loop by its northern line: 45 km of riverside paths and quiet roads through Coquitlam and Pitt Meadows.

EasyComfortable for mostMixed surface
Photo: Local WandererVancouver, Coast and Mountains, BC
Town Center & Coquitlam River
10 km · Afternoon

Coquitlam's town centre to its river: a 9 km forest-and-parks out-and-back, golden in fall.

ModerateComfortable for mostMostly gravelSome climbing
Photo: Viranlly Liemena viranllyCoquitlam, BC
UBC Explorer
9 km · Afternoon

The UBC Explorer: 9 to 15 km around the campus peninsula's museums, gardens, and public art.

ModerateComfortable for mostMostly paved
Photo: Andrew StrainVancouver, Coast and Mountains, BC
Vancouver City Circle
20 km · Afternoon

The City Circle: 20 km around Vancouver's seaside, waterfront, and historic core, pink with blossoms in spring.

ModerateComfortable for mostMostly paved
Vancouver, BC
Seaside Beaches
18 km · Afternoon

Vancouver's beach parade: 9 flat km along the sand from beach to beach, public art and mountain views included.

EasyComfortable for mostMixed surface
Photo: Andrew StrainVancouver, Coast and Mountains, BC
Arbutus Greenway
17 km · Afternoon

Vancouver's Arbutus Greenway: a flat former rail line through the city's west side, 8.5 km one way, ideal for families.

EasyComfortable for mostMostly paved
Photo: Hubert KangVancouver, BC
Vancouver to Steveston
44 km · Full day

Vancouver to Steveston: 22 km each way along old rail corridor and the Fraser, ending at the historic fishing harbour.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMixed surface
Photo: The Number CreativeRichmond, BC
BC Parkway
36 km · Full day

The BC Parkway runs 18 km beside the SkyTrain from Vancouver through Burnaby to New Westminster, flat and easy to hop on anywhere.

ModerateComfortable for mostMostly paved
Photo: The Number CreativeRichmond, BC
Burnaby Scenic & Adanac Bikeway
35 km · Full day

A 35 km city loop pairing Burnaby's waterfront views with Vancouver's Adanac bikeway, public art and history along the way.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMixed surface
Photo: Hubert KangNorth Vancouver, BC
Seaside Greenway
24 km · Afternoon

The Seaside Greenway: 24 km of Vancouver waterfront in one loop, with a tiny ferry crossing to link the shores.

ModerateComfortable for mostMostly paved
Photo: Alex StrohlVancouver, BC
False Creek & Granville Island
10 km · Afternoon

The False Creek loop: 10 flat km around Vancouver's inner harbour, with Granville Island, tiny ferries, and public art all the way.

Easy
Photo: VancityWildRichmond, BC
Crosstown & Queens Park
16 km · Afternoon

New Westminster's historic streets and Queens Park in a 3 to 16 km ramble, at its prettiest in fall.

EasyComfortable for mostMostly paved
Photo: Viranlly LiemenaRichmond, BC
Seymour Valley
29 km · Afternoon

The Seymour Valley: 24 to 29 km of forest riding in North Vancouver, from smooth car-free parkway to rough river trails.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMixed surfaceChunky gravel
North Vancouver, BC
Mosquito Creek
8 km · Afternoon

Mosquito Creek's short creekside ride in North Vancouver: 2.5 to 8 km of old rail line and shady trail.

EasyCalm streets, some sharingMostly paved
Photo: The Number CreativeRichmond, BC
Shoreline Trail
9 km · Afternoon

Port Moody's Shoreline Trail: 6 to 9 km of flat waterfront path around the head of the inlet, herons and mudflats alongside.

EasyComfortable for mostMostly paved
Photo: Andrew BeaumontHarrison Hot Springs, BC
Colony Farm
16 km · Afternoon

Colony Farm's flat gravel paths between Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam: old farmland, community gardens, and busy birdlife.

EasyComfortable for mostMixed surface
Photo: Daniel MosquinAgassiz, BC
Around Richmond
38 km · Full day

A 38 km lap of Richmond on flat dyke and rail corridors, with river, sea, historic Steveston, and world-class birdwatching.

ModerateCalm streets, some sharingMostly paved
Photo: Kindred ScoutNorth Vancouver, BC
Railway Greenway
23 km · Afternoon

Richmond's Railway Greenway: a flat former rail line running 6 to 23 km down to historic Steveston village.

EasyComfortable for mostMostly paved
Photo: Andrew BeaumontFort Langley, BC
West Dyke & Middle Arm
22 km · Afternoon

Richmond's West Dyke and Middle Arm: 11 flat km with the marsh on one side, mountains across the strait, and airport floatplanes overhead.

EasyCalm streets, some sharingMixed surface
Photo: Reuben KrabbePemberton, BC
Steveston South Dyke Trail
20 km · Afternoon

Steveston's South Dyke Trail: 10 flat km along the Fraser's south arm, ending among the village's fishing-boat history.

EasyComfortable for mostMostly paved
Photo: Maurice LiVancouver, BC
Bike the Bridge
20 km · Afternoon

Bike the Bridge: a flat 20 km Vancouver-North Vancouver loop crossing high on one bridge and returning by SeaBus below.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMostly paved
Photo: Grant HarderVancouver, BC
Friesens Ride
24 km · Afternoon

Friesens Ride: a quiet 24 km waterfront loop through White Rock and South Surrey's seaside parkland.

ModerateCalm streets, some sharingMostly paved
North Vancouver, BC
Portside
20 km · Afternoon

Portside follows Vancouver's working waterfront for 10 km each way, past gardens, parks, and harbour views.

EasyComfortable for mostMostly paved
Photo: Kindred ScoutNorth Vancouver, BC
The Drive
16 km · Afternoon

The Drive: 9 to 16 km through East Vancouver's most storied streets, breweries and murals included.

Moderate
Photo: Kindred ScoutNorth Vancouver, BC
Vedder Loop
21 km · Afternoon

The Vedder River trails near Chilliwack: flat gravel loops of 7 to 20 km, eagles overhead and salmon runs in season.

ModerateComfortable for mostAlmost all gravelGentle grades
Photo: Viranlly Liemena viranllyChilliwack, BC
West Vancouver Exploring
36 km · Full day

West Vancouver's seaside hills: a 30 km loop of coast views, forest, and real climbing, with a ferry crossing in the mix.

AmbitiousCalm streets, some sharingMostly pavedLots of climbing
Photo: Kari MedigRichmond, BC
Westham Island
9 km · Afternoon

Westham Island: a one-lane wooden bridge, quiet farm roads, a winery, and the bird sanctuary at the end of the lane.

EasyCalm streets, some sharingMostly pavedGentle grades
Photo: The Number CreativeRichmond, BC
White Rock + South Surrey Big Loop
32 km · Full day

The White Rock and South Surrey big loop: 32 km linking the pier promenade, forest parkland, and river valleys.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMixed surface
Photo: Indigenous Tourism BCAgassiz, BC

Gravel Buddies

cycling clubvisit site →
Gravel Buddies is a Vancouver-based cycling community that organizes group gravel rides for women, gender-diverse, and 2SLGBTQIA+ riders, ranging from short evening rides in Stanley Park to multi-day bikepacking trips.
All 23 of their BC rides + their story →
Rally Day 1 (West Vancouver)
160 km · Weekend or more

Rally day one: 160 km from West Vancouver across the water to the island, rolling terrain with 1,200 m of climbing.

AmbitiousCalm streets, some sharingMixed surfaceSome climbing
Photo: Peter O HaraLadysmith, BC
Rally Day 1 alternative (West Vancouver)
150 km · Weekend or more

The gentler day-one rally option: 150 km with less gravel and about 950 m of climbing.

AmbitiousCalm streets, some sharingMixed surfaceSome climbing
Photo: Landon CopplestoneDuncan, BC
Bowen Island Day Trip
28 km · Afternoon

The easiest island escape from Vancouver: a 28 km Bowen Island loop of quiet roads and gravel, twenty ferry minutes from Horseshoe Bay.

ChallengingCalm streets, some sharingMixed surfaceChunky gravelMax climbing
Photo: Hubert KangWest Vancouver, BC
Bowen Island Day Trip (shorter)
22 km · Afternoon

The gentler Bowen Island loop: 22 km of island roads and gravel, made for an unhurried ferry day trip.

ChallengingCalm streets, some sharingMixed surfaceChunky gravelMax climbing
Photo: Harbour Air SeaplanesBowen Island, BC
Capilano Salmon Run
20 km · Afternoon

An easy 20 km spin along the Capilano River in West Vancouver, best in fall when the salmon are running.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMixed surfaceLots of climbing
Photo: Heath MoffattSquamish, BC
Deep Cove Ramble
27 km · Afternoon

One of the North Shore's prettiest rides: 27 km around Deep Cove with mossy trails, open fields, and flowy singletrack.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMixed surfaceLots of climbing
Photo: Jennifer KleingeltinkAgassiz, BC
Lakes and Rivers
50 km · Full day

A mellow 50 km wander through Vancouver-area parks and riversides, built for sunny days and unhurried breaks.

ModerateComfortable for mostMixed surfaceSome climbing
Photo: Blake JorgensonSquamish, BC
North Shore through Stanley Park
37 km · Full day

Stanley Park to the North Shore and back: 37 km of seawall, forest, and bridge views with moderate climbing.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMixed surfaceLots of climbing
Photo: Reuben KrabbeNorth Vancouver, BC
North Van Sampler
56 km · Full day

A 56 km tour of North Vancouver's gravel highlights, with over 1,000 m of climbing to earn the descents.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMixed surfaceLots of climbing
Photo: Albert NormandinVancouver, BC
North Van Shakedown
33 km · Full day

A 33 km North Van shakedown through hidden neighbourhood connectors, singletrack, steep climbs, and fast descents.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMostly gravelLots of climbing
Photo: Vision Event PhotographyVancouver, BC
Upper North Van
28 km · Afternoon

An easy 28 km loop through Upper North Vancouver's leafy streets and gravel paths, gentler than the North Shore's reputation.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMixed surfaceLots of climbing
Photo: Michael BednarVancouver, Coast and Mountains, BC
Golden Ears Overnighter (out and back)
105 km · Weekend or more

An overnighter that starts at your doorstep: 105 km out and back from Port Moody to camp beneath the Golden Ears.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMostly gravelSome climbing
Photo: Andrew StrainVancouver, Coast and Mountains, BC
Squamish-Whistler (out and back)
96 km · Weekend or more

The Sea to Sky Trail as an out-and-back: Squamish to Whistler and home again, 96 km of forest singletrack and swimming lakes.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostMostly gravelChunky gravelLots of climbing
Photo: Blake JorgensonWhistler, BC
Sunshine Coast Overnighter
67 km · Full day

A 67 km Sunshine Coast overnighter from the Langdale ferry, hilly paved riding with a night under the trees.

AmbitiousRide with trafficMixed surfaceLots of climbing
Photo: Dolf VermeulenHalfmoon Bay, BC

bikepacking.com

bikepacking platformvisit site →
bikepacking.com is an independently operated, member-supported bikepacking media platform founded in 2012 by Logan Watts. It publishes original and curated bikepacking routes, gear reviews, adventure stories, and planning guides, with a global route network spanning nearly 50 countries, alongside a biannual print magazine, The Bikepacking Journal.
All 33 of their BC rides + their story →
10 Lakes Overnighter, Powell River
103 km · Weekend or more

Ten lakes, one loop: a 103 km gravel overnighter from Powell River with swimming, fishing, and camping around every second bend.

ChallengingComfortable for mostAlmost all gravelMax climbing
Photo: Yvonna ChowMadeira Park, BC
Coast Mountains Bikepacking
772 km · Expedition

A 772 km, two-week traverse of BC's biggest, wildest range, from Harrison Lake's fjord country to the Chilcotin's last slice of Wild West.

EpicComfortable for mostAlmost all gravelChunky gravelMax climbingRemote stretches
Photo: Thompson Okanagan Tourism AssociationLillooet, BC
Lower Sunshine Coast Bikepacking Route
101 km · Weekend or more

The BC Bike Race's famous loam, minus the race: 101 km of singletrack-heavy riding from Earls Cove to Langdale, one ferry from Vancouver.

EpicComfortable for mostAlmost all gravelLots of singletrackChunky gravelMax climbing
Photo: Yvonna ChowEgmont, BC
Powell River Sampler
84 km · Full day

An 84 km taste of Powell River's trail riches: loamy singletrack, log bridges, waterfalls, and cabins to sleep in along the way.

ChallengingComfortable for mostAlmost all gravelLots of singletrackChunky gravelMax climbing
Photo: Jennifer KleingeltinkAgassiz, BC
Powell River Sampler (Alternate Walt Hut Route)
98 km · Weekend or more

The Powell River Sampler with the Walt Hill cabin climb built in: more climbing, bigger views, same loamy trails.

ChallengingComfortable for mostAlmost all gravelChunky gravelMax climbing
Photo: Andrew StrainPowell River, BC
Saw̓pa (Cloudburst Mountain) Divide
81 km · Full day

Ride up one river valley, float home down the other: an overnight bike-and-raft loop through Squamish Nation territory.

ChallengingComfortable for mostMostly gravelChunky gravelLots of climbing
Photo: Hubert KangSquamish, BC
Texada Ridge Runner Route
144 km · Weekend or more

Texada's spine, end to end: 144 km of gravel, punchy climbs, ocean views, and camping at Anderson Bay, no bears, just deer.

ChallengingComfortable for mostMostly gravelLots of climbing
Photo: Andrew StrainLund, BC
The BC Trail
1164 km · Expedition

The 1,164 km flagship traverse of southern BC, Fraser Valley to Fernie, on historic rail trails, gravel, and the occasional singletrack surprise.

EpicComfortable for mostMostly gravelChunky gravelLots of climbing
Photo: Kari MedigKimberley, BC

Trails BC

trail organizationvisit site →
Trails BC (the Trails Society of BC) is a non-profit charity that advocates for greenway trails for self-propelled recreation and active transportation across the province.
All 12 of their BC rides + their story →
Alternate Tsawwassen Langley
61 km · Full day

Ferry to trail: the flat 61 km cyclists' link from Tsawwassen terminal to the Trans Canada Trail at the Golden Ears Bridge.

EasyComfortable for mostMixed surfaceGentle grades
Photo: Dannielle HayesLangley, BC
Chilliwack Lake to Thurston Rec Site
29 km · Afternoon

Chilliwack Lake down the valley to Thurston Rec Site: 29 km of gravel Trans Canada Trail, one of the Fraser Valley's livelier sections.

ModerateComfortable for mostAlmost all gravel
Photo: Blake JorgensonWhistler, BC
Cultus Lake to Tamihi Rec Site
17 km · Afternoon

Cultus Lake to Tamihi Rec Site: 17 km of Trans Canada Trail along the Chilliwack River, greenway at both ends, hills in the middle.

AmbitiousComfortable for mostAlmost all gravel
Photo: Local WandererCultus Lake, BC
Langley to Clayburn
28 km · Afternoon

Langley to Clayburn on the Trans Canada Trail: 28 km along the Fraser's Matsqui dykes to a historic brick-making village.

EasyCalm streets, some sharingMostly gravel
Photo: Robin O NeillVancouver, Coast and Mountains, BC
Squamish Cycle Loops
79 km · Full day

Squamish cycle loops of 47 to 79 km: Howe Sound, three rivers, and the gravel-and-path network between them.

ModerateComfortable for mostMostly gravel
Photo: Ben GirardiSquamish, BC
Rotary Loop Trail
12 km · Afternoon

Chilliwack's Rotary Loop: 12 km around the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve, boglands, and the Vedder River.

ModerateComfortable for mostAlmost all gravel
Photo: Viranlly Liemena viranllyChilliwack, BC
Vedder Sumas River
92 km · Weekend or more

A 92 km dyke tour of the Fraser Valley's rivers: Sumas, Vedder, and the heron reserve, flat nearly the whole way.

EasyCalm streets, some sharingMixed surfaceGentle grades
Photo: Kari MedigPemberton, BC

Bike Gear Database

route networkvisit site →
Bike Gear Database is a Canadian online publication covering gravel and bikepacking gear reviews, rider stories, and community-submitted route guides. Routes are organized by country and region, including a Canada section with several British Columbia rides — and every route in the library has actually been ridden by the community before it's published.
All 12 of their BC rides + their story →

Cross Canada Cycle Tour Society

touring organizationvisit site →
The Cross Canada Cycle Tour Society (CCCTS) is a non-profit cycling club founded in 1982, based in British Columbia with a chapter in Ottawa. In its own words, it is a club for active adults of all ages; members are mainly retired people who love recreational cycling. Volunteers organize weekly day rides plus multi-day and cross-Canada tours, some of which have run continuously since the 1980s.
All 10 of their BC rides + their story →

Elbow Valley Cycle Club

cycling clubvisit site →
Elbow Valley Cycle Club is a Calgary-based recreational cycling club, one of the largest in Western Canada with roughly 700 members. It organizes about 250 events a year, including road, gravel, and multi-day touring rides, several of which cross into British Columbia.
All 6 of their BC rides + their story →

British Columbia Randonneurs

cycling clubvisit site →
British Columbia Randonneurs Cycling Club is a long-distance cycling club with deep roots: randonneuring in BC dates to 1979, and the club was a founding member of Les Randonneurs Mondiaux, the world body for 1,200 km grand randonnées, in 1983. With regional chapters in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, Southern Interior, and Peace Region, it organizes brevets (timed long-distance rides of 200 km and up), populaires (shorter introductory events), and permanents (self-paced routes available year-round), and publishes the routes on Ride with GPS. Its celebrated Rocky Mountain 1200 drew riders from around the world.
All 3 of their BC rides + their story →

Adventure Cycling Association

touring organizationvisit site →
Adventure Cycling Association is a nonprofit based in Missoula, Montana, born as Bikecentennial in 1973 and famous for the 1976 ride that sent thousands of cyclists across the United States. Fifty years on, it is North America's reference library for bicycle travel: tens of thousands of kilometres of mapped routes in the Adventure Cycling Route Network, Adventure Cyclist magazine, and guided trips.
All 6 of their BC rides + their story →

Great Northern Bikepacking Route

individual route creatorvisit site →
The Great Northern Bikepacking Route (GNBR) is an independently created, mostly off-road bikepacking route spanning over 13,000 km across 10 Canadian provinces and 3 U.S. states, from the Pacific to the Atlantic — one of the most ambitious route-mapping projects in the country. It is published segment by segment on a dedicated website, with route data on RideWithGPS and gear and provisioning notes alongside the maps.
All 2 of their BC rides + their story →

BT 700 Bikepacking

individual route creatorvisit site →
BT 700 Bikepacking is a route-publishing site run by Ontario adventure cyclist and writer Matthew Kadey, one of Canada's most prolific bikepacking route builders. It grew out of the original BT700 gravel loop in southwestern Ontario and now offers downloadable route files for gravel and bikepacking rides across Canada, including several in British Columbia.
All 10 of their BC rides + their story →

Trans Canada Bike Route Network

route networkvisit site →
A volunteer-run, community-collaborative project mapping a proposed coast-to-coast National Cycling Route Network for Canada. It publishes route data as GPX files, a Garmin BaseCamp database (GDB) with points of interest, KMZ files for offline smartphone use, interactive Google Maps, and a curated Ride with GPS collection.
All 1 of their BC rides + their story →

Trans Canada Trail

trail organizationvisit site →
Trans Canada Trail is a national charitable organization, based in Ottawa, that coordinates and maintains the Trans Canada Trail (also known as The Great Trail) — a roughly 30,000 km multi-use trail network spanning every Canadian province and territory and connecting the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic coastlines. The network supports hiking, cycling, paddling, and other activities, and is built and managed through partnerships with regional and local trail organizations rather than owned as a single continuous trail.
All 2 of their BC rides + their story →

The Great Community Route Celebration

event organizervisit site →
The Great Community Route Celebration was a global cycling route-creation event hosted by Ride with GPS, running June 11 to July 5, 2020. Participants worldwide created and submitted routes highlighting places and spaces in their own communities, adding points of interest and photos along the way. The event drew 523 route submissions from 51 countries.
All 2 of their BC rides + their story →

Different corner of BC?#

Vancouver Island · 90Thompson Okanagan · 51Kootenay Rockies · 33Cariboo Chilcotin Coast · 10Northern British Columbia · 6
Do you publish well-documented cycling routes in BC — road, gravel, touring, or family rides?

We're interested in learning more about where you love to ride. Drop us a note and tell us what you publish.

hello@bccycletourism.ca