• Home
  • SUBSCRIBE!
  • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
      • Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus: What’s the Difference?
      • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
      • Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus vs 830 vs 530 Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830: What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs. 130 Plus – Premium vs. Budget Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge 830 vs 820: What’s the Difference?
    • Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer?
      • Which Garmin Edge Bike Computer has the Longest Battery Life?
      • Which Garmin Edge Bike Computer is Best for Mountain Biking?
    • Are Garmin Edge Bike Computers Worth It?
    • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
      • Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt: Which is Better?
      • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
    • 9 Great Upgrades to the Garmin Edge 530
    • 9 New Features in the Garmin Edge 830
    • The New Garmin Enduro Smart Watch – a Good Choice for Cyclists?
  • About
    • Start Here!
    • Contact Us
  • Product Reviews
    • 7 Great Budget Bikes You Can Buy on Amazon in 2023
    • 7 of the Best Budget E-bikes under $1000 for 2023
    • Bike Computer Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers for 2023
      • All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared: Edge 130 Plus vs Explore 2 vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040
      • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
      • Best Bike Computers – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
      • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Cycling Gear Reviews
      • How to Choose the Best Cycling Balaclava
        • 7 of the Best Cycling Balaclavas to Keep Your Head Warm this Winter
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women
        • 7 of the Best Women’s Cycling Jackets – Waterproof and Windproof
        • The Three Different Kinds of Cycling Jackets
        • Showers Pass Elite 2.1 Waterproof Cycling Jacket Review
        • Best Cheap Cycling Jackets under $100
        • Best Windproof Cycling Jackets
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women
        • Showers Pass Rogue Cycling Pants – Review by Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist
        • 3 Regular-Looking Pants that Work Well as Cycling Pants
      • Best Waterproof Cycling Gear for Men and Women
      • 7 of the Best Cycling Jerseys
        • Two of the Best Women’s Cycling Jerseys: Pearl Izumi and Sugoi
      • 7 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets and Dog Carriers
      • Adidas Cycling Glasses – Review after Eight Years of Use
      • The New Garmin Enduro Smart Watch – Is it a Good Choice for Cyclists?
    • Garmin Edge and Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared: Versus Posts!
        • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs. Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
      • Garmin Varia Vision and Varia Rear Light Radar
      • How to Upload Your Bike Rides to Strava While Garmin Connect is Down
    • Bike Pannier Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers
      • Review of the Two Wheel Gear Convertible Pannier/Backpack
      • Best Waterproof Bike Panniers for Touring and Commuting: Ortlieb Bike Panniers
      • Two Wheel Gear Classic 3.0 Garment Pannier for Bike Commuters – Review by Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist
      • Best Commuter/Bike Touring Panniers: Two Wheel Gear Classic 3.0 Garment Pannier Review
    • Bike Light Reviews
      • Complete Guide to Bike Lights
        • Best Budget Bright Bike Headlight – Lumintrail Review
        • Best Bike Light under $40 – Serfas Thunderbolt Tail Light Review
        • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting in 2023
        • Reelight Rl721 Bike Lights Review – Lights that are ALWAYS on
        • How to Choose the Best Bike Light
      • When to Use Flashing Bike Lights
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Bike Lights
    • Bike Saddle Reviews
      • 9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles for 2023
      • How to Choose the Right Bike Saddle
      • Zacro Gel Seat Cover – a Budget Solution for Saddle Discomfort
    • Headphone Reviews
      • Best Headphones for Safe Cycling
      • Aftershokz XTrainerZ Headphones – Open-Ear, Bone Conduction, Safe Headphones for Cycling AND Swimming
      • Review – AfterShokz Trekz Cordless Open Ear Bone Conduction Headphones for Safe Cycling
      • Jaybird Tarah Wireless Headphones Review
    • 7 Reasons to Use a Power Meter on Your Bike
  • Bike Computer Reviews
    • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
        • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
        • Garmin Edge 520 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT
    • 7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers for 2023
    • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Best Bike Computers – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
    • 9 Great Upgrades to the Garmin Edge 530 – Garmin’s Game-Changing GPS Bike Computer
  • Health Benefits
    • Cycling Weight Loss
      • A Guide for Fat Cyclists
      • How Cycling Can Help You to Lose Weight
      • The Top 10 Ride Your Way Lean Eating Rules, for Effective Weight Loss
      • 7 Steps to Lose Weight Cycling
      • How Many Calories Do You Burn Cycling?
      • How Many Calories Can You Burn Riding an Ebike?
      • Top 10 Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
      • Our Best Lose Weight with Cycling Posts
      • Intermittent Fasting, Cycling, HIIT, and Weight Loss
    • Cycling and Aging
      • Science Shows HIIT on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging – And We Show You How to Do it!
      • 5 Great Reasons to Take Up Cycling During Retirement
      • Science Says Exercise is a Miracle Cure and Protects You from Diseases
      • Science Proves Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
      • Science Shows that Cycling Really Does Fight Aging
      • 7 Tips to Help You Keep Mountain Biking after Age 40
      • Case Studies: Three Seniors who Regained their Health with E-Bikes
    • Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 7 Ways to Prevent Cycling Knee Pain
      • How to Cure Cycling Knee Pain with a Miraculous, Cheap Cure
    • Cycling and Strength
      • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
      • 5 Great Strength Exercises for Cyclists
      • Science Says Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
      • How Strength Training Can Boost Your Cycling Speed and Quality of Life
    • Cycling and Sleep
      • How Cycling Helps You to Sleep Better and Get Healthier
      • One in Three Cyclists Experience Reduced Stress Levels
      • Why Cycling May Be the Sleep Aid You Need
      • How I Became a Bike Commuter and Shed Stress Immediately
    • Cycling and Brain Health
      • Science Shows Five Ways that Cycling Boosts Your Brain Function
      • Research shows that cycling makes your brain grow
    • Kids biking
      • 7 Easy Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike
      • 7 of the Best Baby and Child Bike Seats to Keep Your Child Safe – Reviews and Videos
      • 7 Tips for Parents to Keep your Kids Safe on their Bikes
      • How to Transport Kids on Bikes (Video and Infographic)
      • Babies and Bikes: How to Get Kids Active from the Start
      • How to Encourage Kids to Ride Bikes
        • How to Help your Kids Bike to School
A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

Average Joe Cyclist

A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

  • Cycling Training Plans
    • Our Most Successful Cycling Training Plans
    • How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 1
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 2 – Interval Training
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 3 – Preparing for Your First Race
    • 7 Reasons to do High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Your Bike – and How to Do It
    • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
    • Science Shows HIIT on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging – And We Show You How to Do it!
    • Workouts and Stretching for Cyclists
      • Complete Guide to Stretching for Cyclists
      • Stop Doing Crunches! 10 Minute Complete Core Workout for Cyclists
      • Updated Video: 3 Hip Stretches to Cure Cycling Hip Pain
      • 5 Benefits of Cross Training for Cyclists
    • How to Protect Your Testosterone Levels from Over-Training
    • Research shows Amazing Benefits of Sprint Intervals in Cycling
  • Indoor Cycling Training
    • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers
    • 5 of the Best Smart Indoor Trainers for Effective Indoor Training
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • Guide to Smart Turbo Indoor Trainers
    • How to Get Started with Stationary Biking: A Guide to Stationary Bikes
  • Cycling with Dogs
    • 7 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets and Dog Carriers
    • How to Train Your Dog to Safely Run Next to You When You Are Cycling
    • Complete Guide to Taking Your Dog on Bike Rides in a Bike Basket
    • 6 Steps to Gently Train Your Dog to Go On Bike Rides With You
  • Lose Weight!
    • Cycling and Weight Loss
      • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers for 2023
      • 5 Quick and Easy Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
    • Our Best Lose Weight with Cycling Posts
    • Cycling Nutrition
      • Best Matcha Tea for Cyclists: My Matcha Life
        • How to Make Matcha Tea
      • How Protein Helps your Post Bike Ride Recovery
      • 5 Best Protein Supplements for Exercise Recovery and Health
    • Cycling Training Plans
      • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner’s Bike Training Plan
    • Cycling and Health
  • Tips & How-Tos
    • How to Prevent & Cure Cycling Knee Pain
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
    • How to Change Gears on a Bike – Beginner’s Guide
    • Bike maintenance
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
    • Top 10 Tips to Keep your Bike from being Stolen
    • Smart Phone vs a Bike Computer for Recording Bike Rides – Which is Better?
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • Do You Need a Cycling Jersey?
    • Complete Guide to How to Buy and Sell Bikes on Craigslist
      • How to Buy Used Bikes on Craigslist (and Other Online Marketplaces)
    • How to Understand Bike Terminology
    • 5 Things You Need to Know about Hydration for Cyclists
      • Hydration for Cycling – How Much Fluid do You Need?
  • Bike Commuting
    • Bike Commuting Tips
      • Top 10 Tips on How to Avoid a Sore Butt from Cycling
      • How Women Cyclists Can Prevent Saddle Soreness and Associated Issues
      • How to Choose the Best Bike Light
      • The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When They Try to Start Bike Commuting
      • 7 Tips for Going Car-Free
      • Can Cycling Cause Penis Numbness, Erectile Dysfunction, and Prostate Cancer?
      • Best Bike Light under $40 – Serfas Thunderbolt Tail Light Review
      • 5 Ways to Stay Visible in Traffic When Cycling
      • The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When They Try to Start Bike Commuting
      • 7 Helpful Tips for New Bike Commuters – Don’t Start Bike Commuting Until You Read This!
    • Winter Cycling
      • Safe Winter Cycling – How to Cycle Safely in the Winter
      • How to Dress for Winter Cycling – Cycling Clothes that will Keep You Warm and Dry
      • Our Top Tips to Keep You Warm and Dry for Fall and Winter Cycling
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Cold Weather Cycling
    • Safety for Cyclists
      • Top 10 Tips to Not Get Hit by a Car on Your Bike
      • When to Use Flashing Bike Lights
      • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting
      • Aftershokz XTrainerZ Headphones – Open-Ear, Bone Conduction, Safe Headphones for Cycling AND Swimming
      • Best Budget Bright Bike Headlight – Lumintrail Review
    • Benefits of Being a Bike Commuter
      • Survey Shows London Bike Commuters are Happier and More Productive
      • What Is the Function of Myelin in the Body?
      • Research shows that cycling makes your brain grow
    • Bike Maintenance
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • How To Clean Your Bike Chain the Easy Way
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
      • Inspirational Video: How to Fix a Bike Flat – with No Hands
    • Cycling Infrastructure
      • 3 Reasons Why We Need Separated Bike Lanes
      • Research reveals a surprising benefit of separated bike lanes
      • Montreal Cycling, Part 3: Separated Bike Lanes – What Other Cities can Learn from Montreal
      • Cycling and the Post-Covid Transformation
You are here: Home / Cycling Reviews / Bike Tours and Trails / Cycling in Canada / Cycling in Vancouver / Stanley Park Seawall Bike Trail, Vancouver – Guide plus Video

Stanley Park Seawall Bike Trail, Vancouver – Guide plus Video

February 15, 2016 by Average Joe Cyclist

Pin
Share
Tweet

Avatarwp-user-avatar wp-user-avatar-96 photo

This is a complete guide to the flat, family-friendly Stanley Park Seawall Bike Trail – which is one of the most beautiful bike trails in the world. Vancouver’s Stanley Park was recently named the top urban park in the world by Trip Advisor. It’s the third-biggest park in North America, a splendid 400 hectares of rain forest, right in the heart of Vancouver. Flanked by English Bay and Burrard Inlet, the entire park offers spectacular water views, and shade from towering, ancient cedar, fir and hemlock trees. The bike trail runs along Seawall, hugging the water and offering endless views to cyclists.

Related: Great Bike Rides in Vancouver

Brockton Point Lighthouse, Stanley Park Seawall Bike Trail
Brockton Point Lighthouse, Stanley Park Seawall Bike Trail

Stanley Park has miles of biking and hiking trails, plus many historic landmarks and lots of fun things to do. It is home to Canada’s largest aquarium, a water park, a miniature railway and tennis courts. Every Christmas there is a Festival of Lights, where a section of the park is covered in thousands of lights. Guests ride a miniature train while listening to Christmas carols and enjoying the lights. When you get off the train, you can offset the (usually freezing) cold by buying hot cocoa, hot chestnuts, and other snacks. No wonder that Stanley Park attracts about 8 million visitors every year.

Stanley Park also has one of the greatest bike trails in the known universe. I have cycled it countless times, and every time, I am awed. It makes me feel happier about living on this planet, and is an excellent anti-depressant.

Stanley Park has one of the greatest bike trails on the planet. Check out this guide and video!

Click To Tweet

Watch our Narrated Video about Cycling the Stanley Park Seawall, Vancouver

Here is a video that shows the entire route of the Stanley Park Seawall. It’s a joint effort – I filmed it and edited it down from about 30 minutes to about 10 minutes. Maggie (Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist) narrated the video (because of her lifelong knowledge of Metro Vancouver and its history). She provides a lot of interesting details that will really bring this ride to life for you.

Details of the Stanley Park Seawall Trail

Surfaces: all paved

Distance: 9.4 km (5.8 miles)

All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Chart and Videos
Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs Garmin Edge Explore vs Garmin Edge 530 vs Garmin Edge 830 vs Garmin Edge 1030 Plus

Difficulty level: easy (see elevation graph below)

Elevation on the Stanley Park Seawall Trail
Elevation on the Stanley Park Seawall Trail

Safety level: safe for the whole family (although of course there have been isolated accidents – nowhere is completely safe)

Type of bike required: any kind, but a hybrid would be the best and a cruiser might be fun. Many people rent cruisers to do this trip.

Suitable for: everyone, including bikes, trikes, skateboards, strollers, and wheelchairs

Congestion: can be extremely busy during peak hours

The Stanley Park Seawall Bike Trail

Vancouver’s Seawall is a multi-use path for human-powered activities of all kinds: cycling, jogging, walking, skating, wheel-chairing, and pushing strollers. It’s also suitable for all ages, so this is definitely a place to take the whole family for a bike trail ride. And if you’re battling to get your kids to cycle at all, here’s a post with some handy tips about how to get kids to bike more.

People feel so safe in Stanley Park, many don't wear bike helmets (although tourists should be aware the bike helmets are legally required, so you could be risking a fine by not wearing one). This woman was so relaxed that she appeared to be reading a book on her bike - or maybe it was just an iPad!
People feel so safe in Stanley Park, many don’t wear bike helmets (although tourists should be aware that bike helmets are legally required, so you could be risking a fine by not wearing one). This woman was so relaxed that she appeared to be reading a book on her bike – or maybe it was just an iPad!

Vancouver’s Seawall Bike Trail is in the downtown core of Vancouver.The Stanley Park Seawall Bike Trail loops around Stanley Park, providing a ride that is 9.4 km (5.8 miles) long (shown on the map). This is the original part of the Vancouver Seawall, which was started in 1917 and completed in 1980.

Map of the Stanley Park Seawall Trail

Here is a map of the entire route, recorded with my Garmin Edge Touring (reviewed in depth here).

Map showing one of my bike rides around the Stanley Park bike trail
Map showing one of my bike rides around the Stanley Park bike trail
Stanley Park Seawall Bike Trail
Statue of Lord Stanley, after whom the park is named

“To the use and enjoyment of people of all colours, creeds and customs for all time, I name thee STANLEY PARK.” Governor General of Canada, Lord Frederick Stanley, officially dedicated the park in 1882. Since then the dense forests have been largely untouched, so that there are now about half a million trees in the park. (As far as is known – no one has ever actually counted them.)

How to Cycle the Stanley Park Seawall Trail

A good place to start your ride is from one of the car parks. The map and the video on this post both start from the car park next to the Vancouver Rowing Club. Another good place to start is the car park next to the Second Beach Pool. Always head in a counter-clockwise direction from wherever you start, as the cycle route is one-way, counter clockwise.

Always cycle in a counter-clockwise direction from wherever you start, as the cycle route is one-way, counter clockwise
Always cycle in a counter-clockwise direction from wherever you start, as the cycle route is one-way, counter clockwise

The Seawall Trail has two parallel tracks: one for cyclists and one for pedestrians. For safety, stick to the correct track, and keep right when you’re not passing people. (In Canada, the norm is to keep right and pass on the left.)

The route is segregated so bikers and walkers don't run into one another
The route is segregated so bikers and walkers don’t run into one another. That’s my youngest daughter on the left

It’s a good idea to get off your bike when the signs tell you to dismount. There’s a good reason for these signs: they occur at three especially busy sections where you could knock over vulnerable people, such as small children.

It's a good idea to get off your bike when the signs tell you to dismount. There’s a good reason for these signs: they occur at three especially busy sections where you could knock over vulnerable people, such as small children. Often there are turnstyles to encourage you to dismount. Stanley Park Seawall
It’s a good idea to get off your bike when the signs tell you to dismount. There’s a good reason for these signs: they occur at three especially busy sections where you could knock over vulnerable people, such as small children. Often there are turnstyles to encourage you to dismount

Share the Trail!

There any many parts of the seawall where narrow paths are shared between cyclists and pedestrians and skateboarders. Such as the part in the photo below. There have been some serious accidents in Stanley Park, so please – be careful out there.

Stanley Park Seawall Bike trail gets pretty narrow is some spots
The Stanley Park Seawall Bike trail gets pretty narrow in some spots

In general, be alert and keep your trigger finger on your bicycle bell, as pedestrians could wander onto the cycling path at any moment. Or you could encounter one of those people who think it’s a good idea to stand in the middle of a crowded bike path with their arms spread wide open …

It is not wise to stand in the middle of the Stanley Park Seawall Bike trail waving your arms
It is not wise to stand in the middle of the Stanley Park Seawall Bike trail waving your arms

Note: If you prefer a quieter ride, there are also many off-road trails in Stanley Park that are much quieter. See for example my post on the Prospect Point Trail in Stanley Park.

Two boys cycling on the Stanley Park bike route. In this photo, they have stopped to watch the waves breaking onto the bike path
Two boys cycling on the Stanley Park bike route. In this photo, they have stopped to watch the waves breaking onto the bike path

What to See and Do

Wildlife: Depending on when you go, you may see herons, seagulls, swans, Canada geese, and even eagles. In the sea you may be lucky enough to spot a seal or two. Even whales have been spotted, but they are rare.

Harry Jerome Statue: Harry Jerome was a Canadian track and field Olympian, who died tragically young at 42 from a brain aneurysm, in 1982. The statue serves as a permanent reminder of a great athlete who competed in 3 Olympics and set 7 world records.

People cycling past the Harry Jerome statue on the Stanley Park Seawall Bike trail
People cycling past the Harry Jerome statue on the Stanley Park Seawall Bike trail

Totem poles: Next to the Brockton Oval cricket pitch are 8 totem poles. They were brought to Stanley Park starting in the early 1920s, and are now the single biggest tourist attraction in British Columbia. No wonder, given the depth of history they contain – as you will discover if you park your bike and spend some time walking among the totem poles.

Stanley Park Seawall Bike Trail
You can see amazing totem poles alongside the Stanley Park Seawall Bike Trail (photo by David Davis)

The Brockton Point Lighthouse

This famous lighthouse is right on the seawall, so you can’t miss it. Here is the small hill leading up to it. There has been a lighthouse at this spot since 1890. The lighthouse is situated right in front of a magnificent view of Burrard Inlet.

Cycling up towards the Brockton Point Lighthouse in Stanley Park
Cycling up towards the Brockton Point Lighthouse on the Stanley Park Seawall Bike trail

SS Empress of Japan

Soon after this you will find a relatively new attraction: a stunning replica of the figurehead of the SS Empress of Japan, which plied the waters off Vanvcouver for 31 years (from 1891 to 1922). The original carving was restored by the Vancouver Province in 1928, and the replica on display was cast from the restored carving in 1960.

SS Empress figurehead, Stanley Park Seawall Bike trail
SS Empress figurehead, Stanley Park Seawall Bike trail

Water Park at Lumberman’s Arch

A fun attraction for those with young kids. You need to slow down here to go through a turnpike, and are then required to walk your park for a few feet.

Next you are off on a long, winding, narrow path with spectacular scenery. You will sometimes need to be patient here, as some cyclists are slow, and it is impossible to overtake. Just slow down and enjoy the scenery and the sea air!

Stanley Park Seawall Bike Trail
Spectacular views of the Lions Gate Bridge on the Stanley Park Seawall Bike Trail

The Lions Gate Bridge goes to Vancouver’s North Shore. You will cycle right under this beautiful bridge.

Stanley Park Seawall Bike Trail.
Some parts of the Stanley Park Seawall Bike Trail are narrow and must be cycled cautiously. Note the pedestrian side is fairly wide

Interesting rocks

There are some great geological sights. On your left, ice cold water drips down dank, dramatic slabs of rock that look as if they’ve been there since the Stone Age. On your right, you can see Burrard Inlet and the 50-foot-high rock outcrop called Siwash Rock (shown below).

"Siwash Rock Vancouver". Siwash Rock, Stanley Park, Vancouver. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
“Siwash Rock Vancouver”. Siwash Rock, Stanley Park, Vancouver. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Girl in a Wetsuit: Right next to Siwash Rock is Elek Imredy’s statue of a Girl in a Wetsuit. This sculpture was erected on 9 June 1972. Vancouver was denied permission to reproduce Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid statue, so the city commissioned a modern version with diving mask, wet suit, and flippers – but no snorkel! The sculptor’s wife, Peggy Imredy, says: “She represents Vancouver’s dependence on the sea and the necessity to use the sea for the benefit of all.”

The Girl in a Wetsuit statue in the Burrard Inlet
The Girl in a Wetsuit statue in the Burrard Inlet

Beaches: there are several beautiful beaches in Stanley Park. The Seawall naturally runs right by them (this is one of the best things about Seawalls).

Cycling past Third Beach on the Stanley Park Seawall
Cycling past Third Beach on the Stanley Park Seawall

This is Third Beach, where many cyclists stop to cool off. There are usually quite a number of bikes locked up along the fringes of this beach. So remember your swimsuit and a big old bike lock. There are also washrooms and change rooms just up the steps from the Seawall.

You can choose to stop at Third Beach, along the Stanley Park Seawall Bike trail
You can choose to stop at Third Beach, along the Stanley Park Seawall Bike trail

Second Beach Pool: For years this was my favorite part of Stanley Park. I spent many happy hours playing with my kids in this huge, heated salt water pool, which sparkles in blue splendor beside English Bay. It’s truly a magnificently scenic pool, with lots of shallow parts for the kids, lanes for swimming laps, and some fun slides too, so it’s very well worth a stop.

One of the most beautiful outdoor pools in the world awaits you at Second Beach, alongside the Stanley Park Seawall Bike Trail
One of the most beautiful outdoor pools in the world awaits you at Second Beach, alongside the Stanley Park Seawall Bike Trail

There is parking for bikes just outside, so it’s easy to stop for a swim (during the summer months when the pool is open). There is also a concession stand, as well as washrooms with change rooms and showers.

Play Park: There’s a huge play park just past the Second Beach Pool, where those with kids can take a break.

Cherry blossom trees in bloom along the Stanley Park Seawall Bike trail
Cherry blossom trees in bloom along the Stanley Park Seawall Bike trail

Horticultural: the park is a dream for anyone who loves trees and flowers. There are many beautiful gardens, including the Ted and Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden which is home to a huge collection of hybrid rhododendron and azalea plants. The Rhododendron Garden is right on the bike route as you cycle up towards Lost Lagoon, so you can’t miss it. The flowers bloom March through June. It is also spectacular to cycle through the park in the spring, when the cherry blossom trees are in bloom.

Lost Lagoon: This is a beautiful lagoon that is home to a large number of ducks and geese. It’s close to the burial ground of First Nations Princess Pauline Johnson, who is the only person ever to be buried in Stanley Park. It was the princess who named Lost Lagoon: apparently she named it because at one time the tide would come in from Coal Harbour and fill the lake, and when the tide went out again the lake would be lost.

Biking past Lost Lagoon along the Stanley Park Seawall Bike trail, Vancouver. That's my child in the green sweater!
Biking past Lost Lagoon along the Stanley Park Seawall Bike trail, Vancouver. That’s my child in the green sweater!

Food: There are concessions at the Totem Poles, Lumbermen’s Arch, Second Beach Pool and Third Beach. The concessions serve the usual fried junk, so if you care about your health, you might want to take a healthy snack along.

There are also restaurants inside the park, although these are mainly of the fine dining variety, and not very suitable for sweaty cyclists. These include the Prospect Point Café, The Teahouse at Ferguson Point, the Stanley Park Bar and Grill at the Stanley Park Pavilion and The Fish House. Of course, if you do want to eat at the up-market but friendly Fish House, they have bike parking right outside – always a sign of sensible restaurant-owners! Oh, and they have washrooms that are accessible from outside, too.

The Fish House Restaurant next to the Stanley Park Seawall Bike Trail
The Fish House Restaurant next to the Stanley Park Seawall Bike Trail

Denman Street: Just outside the park is Denman Street, which features a large variety of food choices, including sushi, pizza, falafel and cupcakes. My personal favorite is to lock the bikes up on the sidewalk outside the Milestones on Denman Street at Davie, just outside the park. From a patio table we can keep an eye on our bikes, enjoy the view, and order a glass of wine and something to eat. After all, one of the points of cycling is to be able to eat plenty of delicious food!

If you would prefer a coffee, you can go just a short way up Denman Street to Delaney’s Coffee Shop, which has limited outdoor seating where you can keep an eye on your locked up bike.

When to Go (and when NOT to Go)

The catch with this wonderful trail is that you have to choose your time wisely if you want to avoid being driven insane by other users.

Unfortunately, a lovely weekend afternoon in summer is the very last time you should cycle the Stanley Park Seawall – even though it’s probably the time you’re going to want to do it.

The problem is that you will have to share the trail with thousands of other cyclists with the same idea – not to mention roller bladers, skateboarders, pedestrians, large groups of tourists posing for photos while standing on the bike trail, and so on. This can be very unpleasant.

Obviously it’s best to bike the Stanley Park Seawall when there are fewer people around. On the weekends, your only hope is to go very early in the morning. Luckily Vancouver has very long days during the summer, so this is a very good option. During the work week, you can usually get a decent ride during the morning without having to get out of bed at 6.00 a.m. During the winter the number of cyclists drops dramatically, so this is the best time time to enjoy the Stanley Park Seawall. Some winter days in the park offer dramatic scenery, such as rapidly moving fog banks.

And if you really want to bike it in peace, you might consider doing so at night, when the views are also magnificent … however, don’t do it alone, as there are quite lonely areas, and you never know who you might meet. I was once with a group of cyclists biking through Stanley Park at about 9 at night, and we were accosted by a homeless man who screamed at us because we had woken him up. Apparently, it was past his bed time.

Harry Jerome statue on the Stanley Park Seawall Bike Trail
Harry Jerome statue on the Stanley Park Seawall Bike Trail

Bike Rentals near the Stanley Park Seawall

Click here for a full list, details and maps of the many Vancouver Bike Rentals you can choose from.

All in all, a great cycling experience for the whole family, suitable for beginners, and almost entirely flat. The Stanley Park Seawall is one of those bike rides that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

For many more great Vancouver Bike Rides, see Vancouver Cycling – Great Bike Rides in and Around Vancouver.

GREAT BIKE TRAILS IN AND AROUND VANCOUVER

Tips for Planning a Great Cycling Vacation in Vancouver

Seaside-Bike-Route-Vancouver_child table(1)

Great Bike Rides in and Around Vancouver
bike rentals
The Whistler Valley
Trail

Whistler-Valley-Trail
Central Valley Greenway
CVG-and-Lougheed
Stanley Park Seawall, Vancouver
Brockton-Point-Stanley-Park-600
Seaside Bike Route, Vancouver
Seaside-bike-route-cyclist
Galloping Goose Trail, Vancouver Island
Galloping-Goose-Trail-horses-and-cyclists
Lochside Trail, Vancouver Island
lochside-trail.indexed1.indexed
Pacific Spirit Regional Park
Pacific Park boy cycling small
West Dyke Trail, Richmond
West Dyke trail
Deer Lake Park Bike Trails, Burnaby
Deer lake park
Traboulay PoCo Trail, Port Coquitlam
Traboulay trail Poco
Barnet Highway, Burnaby
Barnett Highway
Shoreline Trail, Port Moody
Children-cycling-on-Rocky-Point-bike-trail
Springboard Trail, Belcarra Park, Port Moody
Springboard Trail, Belcarra Park uphill
Lower Seymour Trails, North Vancouver
Lower Seymour(1)
Osprey Loop, Pitt Meadows
Osprey
Bike Rentals Vancouver
x-Seaside-riders
Second Beach Pool to Prospect Point, Stanley Park
Vancouver-cycling-Second-Beach-to-Prospect-Point
Convention Center to Science World
Convention-to-Science-World-2-small1
Whistler village to Green Lake
all ages and abilities copy 2

If you liked this post, please share it – PIN or share the picture below – Thanks!

Pin this
Please pin this!

Did you like this post? If so, please support our blog:

We would appreciate it very much if you would SHARE this post (using the Share buttons) or LIKE our Facebook page. Or click on one of the Amazon links before buying from Amazon, because small commissions help pay for our time. BEST OF ALL – just SUBSCRIBE to our blog. It makes you part of our community, and gets you free weekly updates about our posts – as well as a FREE DOWNLOAD of our Bike Buyer’s Guide. Thanks in advance – reader support keeps us going and makes it all worthwhile!

Shop at Amazon in the USA:
Shop at Amazon in Canada:
Shop at Amazon in the UK:
Amazon USA
Amazon Canada
Amazon UK

Save

Related

Pin
Share
Tweet

Filed Under: Cycling in Vancouver Tagged With: Family cycling, Family-friendly trails, Separate Bike Lanes, Stanley Park cycling, Vancouver cycling

Trackbacks

  1. Seaside Bike Route Vancouver says:
    February 15, 2016 at 10:38 pm

    […] on the photo above to read a guide to the Stanley Park Seawall Route. The Stanley Park Seawall Bike Trail is one of the greatest bike rides in the […]

  2. How to have a fun cycling vacation in Vancouver says:
    April 2, 2016 at 9:13 am

    […] Stanley Park bike trail is world-class fabulous, although it can be very busy on a sunny summer’s day. Stanley Park […]

  • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs 830 vs 530

Welcome to Average Joe Cyclist!

Welcome to our blog! I’m Joe Goodwill, an average cyclist, and I write a blog for people like me. People who love cycling but will probably never win any races, and who don’t necessarily look good in Lycra! I also write the Electric Bikes Blog and Average Joe's RV Living Blog. To find our most popular posts, check out our Start Here page.

Hi! I'm Maggie Neilson (aka Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist). Joe and I have done a lot of cycling, and we share what we have learned on this blog . We also write reviews of cycling products and trails! Get to know us better HERE.

How our Product Links Work

  • You pay EXACTLY the same price, whether you use our links or go direct to the websites.
  • Earning some commission enables us to spend more time writing posts 🙂
  • THANK YOU to all the good people who have bought through our links. Your support is sincerely appreciated.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Search Average Joe Cyclist!

Trending – Our Top Posts Right Now!

  • The Garmin Edge 830 on Maggie's bike Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 vs 830 vs 530 GPS Bike Computers: Full Review and Comparison of GPS Bike Computers with Navigation
  • They look the same - but there are quite a lot of differences!. Garmin edge 1030 plus vs 1040 bike computers Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus: What’s the Difference?
  • Every body starts somewhere - and with enough determination, you could become one of the smiling competitors in a cycling event How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
  • Best Headphones for Safe Cycling
  • 7 of the best budget indoor trainers 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers for 2023
  • tips for success lose weight cycling Top 10 Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
  • 7 of the best bike panniers 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers, 2023 – for Better Bike Commuting and Touring
  • Our Most Popular Cycling Fitness Plans Our Most Successful Cycling Training Plans
  • Winter is a good time to take a break from cycling and do some different kinds of exercise. Click here for our video about the 7 top strength building exercises for cyclists Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists

  • Click for our Best Cycling Training Plans!

Copyright © 2023 · Average Joe Cyclist, please contact us for syndication rights.

 

Loading Comments...