Be part of a vibrant cycling community
Cycling is more than just riding a bike. It’s the way locals light up talking about the must-do rides, the cafe stops to refuel with your crew and the finding of a mechanic at your local bike store who just gets it. It’s discovering the language of the sport – the Stravas, the polkadot jerseys, the “chapeaus!”, and knowing the perfect brewery and food truck to end a ride at. It’s the community advocacy groups, clubs and group rides, not to mention the events that bring everyone together in equal amounts of challenge and celebration
The Lower Mainland’s cycling culture has grown unanimously alongside RBC GranFondo Whistler since its inception as an Olympic legacy event. Today, the region hosts a cyclo-centric environment with plenty of greenways and bike lanes which snake through city grids and coastlines; and you can get experience it all by bike.
Discover the essential local rides
From our base here in Vancouver BC, we’ve come to explore and love the many beautiful routes available to ride.
If you’re just starting to explore road riding in the Lower Mainland, we’ve compiled a list of beginner to more challenging rides to help get you started and inspired.
Lower Mainland Cycling Routes
Will, Operations
“One of my favorite routes takes you from the park to Horseshoe Bay along some beautiful coastline. My other favorite is biking at Demonstration Forest – an amazing cool closed road that has the most West Coast feel.
Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver
Dom, Sponsorship and Community
“My favourite ride is the “donut ride” from Stanley Park to Deep Cove. It’s a great tour across the North Shore, and Deep Cove is an awesome place to reward yourself with a tasty snack after your ride.”
Deep Cove, North Vancouver
Oli, Marketing
“The UBC loop is a good and varied day in the saddle, offering a longer ride without too much uphill. I like to grab a coffee on the waterfront once I get to Steveston, then it’s back the long way through the Richmond farms.”
Steveston Village, Richmond
Port Moody
UBC – University of British Columbia
Callaghan, Whistler
Sea to Sky, Howe Sound
Featured Ride: Vancouver’s crown jewel and rite of passage for any serious cyclist
The North Shore of the Burrard Inlet resides at the feet of three looming mountains: Seymour, Grouse, and Cypress. The challenge is to climb all three mountains in one go, returning to the water after each ascent. The route we’ve shown below also includes the two North Shore bridge crossings at Lions Gate (a GranFondo landmark) and the Ironworkers Memorial. It’s beautiful, it’s challenging, but most of all, it’s legendary.
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Meeting people, clubs etc
The not-so-secret sauce of community is the people. If you’re looking to make new friends, look no further!
CyclingBC: Find clubs, events and coaching for all abilities.
HUB Cycling: Vancouver’s advocates for cycling infrastructure and community building.
Indoor Cycling Options: It’s not always dry in Vancouver, but that shouldn’t stop you riding!
Grow your skills
There are tons of clubs and teams in the local area that can help you become a better cyclist while also providing fun, social and inclusive environment. Check out the list of clubs on the CyclingBC link above and find the one that’s the right fit for you!
Community Board
Taylor Way – Sponsored by RBC GranFondo Whistler. The event crew cleans up the iconic Taylor Way climb every year as a gesture of thanks to the local community.
The Lower Mainland has a vibrant series of events throughout the year. Get to know a few of them here!