Going to Vancouver and need an activity? There are many things to do in this beautiful city, from snowshoeing to hiking to canoeing. But if you want something a bit more low key, biking the Vancouver seawall is an easy way to enjoy the sites.
Vancouver is one of the most naturally beautiful places I’ve ever been. Deep blue ocean, snowy mountains, crystal-clear creeks, it’s any nature enthusiast’s dream. When the sun is shining, it’s at its best, and staying inside is not an option.
The Vancouver Seawall is one of the most popular sites in the city, with bike trails, parks, jogging areas, and various places to visit. Its popularity comes from the view. Every angle on the seawall offers views of ocean, mountains, and gleaming city.
Renting a Bike
Biking isn’t the only option to get around the seawall, but it’s by far the most efficient – and fun!
There are a few shops near the wall where you can rent bikes for hours at a time at a relatively cheap price. My friends and I used English Bay Bike Rentals, where you can rent singular bikes or tandem bikes. They gave us a basket for our bike and a helmet for free upon our hourly purchase, then gave us a map of the wall and clear instructions on the best ways to enjoy the park.
The only rule of biking on the seawall is to stay on the bike path and walk your bike in the areas that are marked. Otherwise, just be respectful of bikers who want to pass you. Keep in mind that some bikers are dicks, Canadians aren’t always as polite as their stereotype. Most are though, and asking someone to take a picture of me in front of the view was always met with a positive response.
As for weather and dressing, I went during the winter on a sunny day of about 48 degrees. In the sun it was great to bike leisurely and a decent coat sufficed. However, in the shade I tended to bike quicker and put my gloves on because the sea air was sharp.
Tip! – The docks are a great place to stop and rest. It gives you a perfect view of the city.
Other fun places to visit are the aquarium, the totem pole area, the lighthouse, and one of the many beaches. It takes more than an hour to bike around the seawall and from two – three hours to walk.
Afterwards
Returning the bike is a quick procedure and when asked, the staff at English Bay Bike Rentals provided me with good tips on what to see in Vancouver.
Some suggestions were heading to English Bay Beach or to Morton Park, a park with famous laughing statues that are a landmark for pictures. Another was trying one of the many different kinds of international eateries, including a kebab place (it was excellent), and one of the many Tim Hortons.
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Any questions? Contact me or comment below!
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