2. Sunset Beach – False Creek – Kitsilano Beach

Pedal along this seaside route to see Vancouver’s beaches and urban waterfront areas. Start at Sunset Beach on the English Bay, where rollerbladers and joggers often share the path and families take advantage of the floating slide and full-time lifeguard. Continue along the path, which circles False Creek, leading you into the city and past a number of museums, including Science World and Vancouver Maritime Museum. Foodies might be tempted to take a detour to Granville Island, which is known for its array of dining options, waterfront patios and the famous Granville Island Public Market. End the ride at Kitsilano Beach, where outdoor enthusiasts gather for recreational games along the sandy beaches and grassy areas. You can even cool off at Kitsilano Pool, an outdoor saltwater pool with dramatic views of the city and ocean.

3. Central Valley Greenway

This 24-kilometre route connects downtown Vancouver with the nearby towns of Burnaby and New Westminster, leading cyclists through metropolitan neighbourhoods, along historic shopping districts and into scenic, natural areas. The route begins at Science World on False Creek and curves down through Commercial Drive, making it easy to explore the nearby neighbourhoods and Trout Lake. Continue along through Burnaby, where you can see wildlife at Burnaby Lake and pass by the Nature House, Equestrian Centre and Rowing Pavilion. Finally, the path leads to New Westminster, where you can stop at one of the many outdoor cafes or browse fresh produce and locally made goods from River Market at Westminster Quay.

4. Queen Elizabeth – Van Dusen Botanical Gardens

For a quick, easy ride through lush gardens and parks, take the Midtown/Ridgeway or Ontario Street bike route to Queen Elizabeth Park, where you’ll find Quarry Gardens, an arboretum and the Bloedel Floral Conservatory. After checking out the various green spaces, pedal west along 37th Avenue to reach the VanDusen Botanical Garden, where plant species from around the world are on display year-round.