Autumn is a beautiful time of year, and there’s no better way to see Vancouver’s changing leaves than on a bike! Vancouver is home to some of the most picturesque cycling routes in the world, so saddle up and get ready to take in some stunning scenery. Here are some of the best places to see fall colours in Vancouver – all accessible by bike.
There’s lots to explore in Vancouver, so we’ve broken it up into three different areas. Pick one spot or travel to all within the area! For longer or uphill rides, we recommend an electric bike (which you can rent from our shop).
Downtown
Coal Harbour
Coal Harbour offers beautiful views year round, but in fall the trees lining the area put on a spectacular display! Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the seawall while taking in the fall colours. There are plenty of cafes along the way or at the end of Coal Harbour on Denman street if you need to warm up. You can then continue onto Stanley Park!
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is a must-ride fall destination for any cyclist in Vancouver. The park’s seawall offers breathtaking views of the city, mountains, and ocean, and is one of the best places to see changing leaves on bike. Don’t be afraid to explore the trails to take in all that Stanley Park has to offer, or join us on one of our popular year-round Stanley Park bike tours. We recommend tree viewing near the Vancouver Rowing Club and all along Lost Lagoon. If you’re headed to the West End after, don’t forget to stop by Sylvia Hotel on Beach Avenue to check out the vine-covered exterior. You can continue on from there through English Bay onto the False Creek Seawall.
False Creek Seawall
The seawall in fall is magical. Not only do you get to see the changing trees, but they’re reflected back to you in the water all around. Be sure to slow down to enjoy the changing leaves at David Lam Park, along Marinaside Crescent in Yaletown, and (if you like) you can continue on Granville Island.
Our Stanley Park Self-Guided Bike Ride will get you to most of the places on this list!
Kitsilano/UBC
Kitsilano Beach to Spanish Banks
Follow the Seaside Bike route from Vanier Park to Spanish Banks. Along the way, you’ll pass by plenty of colourful trees as well as some great beachfront restaurants where you can stop for a bite to eat. Favourite stops include the north end of Kits Beach and Jericho Beach Park. If you’re feeling really adventurous, keep going all the way to UBC!
UBC
The wide boulevards at UBC are a spectacular spot for fall foliage. Many of the streets are car-free but open to bikes. Park your bike and head into Nitobe Memorial Garden for the most vibrant Japanese maple trees and much more. There’s a small entry fee for the garden but it’s totally worth it!
Check out our UBC/Kitsilano Self Guided Bike Ride map to plan your route.
West Side to East Vancouver
Arbutus Greenway
The off-street bike path is a top Vancouver fall destination for its spectacular leaf displays, without the interruption of cars. The highest concentration of changing leaves is found along the path south of 41st Avenue.
10th Avenue Bikeway
The 10th Avenue bike route is a popular thoroughfare to the heart of downtown. But when fall arrives its lush canopy turns to a golden halo. We love the section as you head towards Kitsilano Secondary School at Trafalgar Street near Connaught Park.
Commercial Drive & Trout Lake
Commercial Drive is always lively, but in the fall it’s especially magical. Between the cute cafes and indie shops, there are also many trees that change colour come autumn. Don’t forget to make time to pedal around Trout Lake via the BC Parkway bike path through the east side of the park.
Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park is one of Vancouver’s most popular leaf-viewing destinations. The park is home to more than 100 species of trees, so you’re guaranteed to see a wide variety of colours as you cycle through. Be sure to stop at the Bloedel Conservatory for an up-close look at some of the park’s colourful flowers and plants. It’s also a great place to warm up if it’s a colder day.
If you’re looking to plan a day ride to some of these areas, check out our Queen Elizabeth Park Self-Guided Bike Ride which covers the park and Arbutus Greenway.
Get Out For A Bike Ride This Fall!
What areas are you planning to visit to check out the fall foliage in Vancouver? We’re so lucky to live in such a colourful city and have so many choices when it comes to appreciating the great outdoors.
For optimal enjoyment of your ride, we recommend renting an electric bike from our shop. Our electric bikes increase your pedalling power so you can decide how hard you want to work (or not!), which is perfect for a leisurely day exploring Vancouver’s natural beauty.
Tag us in your cycling adventure posts @cyclevancouver!
