Looking west at the Pacific Ocean on a paved pathway around Stanley Park. There are 2 people on bikes riding facing away from the camera. On one side of the pathway is a rock face, and the other side a very small rock island with a tree growing out of it (Siwash Rock)

Biking Stanley Park: The Ultimate Guide from a Local

Vancouver is a beautiful city in British Columbia Canada. It is on the shores of the the Pacific Ocean, and surrounded by rainforest and mountains. I have been lucky enough to call this beautiful city my home since 2015. Although I really love all the non-touristy things to do in Vancouver I enjoy some of the popular spots too! Biking Stanley Park is one of those must do’s for anyone visiting or living in Vancouver. As a local, this is one of my favourite things to do in Vancouver.

If biking Stanley Park is on your list of things to try in Vancouver, I’m going to share everything you need to know to make your day fun and easy!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
5 Local Tips for Biking Stanley Park

⭐The route is ONE WAY!! Counterclockwise, heading East first. The seawall is paved.

⭐Stanley Park biking is ONE WAY! You must remember this. It is very important for your safety and others. Also, you will get yelled at if you are going the wrong way. So important that I am mentioning it twice. You can only ride in one direction on the Stanley Park seawall.

⭐Stanley Park bike rental is available around Vancouver, as well as multiple shops right at the corner of Georgia Street and Denman Street. Cost is about $9/hour with discounts for full and 1/2 days. I have rented from Yes Cycle (www.yescycle.com) and Spokes (www.spokesbicyclerentals.com) and it’s super easy!

⭐ Biking Stanley Park seawall is a 10km loop. There are plenty of places to stop with beaches scenic stops, and viewpoints. Because there are plenty of scenic stops plan for at least a 1/2 day.

⭐ Biking Stanley Park is best for recreational bikers. Although you will see road-bikers along the road, the pathway is best for those taking their time. Because this is a popular activity in Vancouver, you will not have the path to yourself.

⭐ When you are coming up behind people, let them know with a ring of your bike bell, and always pull out to the left to pass! As you might guess, shoulder checking is important when biking Stanley Park too!

Bike Rentals in Stanley Park

Bike Rentals in Stanley Park are available at multiple locations. The most convenient spots are located right at the South Entrance to Stanley Park. You can ride your bike right from the rental shop to the seawall.

Two people riding on bikes around Stanley Park Vancouver BC. They have yellow helmets and rental bikes. The ground is covered in bright red leaves, and the trees form a canopy over them.
RIding rental bikes through Stanley Park

Rent Bikes in Stanley Park Vancouver:

  • Spokes – corner of Denman and Georgia, kids bikes and accessories, includes helmet and lock. $8.57 per hour, Childrens bikes & family attachments starting at $4.76 per hour.
  • Freedom Bikes– on Denman, kids and adults bike rentals in Stanley Park, includes helmet and lock. 10$/hr including taxes.
  • Bikes and Blades Rentals – on Denman, kids, adults, accessories, helmet, lock, and basket included. 7$/hour. Also have rollerblades and scooters available.
  • Jo-E Bikes E bikes, comfort bikes, and scooters, as well as family equipment. Includes helmet and lock and a map. 7$/hr. If e-biking be aware of posted speed limits and that the trail is often crowded.
  • Yes Cycle 2 locations, one on Denman, one on Burrard. Bikes, E-bikes, E-scooters. 9$/hr. Yes Cycle also offers bike tours of Vancouver.

There are multiple options to rent bikes in Stanley Park Vancouver. They are comparible in pricing and are located within a short distance of the Park.

Map of Stanley Park (with Bike Route)

Biking Stanley Park Map of Bike Route with scenic stops included.
Stanley Park Bike Route Map, leaving from bike rentals and heading counter clockwise around the park.

As you can see from this map of Stanley Park, the easiest way to enjoy a day biking is to take the seawall route around the perimeter of the park. This is a 10km, one way loop. It is VERY important that you remember that this route is one way. It is very unsafe to backtrack on the route.

You will also catch an earful from other folks along the route if you try to go the wrong way. Biking Stanley Park is a popular thing to in Vancouver, and following this rule helps to keep everyone safe. If you want to explore the interior of the park, turn left off the seawall, following the signs for Malkin Bowl and Rose Garden . It is important to note that while there are many trails and local secrets in Stanley Park, most of the interior trails are not bike friendly.

If you want to explore the inner trails, there are multiple hikes in Stanley Park and spots of interest to enjoy on foot. Here you can find a detailed map of Stanley Park including these trails .

Place to Stop While Biking Stanley Park

A green colored statue of a woman sitting on a rock on the North side of Stanley Park Vancouver. The statue is called Girl in a Wetsuit Statue.
You will see The Girl in a Wetsuit Statue while biking Stanley Park. Often mistaken for a mermaid.
  1. The Nine Oclock Gun Every day at 9 pm, this cannon shoots off a black powder charge that is electronically triggered on an automatic timer. In the past, the idea is that with its daily noise, people knew what time it was, like the chiming of a clock tower. There are many interesting stories about the history of the 9 o’clock gun as well as the people who work it .
  2. Brockton Point Lighthouse This lighthouse, built in 1914 is located on the East side of Stanley Park. This marks a sharp turn for ships coming in and out of the inlet. The 35 foot t tower is supported by arches, which allows visitors to pass beneath along the shoreline pathway.
  3. Totem Poles Stanley Park There are a total of nine totem poles at Stanley Park. The display totem poles Stanley Park has been at Brockton Point, close to the lighthouse, since the 1960s, and the newest pole was added in 2009. The carvings are all from British Columbia. You can find more Indigenous art, carvings, and totems from British Columbia artists if you choose to explore the art galleries in Tofino BC. . Except for the newer local art pieces, most are also replicas of the originals. The totem pole area at Stanley Park also has three wooden gates carved from red cedar by Vancouver artist Susan Point of the Musqueam Nation.
  4. Girl in a Wetsuit Statue – until very recently I always thought this statue was a mermaid! It’s not. This statue was gifted to the Vancouver parks board by sculptor Elek Imredy, who based her on a friend of his. The statue has been in place for over 50 years, and actually was the cause of much controversy when first installed. The statue is said to signify the city of Vancouver’s connection to the ocean. At the time of installation, scuba diving was a popular activity around the waters of Vancouver.
  5. Prospect Point Lookout – in order to access the lookout, which has beautiful views of the ocean and mountains, you will need to get off the seawall at the Fox’s Den spray Park, and ride on Avison Trail up the hill. There is no access to Prospect Point Lookout from the seawall. If you choose to do this, you can either go back down to the seawall the same way, or continue on the road inside Stanley Park. Here is a map of how to do this. There is also a great view of Lion’s Gate Bridge as you head across to Prospect Point Lookout.
  6. Prospect Point Lighthouse More of a point of interest while biking Stanley Park. The seawall is narrow here, and it’s not a great spot to stop. Take it in with your eyes as you bike past.
  7. Siwash Rock Siwash Rock is a 32 million-year-old sea stack (rock outcropping) located just off the seawall between Third Beach and Lions Gate Bridge in Stanley Park. According to Squamish first nations legend, a man was transformed into Siwash Rock as a reward for unselfishness. You might have already seen pictures of Siwash Rock, the landscape is one the iconic views in Vancouver.
  8. Third Beach Personally, this is one of my all time favourite beaches in Vancouver. It’s tucked in along the seawall and has soft silky sand. Also, the views are incredible, it’s a great spot for a sunset, and it feels like one of the off the beaten path things to do in Vancouver.
  9. Second Beach Outdoor Pool. This pool has amazing views of the ocean and fun slides to play on. It’s open seasonally from May to September. Depending on weather, some years it is open later into the fall.
  10. Lost Lagoon and Stanley Park Nature Centre Lost Lagoon used to be a part of the ocean, and was a tidal mud flat when the tide went out. Lost Lagoon became a freshwater body when the Stanley Park causeway was built in 1938. The Lost Lagoon Nature House (operated by the Stanley Park Ecology Society) provides lots of information on the park’s flora and fauna and social history.
  11. Now the bike path heads along Lost Lagoon and you can either turn down one of the bike routes back to your Stanley Park bike rental location or under the causeway on the underpass, and back to the seawall. This stretch is an amazing place to see cherry blossoms in Vancouver in March in April, and fall colours in autumn.

Restaurants in Stanley Park

There are three restaurants within Stanley Park, around the seawall. These are great places to stop for a snack or rest while biking Stanley Park. In addition to the 3 restaurants, there are also 3 concessions.

  • The historic Stanley Park Teahouse. A stunning restaurant located close to Third beach. Also a sought after wedding and event venue.
  • Prospect Point Cafe and Brewery. This is located at the turnoff to Prospect Point Lookout. Outdoor dining only. Be sure to walk out on the lookout deck for the best views!!
  • Stanley Park Brewing-A big restaurant and brewery with patio located close to the pool and Second Beach and beside the Pitch and Putt. Close by, is one of the must see secret spots of Stanley Park.

Where to Stay Close to Stanley Park

Best luxury hotels next to Stanley Park

🏠The Westin Bayshore An stunning home base to explore Vancouver, this waterfront resort-style property is a hub of well-being. Direct access to the Vancouver Seawall and iconic Stanley Park, a variety of signature wellness programs, outdoor (heated) and indoor pool, and an on-site spa promote a feeling of excellence, amid food and beverage offerings that recharge body and mind. . At Westin, everything they do is designed to leave you feeling better than when you arrived. WestinWORKOUT fitness center, Just Add Water Yoga Studio, Liquid Yoga classes, and our 2-hour complimentary BikeWESTIN rentals.

🏠 Paradox Hotel Vancouver Located in the financial district of Vancouver city center, you will find Paradox Hotel Vancouver is walking distance from shopping, fine dining, and entertainment. Also the hotel has an indoor pool, and a spa & wellness center. Free WiFi is provided throughout. Finally, this hotel is within walking distance of Stanley Park bike rentals and the entrance to Stanley Park.

Best apartment with kitchen close to Stanley Park

Sunset while biking Stanley Park seawall. The paved pathway is alongside the Pacific Ocean. The sky is orange and pink and the sun is glowing. There are some boats on the horizon.
Biking Stanley Park Seawall at sunset

🏠 Lord Stanley Suites on the Park These Vancouver apartments feature a full kitchen. The Vancouver Aquarium is half a mile away. Each apartment features a private balcony or enclosed solarium. The building has a sauna, fitness center and dry cleaning services . It also has a 24-hour front desk with fax and photocopying services. Additionally, Lord Stanley Suites is right across the street from Stanley Park

Wrapping Up Biking Stanley Park

In conclusion, biking Stanley Park is one of the best things to do in Vancouver. Locals and visitors love this experience, and it should definitely be on your list of must do things in Vancouver. You will find bike rentals, accommodations, restaurants, and lots of history while exploring and biking Stanley Park in Vancouver BC.

Jessica Sproat is the owner and author of Next Up Adventure, a blog that helps travellers find the best experiences and hidden gems, while seeking out an adventurous life (even with children!). Jess is a photographer, writer, and child development expert and has contributed to numerous discussions and publications around the value of travel and access to nature for people of all ages. She is the co-founder of an app called Trail Collectiv, which is an incredible resource! When she isn't travelling, writing, or working as a health care professional you can find her enjoying the finest things in life. The small things, along with her family.

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