Vancouver: Grand Bicycle Tour with Stanley Park & Granville Island

Summary

Ride Vancouver’s seawalls forests markets & city stories by bike

You’ll cycle Vancouver’s seawalls and forests with a local guide, pausing for skyline views in Stanley Park and lunch at Granville Island Market. Expect stories about Gastown’s wild beginnings, moments of quiet under ancient cedars, and time to wander markets at your own pace—plus a few laughs along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly wiped out before we even left the shop — the curb outside Cycle City is higher than it looks. Our guide, Jamie, just grinned and said, “Don’t worry, everyone does that.” I liked him immediately. The group was small (nine of us, plus Jamie), which meant nobody got lost in the shuffle or felt rushed. The first few minutes on the protected bike lane felt a bit wobbly, but once we hit the edge of Stanley Park and the air changed — all cedar and damp moss — I started to settle in.

Stanley Park is bigger than I expected. There’s this moment when you’re riding along the seawall and suddenly the city skyline just sort of floats above the water on your left, while on your right it’s all ferns and those old cedar trees Jamie kept stopping to point out. He told us one was over 600 years old. Someone in our group tried to hug it (not even close). We saw a heron standing so still in the reeds I thought it was fake at first. The rain held off but you could smell it coming — that wet stone smell that always reminds me of coastal cities.

Lunch was at Granville Island Public Market, which is honestly a little overwhelming if you’re hungry and indecisive. I ended up with some weirdly spicy salmon sushi and a pastry that tasted like cardamom (still not sure what it was called). No one hurried us — Jamie just said to meet back by the bikes whenever we were ready. After that we rode past Science World’s shiny dome (kids waving from inside), then through Olympic Village where everything looks new but people still say hi as you pass.

The last stretch took us into Gastown. Jamie had stories about Gassy Jack and how Vancouver basically started with a bar fight or something like that — history is messier than brochures make it sound. My legs were tired by then but I didn’t really want it to end yet. There’s something about seeing a place at handlebar height, wind in your face, that makes you feel like you belong there for a minute or two. Even if you almost fell off at the start.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Vancouver bike tour and city sights

• Meet guide and get bike
• Ride Stanley Park Seawall and forest
• See English Bay coastal views
• Explore Granville Island Public Market
• Ride along False Creek Seawall
• Learn about Vancouver Olympic Village
• Pass by Science World geodesic dome
• Discover Chinatown heritage and buildings
• Visit Gastown and Gassy Jack's pub

Top questions

How long is the Vancouver Grand Bicycle Tour?

The tour lasts about 5 hours from start to finish.

Is lunch included on this Vancouver bike tour?

No, lunch isn’t included—you’ll have free time to buy your own meal at Granville Island Public Market.

Are bikes and helmets provided for the tour?

Yes, your bike rental, helmet, and lock are all included in the tour price.

What fitness level do I need for this day trip?

The route is easygoing and suitable for all fitness levels; ages 10+ can join.

Does this tour run if it rains?

Yes—the tour runs rain or shine! Rain ponchos are available if needed.

What neighborhoods does this Vancouver bike tour visit?

You’ll visit Stanley Park, English Bay, Granville Island, False Creek, Olympic Village, Science World area, Chinatown, and Gastown.

How big are the groups on this bicycle tour?

The group size is limited to 9 people plus your guide for a more personal experience.

Where does the tour start?

The tour begins at Cycle City Tours’ shop in downtown Vancouver near protected bike lanes.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a high-quality city bike with helmet and lock provided by Cycle City Tours. A professional local guide leads your small group through Vancouver’s top sights—just bring yourself (and maybe a light jacket), as everything else is sorted for an easy ride around town.