Bike Tours in Vancouver

Vancouver is a seaport city located on the West Coast of Canada. The bustling metropolis is known for its unmistakable beauty, temperate climate and cheerful residents.

A Vancouver bike tour is a perfect way to explore the city surrounded by mountain landscapes and coastal waterways. Choose between a half-day highlights ride or an excursion through Stanley park to explore the Canadian city with an expert guide.

Here's all you need to know about bike tours, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Vancouver.

What are the best bike tours in Vancouver?

Vancouver highlights bike tour

This general bike tour of Vancouver is great for riders of all skill levels. Join a knowledgeable guide on a relaxed cruise through the diverse city on several different bike trails. You’ll visit the iconic Stanley Park, various historical neighborhoods and more on this half-day excursion.

Begin in the city center, where you’ll meet your guide and gather your equipment for the ride. Listen to a quick safety briefing before hitting the streets for your adventure. Your first stop is Stanley Park, a 405-hectare Peninsula filled with natural wonder.

Ride through pathways to be immersed in the lush environment and fascinating wildlife. You’ll catch stunning views of the city and the water beyond while learning about the First Nation of Canada and the mark they left on the region.

From there, you’ll continue to the Aquabus Ferries for a transfer to Granville Island and a visit to the Public Market. Cruise through several different neighborhoods, including the Olympic Village, Gastown and Chinatown before heading back to the drop-off point.

Stanley Park bike tour

This bike tour of Vancouver focuses solely on the beautiful Stanley Park. During this excursion, you’ll begin at the vast 405-hectare Peninsula located downtown, affectionately called the city’s “Green Heart.” Embrace the scenic views of the park and learn the rich history that Vancouver holds.

Your guide will explain the importance of the First Nation of Canada and you’ll even get the chance to see some authentic totem poles preserved in time. Explore the wildlife and local flora and fauna that make the British Columbian ecosystem so unique, including its massive 600-year-old Cedar Trees.

During the bike tour, you’ll pass by Park beaches, the Vancouver Art Gallery and Brockton Point Lighthouse where you’ll stop for panoramic views. Finish with a cruise along the famous Stanley Park seawall for an outstanding look at the city’s coastline.

Electric bike tour of Vancouver

Expedite your tour in Vancouver with a thrilling electric bike ride through the seaport city. On this excursion, you’ll join a small group of fewer than eight riders and an experienced guide for a cruise down city streets. Fitness level is no longer a factor as you’ll zip through different neighborhoods with ease.

You’ll begin with a short instruction session before heading straight to Stanley Park. Crisscross through scenic trails while learning about the distinctive ecosystem of the park. Afterward, you’ll zoom uphill to Lions Gate Bridge for a stunning look out the North Shore.

Ride along the seawall while passing through modern neighborhoods and marinas and learning about inhabitants of the past. The tour will continue through trendy Yaletown, cultural Chinatown and finally historical Gastown, before finishing for the day.

Historical bike tour

This fascinating bike tour in Vancouver focuses on the enduring history of the British Columbian city. You’ll begin with a cycle to the iconic Ilanaaq Inukshuk stone monument overlooking the English Bay, a native formation that dates back as far as 2400 B.C. From there, you’ll catch views of Burrard Inlet and the False Creek seawall where you’ll see several culturally important art installations.

Visit Vancouver’s oldest metropolitan neighborhood of Gastown, where you’ll see historical statues and buildings that have stood the test of time. Afterward, head to the oldest residential neighborhood of Strathcona for a look at the famous Hendrix House, the home of Mary Lee Chan.

Pass by the Vancouver Biennale to see a number of different installations, the Olympic Village for a look back at the 2010 Olympic Games and Granville Island for a visit to the market. This historical tour will end with a ride along Sunset Beach before arriving back at the bike shop.

How much do bike tours in Vancouver cost?

Bike tours that go through the historical neighborhoods of Vancouver will cost about US$50 per person. A ride that focuses on just Stanley Park will run a bit cheaper, around US$60 per person.

The highlights bike tour of Vancouver typically costs around US$80 per person, with the bike and helmet rental included in the ticket price. For an electric bike tour, you can expect to pay a higher amount of about US$100 per person for greater travel ease.

What is included?

All bike tours include a bike, bike lock and helmet rental as well as a professional guide to lead the excursion. Historical bike tours usually provide a bottle of water as a refreshment for your journey.

Where does it start?

Most bike tours will begin at a downtown bike shop that is easily accessible from centrally located city hotels. This is where you will meet your guide, collect your equipment, partake in a short safety course and start your ride. You will return to the bike shop at the end of the tour to return your bike, helmet and lock.

How long does it last?

A highlights bike tour of Vancouver lasts a half-day at around 5 hours, while a tour that focuses on Stanley Park will take around 3 hours. Electric bike tours move quicker through the city neighborhoods, lasting about 4 hours, while historical tours typically wrap after 3 hours.

When is the best time for a bike tour in Vancouver?

Book a bike tour in Vancouver between July and August for the most pristine weather conditions. The end of summer is the peak season for the seaport city, as there are countless outdoor events that take place at that time. However, late summer also draws the largest crowds. Hotel prices are cheaper from March to May and September to November, though colder temperatures usually sweep through the region at those times.

Plan your bike tour for the beginning of your trip so you can learn the layout of the city and decide the most important landmarks to visit during the rest of your stay.

Are there any combos available with bike tours in Vancouver?

Bike tour plus half-day hike

This combination tour of Vancouver combines two of the most exciting outdoor activities in a single-day trip. Explore the natural beauty of Canada’s west coast with a bike and then go hiking through two of the seaport city’s most beloved parks.

You’ll begin with a 6-kilometer hike through Lighthouse Park, where you’ll spot the breathtaking Western Cedar and Douglas Fir trees. After a visit to the famous red-roof lighthouse, you’ll continue on to the peninsula of Stanley Park.

Board either a self-powered or electric bike for a ride along the 10-kilometer seawall trail while catching panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean beyond. There is plenty of time for snapping photos and enjoying the stunning sights on this 4-hour expedition in Vancouver.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Vancouver?

• Airplane tours in Vancouver
• Boat tours in Vancouver
• Whale watching in Vancouver
• Seals watching in Vancouver
• Horse riding in Vancouver
• Helicopter tours in Vancouver
• Rafting in Vancouver
• Jet boat in Vancouver

Travel tips

• Self-powered bike rides will require moderate physical fitness.
• Dress in athletic clothing and sneakers for your tour.
• Bring along preferred snacks and beverages, as most tours do not include refreshments.