If you only do one bike ride in Vancouver, make it the Stanley Park Seawall. It is flat, car-free, hugs the shoreline of the whole park, and serves up mountain, ocean and skyline views almost the whole way. We rent bikes a few minutes from the park entrance on Denman Street, so we get asked about this route every single day. Here is everything we tell our riders before they head out.
The Seawall at a Glance
- Distance: about 9 km around Stanley Park. The full Vancouver Seawall runs 28 km, from the Vancouver Convention Centre all the way to Spanish Banks.
- Riding time: roughly 1 hour of pedalling at an easy pace. Plan 1.5 to 2 hours if you want photo and snack stops.
- Difficulty: easy. The route is flat and paved, which makes it great for families, first-time visitors and anyone who has not ridden in a while.
- Direction: cyclists ride counter-clockwise, starting from the Coal Harbour side and finishing near English Bay.
The Route, Stop by Stop
From our shop on Denman Street, roll a couple of blocks north toward Coal Harbour and join the Seawall heading into the park. Because riders travel counter-clockwise, here is the order you will see things in.
1. Coal Harbour and the marina
The ride starts with floatplanes, sailboats and the downtown skyline behind you. Take it slow here, as this stretch is busy with walkers heading into the park.
2. Brockton Point and the totem poles
A short detour off the path takes you to the totem poles at Brockton Point, one of the most visited spots in the province. Just past them, the Seawall rounds the point with big views across Burrard Inlet to the North Shore Mountains.
3. Lumberman’s Arch
A grassy, open area with washrooms and a seasonal concession. It is a natural first break, especially with kids.
4. Under the Lions Gate Bridge to Prospect Point
This is the most dramatic stretch: you ride right under the Lions Gate Bridge with ships passing below. Prospect Point sits on the cliff above, so the Seawall itself stays flat at water level.
5. Siwash Rock
The west side of the park feels wilder, with forest on one side and open ocean on the other. Look for Siwash Rock, the tall sea stack standing just offshore.
6. Third Beach and Second Beach
Third Beach is one of the best sunset spots in the city. Second Beach follows soon after, with more washrooms and a good place to sit on a log and watch the freighters in English Bay.
7. Lost Lagoon and back to Denman
The loop wraps up near English Bay and Lost Lagoon, just a few minutes from our shop. If you still have energy, keep going along English Bay toward Sunset Beach and False Creek to add more of the 28 km Seawall.
Seawall Rules Every Rider Should Know
- Stay on the bike side. Walkers and joggers use the side closest to the water. Cyclists and inline skaters use the inside path. Follow the painted markings and signs.
- Ride counter-clockwise. Going against the flow is the quickest way to cause a collision on a busy day.
- Dismount where signed. A few busy crossings, like Lumberman’s Arch, Prospect Point and Third Beach, have gates or signs asking cyclists to walk their bikes.
- Wear a helmet. Helmets are the law for cyclists in B.C. Every YesCycle bike rental includes a helmet and lock.
- Keep it relaxed. This is a sightseeing route, not a training ride. Ring your bell and pass with plenty of room.
Can you ride an e-bike or e-scooter on the Seawall?
Yes, on the cycling paths. In 2024 the Vancouver Park Board updated its bylaw to allow e-bikes and e-scooters on designated cycling paths in parks, including the Seawall. E-scooters in B.C. are limited to 25 km/h under the provincial pilot program, and on a crowded Seawall you will want to go much slower than that anyway. Want a little help with the pedalling? Check out our e-bike rentals or our e-scooter rentals, and read our guide on e-bike vs. traditional bike if you are not sure which to pick.
Riding the Seawall in Fall and Winter
Fall is one of our favourite times to ride. The crowds thin out, the leaves turn, and on a clear day the low sun lights up the North Shore. A few things to keep in mind:
- Check for closures before you go. The City of Vancouver currently lists a section of the Stanley Park Seawall as closed until November 7, 2026, with intermittent closures possible until November 20, 2026, and signed detours in place. The stretch between Prospect Point and Third Beach also closes for a few weeks most winters for rock slope maintenance. The City’s Seawall page has the latest.
- Watch for wet leaves and puddles. Brake earlier than you would in summer.
- Plan around daylight. It gets dark early after the clocks change, so start your loop with plenty of light left.
- Dress in layers. The west side of the park catches the wind off the ocean and can feel several degrees colder.
Local Tips for a Better Ride
- Go early or late. Mornings and the hour before sunset are the calmest times on the path.
- Riding with kids? The Seawall is ideal for families. We rent kids bikes, trail-a-bikes, rear baby seats and Burley trailers so everyone can come along.
- Bring water and a snack. Concessions along the route can be seasonal, especially outside summer.
- Know your hand signals. Our guide to bike hand signals in B.C. is a quick read before you ride.
Rent Your Bike Steps from Stanley Park
YesCycle is at 679 Denman Street, just a few minutes from the Seawall, and we are open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day. Our bike rentals include comfortable city bikes and 8-speed cruisers starting from $12 for the first hour, with kids bikes from $9, and every rental comes with a helmet and lock. Our friendly local staff will point you to the path and share any closures or detours before you go. Book your bike and enjoy the loop.
Stanley Park Seawall FAQ
How long does it take to bike the Stanley Park Seawall?
About an hour of easy riding for the 9 km loop. Most people take 1.5 to 2 hours with stops.
Which direction do you bike around Stanley Park?
Counter-clockwise. Start from Coal Harbour and finish near English Bay.
Is the Seawall good for beginners and kids?
Yes. It is flat, paved and separated from car traffic, which makes it one of the easiest scenic rides in Vancouver.
Can I ride an e-bike on the Seawall?
Yes. E-bikes and e-scooters are allowed on designated cycling paths in Vancouver parks, including the Seawall bike path. Please ride slowly and give pedestrians space.
Is the Seawall open in fall and winter?
Yes, year-round, though sections sometimes close for maintenance or storms. Check the City of Vancouver’s Seawall page before you ride.
