Cycling in Canada: A ride like no other along Vancouver’s waterfront

There are cities across Canada whose residents believe are the best, the most well-adapted, and indeed the most beautiful, for seeing them in the best way possible — from the saddle. Montreal has its networks of protected bike lanes, picturesque architecture, and old-world feel to explore. Toronto has a vibrant cycling community united by a sense of shared solidarity. West of Manitoba and up to Canada’s glorious, exalted spine, the Rocky Mountains, there’s the big, majestic skies of the Prairies.

In terms of a totally unique, utterly incomparable cycling experience, though, it’s hard to compete with a city like Vancouver.

Vancouver, in many ways, has it all — the natural splendor, the urban sophistication, the political will to see bike lanes expanded, and more. Even in such a cycling Xanadu, though, the places that bring it all together are remarkable enough to give any rider pause, believing that they’ve found a location unlike anywhere else in Canada. In Vancouver, a bike ride along the Seawall, hugging the periphery of Stanley Park, is a great place to get that impression. On one side, the city’s sparking waterfront beams; on the other, the conifers of the Park and the sophistication of the city flash past in equal measure.

We tend to think that everywhere in Canada has somewhere to celebrate. This video, shot last summer, is evidence of what makes Vancouver — the heart of Lotus Land — a uniquely Canadian blend of progress and beauty.

Where’s your favourite place to ride in the country?