A guide to a cycling adventure along the Central Valley Greenway
A guide to a cycling adventure along the Central Valley Greenway
Planning your next cycling trip? The Central Valley Greenway (CVG) provides a 24-kilometre of mostly flat route through a hilly region with safe corridors for commuters and entries to some local parks. It runs from Falser Creek in Vancouver through Burnaby and along a shallow valley south to the Fraser River in New Westminster.
A multi-purpose route, you can explore CVG through cycling, jogging, walking, travelling on a wheelchair, skateboarding and blading. The route closely follows the Millennium Line and links to both Millennium and Expo SkyTrain stations, which means you can hop on the SkyTrain with your bike if you need a break.
If you would like to explore the cycling routes along the Expo SkyTrain Line alone, check out our adventure guide along the BC Parkway
What do you need to know about the route
CVG varies greatly throughout the length of its route. In some sections it is fully constructed as a separated urban greenway or a rural recreational trail. In other sections the route runs parallel to a railway corridor or the edge of an industrial roadway. Most sections of the trail are suitable for all kind of walking and wheeling. The exception is in Burnaby where there are some compacted gravel paths less suitable for in-line skating. Some sections of the Greenway are composed of interim routes that will be upgraded in the future.
LEGO® Wonderland at Telus World of Science
Kick-start your day at the Science World, which is now open to the public! Make sure to check out the Towers of Tomorrow exhibition with LEGO® bricks. Supported by TransLink, the exhibition features the world’s most astonishing skyscrapers built on a scale of 1:200. TransLink’s animated 3D model installation Transport 2050 MicroCity is a part of the exhibition, presenting a dynamic show that seamlessly weaves in the sound, music, and narration to showcase the history of the region. Don’t forget to reserve your timed tickets in advance!
After your time at Science World, you can grab lunch nearby. A fan of unique local brews? Craft Beer Market offers Canada’s largest selection of draft beer, which you can order alongside with a selection of pub food. If you’re in the mood for a dessert or a lighter snack, Terra Breads offers delicious pastries, artisan sandwiches and salad.
Street art in East Van
Get moving again! Between Commercial-Broadway and Renfrew stations, on 12th Avenue and Garden Drive, you’ll find a seat installation made from the heritage granite curbs dating back to the 1920s. Community Seat was installed in 2003 as a part of the Millennium SkyTrain project.
After Renfrew Station, move onward on your journey towards Great Northern Way in Vancouver. Wide sidewalks have been built for the Greenway, which make it easy to walk and pedal on. Along the way, you’ll spot some additional seat installations inlaid with colorful mosaics.
Burnaby Lake Regional Park
Immerse yourself in the sounds of wildlife. Located right in the heart of Burnaby, the park is a stunning wildlife sanctuary for birdwatchers and a place to reconnect with nature without leaving the city. You’d be able to spot great blue herons, bald eagles, belted kingfishers, osprey and even rarer birds such as the small green-backed heron.
Even though there is no cycling in the park – cyclists following the Central Valley Greenway are reminded to use Cariboo Road and Winston Avenue – you can take a detour on your Winston Street journey and turn left at Piper Ave. You’ll reach Piper Spit, a gorgeous little nature spot filled with geese, ducks and more.
Brunette Fraser Conservation Area and Hume Park
Once you enter the Brunette Fraser Conservation Area, you’ll ride alongside the Brunnette River and eventually on a gravel path through an idyllic wooded area.
The path will curve around Hume Park’s off-leash area, the baseball diamonds, and the picnic grounds. Why not take a break here? This amenity-rich community park also features a spray park, playgrounds, sports area and other facilities.
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New Westminster Quay
Westminster Quay is home to the beloved Westminster Pier Park, Fraser River Discovery Centre and River Market.
Visit Fraser River Discovery Centre to explore the stories and diversity of the entire Fraser River and its contribution to the life, history and future of British Columbia and its people.
As you explore this lively neighborhood, don’t forget to take a picture of the Tin Soldier located on the waterfront closer to the River Market. The 9.75-metre tall tin soldier was listed as the World’s Largest Tin Soldier in the 2002 Guinness Book of World Records.
Drop by the River Market, a culinary destination for everyday foodies, for dinner. There’s something at this spot for everyone, whether you prefer soulful BBQ eats, vegan-friendly Chinese cuisine with a Western touch, or European-style treats and baked goods .
Time to head home!
Hop on the SkyTrain at New Westminster Station to head home. If you are determined to stay on a cycling route, you can also take the BC Parkway for a 50km loop ??.
just to let you know that there is a new sixth st overpass into westminster pier park