One of the best ways to experience Vancouver is by taking a walk or jog along the world-famous Seawall, which stretches around 28 km. With sections for walkers, joggers and cyclists, it is one of the most popular recreational spots in the city.
West Vancouver is a thriving community with some amazing beaches and parks to explore. Enjoy a day at Dundarave or Ambleside Beach, which boasts panoramic views of Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge.
Walk or Jog
Whether you’re looking to burn calories, or simply want to get some fresh air, walking or jogging along Seawall West Vancouver is a great way to enjoy the city. The path is a popular choice among locals and tourists, offering gorgeous views of the ocean and mountains.
The paved walkway is divided into two lanes, one for walkers and another for cyclists. The route stretches around Stanley Park, with stunning views of English Bay, Coal Harbour, and downtown Vancouver.
From the center of Stanley Park, walk east toward Ambleside and Dundarave. You’ll pass soccer fields, playgrounds, and sandy beaches. There are plenty of places to stop for a coffee or snack along the way.
After you’ve gotten your fill of fresh air, you can head back towards the Lions Gate Bridge and downtown Vancouver. Or, you can take a more leisurely route that winds up to Science World, Granville Island, Kitsilano Beach and Spanish Banks before you reach False Creek.
The West Vancouver Centennial Seawalk, a 1.7-kilometer (1.0 mile) trail stretching from the bottom of Marine Drive to Dundarave Park, is a favorite run for locals. It’s a scenic route that runs past joggers and herons.
If you’re looking for a more secluded run, you can also go to Third Beach, located in Stanley Park. This beach offers beautiful views of the North Shore and a quieter environment than some other beaches in the area.
While most of the trails in Stanley Park are pedestrian-only, the paved path that circles the park is open to everyone, including runners. It’s a great way to explore the park and see its many attractions, such as the First Nations-carved welcome figure in Ambleside Park.
For a more challenging run, head out to the coast and try running or cycling on the Salish Sea Marine Trail. This sea-to-sky hiking route is a spur of The Great Trail and boasts breathtaking watery scenery, a wild coastline, and a vast ecosystem. It’s a truly unique experience, and a must-do for outdoor lovers in Vancouver.
Cycle or Inline Skate
Cycling or inline skating along the Seawall West Vancouver is a great way to take in the city’s beautiful scenery. The route is a one-way, paved trail that runs between Stanley Park and English Bay. It is also a popular recreational spot for walkers and runners, so you can expect to share the path with many other people.
The Seawall runs between the main attractions in Stanley Park, including the Vancouver Aquarium, the Stanley Park Totem Poles, and the Stanley Park Gardens. It is an ideal way to spend a day, and it is a popular choice for tourists and locals alike.
In addition to the scenic views, there are some excellent places to stop along the Seawall for a bite to eat or to enjoy the many public art pieces sprinkled along the route. You can also check out the statue of the “Girl in Wet Suit,” a mermaid-inspired figurehead that plied the waters off Vancouver for 31 years between 1891 and 1922.
A world-class walking and cycling path, the False Creek Seawall connects English Bay with Yaletown, Science World, Granville Island and Kitsilano Beach. This 22 km (13.7 mile) path is a great place to walk, jog or cycle, and it’s a must-visit for anyone visiting Vancouver.
During the summer and on weekends, the seawall gets busy, especially for cyclists. This is why it’s best to bike or roller blade during the daytime, when the area is less crowded.
Biking on the Seawall is an excellent way to get exercise, especially for those who are looking to improve their cardiovascular health. However, it is important to follow the signs for bicycles and inline skaters, as the Seawall has a speed limit of 15km/h.
The route is marked with green and white signs, so you can easily see the different paths. In addition, there are a number of bike shops in the area that rent bikes and rollerblades for your convenience.
If you want to make a full day out of your trip, you can combine the seawall with other Stanley Park attractions like the Vancouver Aquarium and the Stanley Park Totem Poles. It is also a good idea to bring your camera, as you can see some of Vancouver’s most stunning views from this route.
Enjoy the Views
One of the best ways to experience the scenic beauty of Vancouver is by walking or cycling along Seawall West Vancouver. The paved pathway covers 28 km (about 17 miles) and offers breathtaking views of the city’s iconic landmarks.
There are several places along the seawall where you can enjoy a stunning view of the city and its surrounding mountains. Some of the best places are Queen Elizabeth Park, Lighthouse Park, Prospect Point and Coal Harbour.
Queen Elizabeth Park is located on an old quarry and provides a panoramic view of Vancouver, as well as its stunning gardens and fountains. It’s a great place to relax and unwind, while enjoying the fresh air.
This park has been a popular destination for tourists and locals since its opening in the 1950s. It also hosts a number of festivals and events, including the annual Canada Day celebrations.
Another fantastic viewpoint is the Lions Gate Bridge, which offers a beautiful view of North and West Vancouver, Ambleside Beach, Burrard Inlet and the First Narrows. You can walk or cycle across the bridge and take as many photos as you like!
You can also visit Prospect Point to get a bird’s-eye view of the city. This small platform offers amazing views of the First Narrows, Burrard Inlet and the Lions Gate Bridge.
From the platform, you’ll be able to see Horseshoe Bay on the left and Howe Sound on the right. You’ll also be able to watch seaplanes taking off and landing in the waters around Vancouver.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Vancouver at sunset, you can also enjoy the views from a nearby viewing platform at Coal Harbour. This is a great place to watch the sun go down, and you can also see the skyscrapers in the background lit up.
You can also enjoy a scenic stroll along Seawall West Vancouver from Ambleside to Dundarave. From here, you can explore some of the area’s smaller, charming communities. In Ambleside, you can find restaurants and shopping centers, while in Dundarave, you’ll find a selection of cozy pubs and eateries.
Take a Break
One of the most fun and rewarding ways to spend a day in Vancouver is taking a walk along the Seawall. This paved pathway, which is the world’s longest, runs 28 km around the city’s waterfront. It’s a wonderful place to explore on foot or by bicycle, and is the perfect activity for families with children.
The most important thing to remember when walking along this 2.8-mile route is to be safe and follow the signage. The paved path is divided into two clearly marked sections, with one section designated for walkers and joggers (closest to the water) and another for cyclists and inline skaters (inside the path).
Aside from the obvious exercise benefits of strolling, taking a break on this beautiful pathway is a great way to relax and unwind. You’ll be treated to panoramic views of the North Shore Mountains, the Lions Gate Bridge, and English Bay. You’ll also pass by first-class public facilities like the West Vancouver Aquatic Centre, which features one of the best indoor swimming pools in the city.
For the beach lovers, West Vancouver is home to several fabulous sandy beaches, with the sand being particularly soft and the ocean waters very warm. Ambleside Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming, while Dundarave has a nice rocky beach as well.
It’s worth mentioning that a number of sections of the seawall and other amenities in Metro Vancouver were flooded Friday morning as a king tide combined with high winds brought the ocean to a higher than usual height. In the West End, a water fountain normally used by pedestrians was half submerged in the surf, and in Ambleside Park, water was so high it forced the closure of beachfront restaurant The Boat Shed.
Fortunately, most of the damage was contained by Saturday morning. The most notable incident was when a barge became stranded on the beach in West End and needed to be hauled away by the Coast Guard. The seawall, in its purest form, was not damaged by the flood, but a large section of it was closed off and the city has warned people to stay off the water.
Among many other things, David A. Grantham is a contributing author to UmassExtension West Vancouver Blo. He is a renowned expert on real estate in BC.
Born in North Vancouver, Louisiana, Dr. Grantham grew up in Lower Lonsdale. He then went on to complete his business degree at the University British Columbia. As of this writing, Grantham has completed over 100 projects, including the development of a high rise building in Vancouver.
He is a husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He was a dedicated outdoorsman and enjoyed sports such as hunting, fishing, scuba diving, and snow skiing. His wife, Alison Grantham, and their two daughters survived him. He is survived by his wife Alison Martin Grantham and two daughters.