A place for off-leash kids - Richmond, BC by Bike

The bike paths around Richmond, BC are absolutely perfect for families and for those who value the philosophy of the Slow Bicycle Movement...and I quote, "The Slow Bicycle Movement is all about the journey, not the destination. The destination is, invariably, a fixed geographical point which isn't going anywhere so you're going to get there eventually.  It's about riding your bicycle. To work, to play. Casually, in a relaxed manner. With time to enjoy the self-propelled movement that you and you alone generate. And, of course, to look around and see the landscape - urban or not - that you pass by at your leisurely pace."

Horseshoe Slough Trail Head

On this particular day, we certainly rode at a relaxed pace.  I would like to say it was intentional, but the excess treats over the holiday season had us pulling a few extra pounds and at times left us short of breath.  No time like the present to get back into shape!

Nice flat riding

This ride is a wonderful New Year's Resolution route as it is FLAT and also offers all kinds of interesting vistas and stops along the way. From historic Finn Slough, London Heritage Farm and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery to the Fish and Chip stores and ice cream shops in Steveston Village, there is something for everyone.

Road Warriors on training ride - views of Fraser River

At times you must divert from the bike paths and ride on the roads.  The roads are popular with cyclists and it is not uncommon to see numerous groups out on training rides.  We had a good laugh as a racing team screamed by us, almost doubling our speed.  Clearly they had no intention of joining the Slow Bicycle Movement! You can imagine our surprise to stumble across them later that morning at a quaint little bakery in Steveston Village.  We imagined they were carb loading before finishing their workout, or at least that was their story and they were sticking to it.

Finn Slough is a terrific spot to hop off the bikes and take in the view.  This small community dates back to 1890 when a group of Finnish farmers arrived and establish a small fishing village.

Finn Slough

As we continued on the South Dyke trail we were afforded fantastic views of the Fraser River.  We stopped and chatted with a local fisherman.  He was a wealth of knowledge and happy to share information on the salmon runs.  Sadly, he may have had more theoretical knowledge than practical knowledge as he reluctantly admitted that he had not caught a fish in days!

Start of South Dyke Trail 

As we approached Steveston Village we had the pleasure of meeting a local "granny."  (That is how she introduced herself.)  At 82 years young she had retired from the East Coast and set up shop in the condos near Steveston Village.  She was entertaining any and all who stopped along the path to view the Trumpeter Swans.  She was a self-proclaimed guardian of the birds and proudly told stories of the young ones hatching and how much they had grown.  We left knowing the flock was in good hands.

Trumpeter Swans 

Leaving Steveston the path takes you along the Strait of Georgia from Garry Point Park to the Terra Nova Natural Area.  From the northwest corner of Richmond you have excellent views of the North Shore Mountains, Vancouver International Airport, and Sturgeon Banks.  It is quite a striking contrast to watch a Jumbo Jet rev its engines for takeoff at the same time as you take in the natural beauty of the tidal flats.

Following the trail along the Middle Arm of the Fraser brings you to the Richmond Oval, site of the 2010 Winter Olympics long track speed skating events.  The Oval has been converted into an incredible  Sport and Leisure centre and is now enjoyed by athletes of all ages and abilities!  Quite a legacy from the 2010 games.

Richmond Olympic Oval

If the Oval isn't enough for sport enthusiasts, the trail also swings past the John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse - home to the UBC varsity rowing teams.  If you are lucky you may even catch a regatta or two during your ride! 

John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse

The last leg of our route involved some street riding to connect to the Shell Road trail.  Of course, as soon as we hit the open road we were lost.  After a few wrong turns, in heavy traffic, we managed to find the trail back to our start point.  Really - our day wouldn't be complete if we weren't lost at least once!

Giggle of the day:

When our children were very young (feels like 100 years or so ago!) I fondly remember day trips and vacations in which our sole purpose was to find the "world's best playground."  We would pack delicious picnic lunches and head out on our family quest.  You can imagine our surprise and delight during our recent bike ride around Richmond to stumble across this adventure playground.

Best slide ever!

The magnificent tree fort and slide loomed in the distance and we burst into laughter as we approached the park signage...it read - "a place for off-leash kids!"

A place for off-leash kids - Terra Nova Adventure Play Environment

.....and the answer is yes!  We did try out the slide.  It is FAST!  Now where are all the kids?


Map and Route tips;

Richmond offers many different road and trail options.  Lots of opportunity to plan a route for age and ability.

Richmond Trails and Cycling Maps