Port Mann-Golden Ears-Pitt Bridges Loop c41

This trail loop route, in the territories of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), qʼʷa:n̓ƛʼən̓ (Kwantlen), sc̓əwaθen (Tsawwassen), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, takes in 3 major river crossings recently built cable-stayed bridges: The Port Mann Bridge over the stɑl̓əw̓ (Fraser River), the Golden Ears Bridge also over the stɑl̓əw̓ (Fraser River), and the Pitt River Bridge over the sq̓ə́yc̓əyaʔɬ státləw (Pitt River).  All offer significant views up and down their respective rivers and up towards the mountains.  The Golden Ears Bridge is named after the Golden Ears mountain peaks that appear golden at sunset when snow-covered.

Connecting these bridges are major greenways and three Regional Parks, Tynehead Regional Park, Surrey Bend Regional Park, and the ƛ̓éxətəm (tla-hut-um) (Colony Farm) Regional Park.  The greenway in Pitt Meadows on the Pitt River dikes is part of the Regional Park system.  To include the Surrey Bend Regional Park, first cycle the perimeter path around Tynehead Regional Park which is the headwaters of the Serpentine River, then head over the Highway pedestrian bridge to the Surrey Bend Regional Park thus omitting a section of pathway beside the Perimeter Golden Ears Highway. 

On the west side of the Pitt River, the route includes a portion of the Traboulay-PoCo Trail Greenway that allows viewing where the Pitt River and Fraser meet. Then it is back to ƛ̓éxətəm (Colony Farm) Regional Park leading to the mouth of the Coquitlam River and home of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əmKwikwetlem First Nation. Allow 4.5 hours for the main route with additional time when taking in more of Tynehead and including Surrey Bend. It is best done counterclockwise. It can be as much as 57 km, including the three Regional Parks.

Of note, this routing connects the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm village of slakəyánc Kwekwitlem and the q̓ic̓əy̓ village of q’a’yc’ay (Katzie) First Nations’ settlements.

Port Mann Bridge

Opened on September 18, 2012 as a 10-lane cable-stayed toll bridge spanning the stɑl̓əw̓ (Fraser River) between Coquitlam and Surrey.  It is 2 km long and 65 metres wide making it, as of 2015, the 3rd longest such bridge of this width in the world, the 2nd longest in North America, and the 2nd widest in the world.  The clearance above high-level water is 42m/138ft.  The towers are 163m/535ft in height.  There is a two-way cycle/pedestrian shared path on the north side of the bridge.

Golden Ears Bridge

Opened June 16, 2009 as a 6-lane toll bridge (a cross between a cable-stayed and girder bridge) spanning the stɑl̓əw̓ (Fraser River) between Maple Ridge and North Langley replacing the Albion ferry between Fort Langley and Maple Ridge.  It is 2.4 km long with pylons 90m/300 ft high and the deck is 40m/130ft above the river.  It features two golden metal eagle sculptures at the top of the bridge and is named for its view of Mount Blanshard in Golden Ears Provincial Park. Depending on clear weather, there are also great views of Mount Baker.  There is a shared cycle/pedestrian pathway on each side of the bridge.  Cyclists take the side of the bridge in the same direction as the vehicle traffic on their right.

Pitt River Bridge

It opened on October 4, 2009, as a 6-lane cable-stayed bridge spanning the Pitt River between Port Coquitlam and Pitt Meadows.  It is 600m long with an interchange structure.  There is a two-way cycle/pedestrian shared path on the north side of the bridge connecting the Traboulay-PoCo Trail with the Pitt River Greenway.

hay čxʷ q̓ə, thank you

Port Coquitlam CYCLING TRAIL LOOP c40

The PoCo Trail, better known as the PoCo Traboulay Trail, makes for a truly enjoyable easy cycle that follows the Coquitlam River, the Pitt River, and Hyde Creek with a number of dense forest intervals.  Taking in the loop to Minnekhada is highly recommended keeping in mind that there are frequent sightings and encounters with bears requiring you to have an awareness of how to deal with bears and you will need to walk your bike on a 1k walking trail in the park.  The main loop takes about 2.5 hours and is basically flat.

Features:

Two Regional Parks

• Colony Farm Regional Park
• Minnekada Regional Park

Two Major Rivers joining the Fraser River with their associated greenways

• Coquitlam River
• Pitt River

Many local parks

• Lafarge Lake Town Centre Park
• Gates Park
• Citadel Landing
• Peace Park
• Hyde Creek Park
• Willington Park
• Coquitlam River Park

Here is a video of the ride taken March 21, 2020

North Burnaby-Vancouver CYCLING TRAIL LOOP c37

This Loop takes in the Vancouver City core including Coal Harbour, Gastown, English Bay, Yaletown, Chinatown, the Italian Quarter, and New Brighton Park.  In Burnaby, it features the Central Valley Greenway, Burnaby Mountain, and Burnaby Heights. It is recommended to do this loop counterclockwise.  The Burnaby Mountain trail is excellent for its natural features and views but requires stiff climbing and can be avoided by using the Burnaby Urban Trail.  Allow 6 hours for the complete loop when including Burnaby Mountain.

Burnaby-New Westminster CYCLING TRAIL LOOP c36

If you are looking to cycle over a variety of terrain while enjoying very different locations, this is for you.  Expect several downhills and uphills thus making it more suitable for intermediate-level cyclists.  Allow 4 to 5 hours with stops along the way.  The 28 to 41 km allows for options along the way.

Main Features starting from Production Way Station going clockwise

• Brunette River Greenway
• Hume Park – Read about its interesting history here
• Sapperton with all its amenities and restaurants – Find out how Saperton gets its name here
• Columbia St. Greenway with options
  • +3.2 km. Sapperton Landing Park Greenway
  • +2.2 km Glenbrook Ravine and Queens Park (involves climbing)

• Penitentiary frontage: Learn about its history, buildings, grounds, and Woodland School
• Westminster Pier Park – Find out why it is nicknamed ‘the Royal City’ here
• Westminster Quay – with amenities and restaurants
• BC Parkway out of New Westminster and in Burnaby
• Burnaby Foreshore Park and Greenway (can be skipped -8 km)
• Byrne Creek Trail
• BC Parkway towards Metrotown
• Deer Lake
• Burnaby Lake South Shore – known as the freeway trail – between the freeway and the lake

Musqueam Cycling Loop c35

This full-featured loop takes in the Musqueam Southlands, Pacific Spirit Park, Spanish Banks, Jericho Beach, Kitsilano, and Vanier Park,  Allow a good 5 to six hours for this great journey.  Note that the Canada Line Skytrain Station at Marine Drive is right on the route.

Colored tracks:
Blue –  The Main Track – about 35 km
Red – Add features – in this case, indigenous sculptures and murals are featured – add 10 km
Purple – additional cycling route – add 5km
Brown – hiking or walking only or because of the steep grades – the shoreline trail is up to 5 km of walking.

Parking – it is best to park outside the UBC campus when the university is in sesseion.