Exploring our Recreational Trails
The popular recreational trails in Richmond include waterfront and interior trails which, when combined with designated bike lanes, provide excellent opportunities for residents and visitors to discover the treasures of the city's "Island City, by Nature" environment. Unique points of interest along recreational trails can be accessed by walking, jogging or cycling some of the 40+ kilometres of trails that feature marsh and river habitats, beaches, sloughs, bog forests, agricultural landscapes and distant mountain and island views. There are also a number of diverse of historic, ecological, recreational and commercial attractions to discover along the way.
Recreational Trail Scenic Routes and Tours
The structure of Richmond's recreational trails and cycling network is a route-based system that is built on a combination of on-street cycling routes, on-street connector routes and off-street cycling and pedestrian trails. Each route is a 'loop', has the same start/end point and is planned in combination with trail, designated bicycle and on-street connector routes.
Four of the suggested routes are under two hours, while others are more encompassing cycling tours of the city taking over two hours to complete.
| Route Name | Distance and Cycling Time |
|---|---|
| Steveston / South Dyke | 6km | 20 minutes |
| West Dyke / South Dyke Cycling | 26.5km | 90 minutes |
| East Richmond South / North Arm River | 23.5km | 75 minutes |
| Sea Island Drive / Middle Arm | 25km | 85 min |
| West and South Dyke / Sea Island | 30km | 1 hour 45 min. |
| Middle Arm Trail / East and Central Richmond | 38km | 2 hours |
| Middle Arm Trail / Shell Road Trail / West Dyke Trail | 43.5km | 2 hours 30 min |
| Circumnavigate the Island | 47.5km | 3 hours |
Note: Estimated times for the cycling routes are based on an assumed cycling speed of 18 km/h (11 mph).
There are several key points of interest along the Recreational Trail System that feature scenic viewing and ecological destination points and are included in the details of each route. In addition to these ecological and scenic points of interest, there are other features along the system such as fishing piers, Nature Park Bog Forest and public art pieces.
See the Trails Map for additional information about the Recreation Trail System.
Notice: North Dyke Recreational Trail Closure
Effective November 18, 2010, the North Dyke Recreational Trail between one kilometre east of No. 5 Road and No. 6 Road will be closed indefinitely. Detour routes are:
- Eastbound Users: via No. 5 Road, Vulcan Way and No. 6 Road
- Westbound Users: via No. 6 Road, Vulcan Way and No. 5 Road
Detour signage has been installed to direct users. At this time, the period of closure has not been determined. Check back for updates.