Vancouver Downtown Running Routes

Rainy day on Lions Gate Bridge, Vancouver, BC

If you happen to be in Vancouver, BC and enjoy running, I could suggest two great running routes in the downtown. Since the Vancouver weather is very mild by Canadian standard (around 0 C in winter), these two routes are pretty much for all seasons. I love both of them as they give a quick tour to the downtown, say in the morning as you prepare for your family sightseeing later in the day. Running these routes is many times better than going over map or GPS device.


First route (click for map). This route will take you through 2 magnificent bridges: Burrard and Granville. Start runnning from your downtown sleeping pad to reach Burrard Street and head southwest bound until you reach the Burrard Bridge. Pay attention as you near the bridge as maybe only one bridge sidewalk is open to pedestrians (and runners). You stop at the traffic light. To your right is the Kitsilano Beach area and a huge Lululemon logo on a (probably its headquarter) building is visible, kitty corner from where you stand.

Cross the street to keep running on Burrard (now southbound). You then move to the W 4th Ave to get ready to hike a bit to reach the Granville bridge. Once you cross Fir St as you run on the 4th Ave you see a ramp park. Cross it along its walk path and you will be on the bridge and on Granville St northbound. The beautiful downtown vista is before you. Keep running on Granville St to reach the Waterfront on the north side of downtown. As you run, you can read the street names running east-west and try to memorize them for your sightseeing jaunt later :-) Once you read the Waterfront, you will feel you know the Vancouver downtown a lot better and you can continue your running to where you stay (if you wish). Spend a minute or two though to enjoy the Vancouver Harbour.

This running took me about 1 hour as I looped back to the Burrard Bridge, so it should be about 10 K.

Second route (click for map). This route circles the lush green Stanley Park. You start running from your sleeping pad to reach Davie St northbound. Keep running until you see the ocean, i.e., Beach Ave. Cross Beach Ave to continue running on the sidewalk which will take you to the Seawall path around the perimeter of the Stanley Park. The ocean is on your left and a cliff wall on your right once you enter the Park. Beautiful! Amazing view! Midway you will be running under the Lions Gate Bridge. Maintain on the path and once you see yacht marina you have almost circled the Park. You will get out of the park at West Georgia St (i.e., Highway 99). You can continue from here to your next destination.

Check the weather when you plan to run circling the Stanley Park as the Seawall path borders the Pacific Ocean. It would be a good idea to wear a water resistant, wind proof light jacket during winter as it typically rains.

This running took me about 1.5 hours as I ran to Alberni St - Burrard St intersection for a blueberry muffin, a cup of tea, and a mango juice. Satisfying!