Difference between revisions of "Routes and Short Cuts"
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| + | This page is dedicated to sharing the knowledge from experience from other North Shore riders to help you find the best route for you. This page is a work in progress. If you have an idea for a route or shortcut to be added please contact us. |
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| − | == Lions Gate Bridge to Lonsdale & 27th == |
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| + | Metro Vancouver publishes [http://www.translink.ca/en/Cycling/Cycling-Routes.aspx cycling maps]. [http://maps.google.com/ Google Maps] has a cycling option when looking for directions. Google's quality of the data (bike routes and trails) shown for the North Shore is getting quite good. There is also an online [http://www.cyclevancouver.ubc.ca/cv.aspx cycling route planner] developed at UBC. Be aware that on the North Shore some of the mapped designated bike routes have gaps or no cycling infrastructure. The maps also do not show many of the short cuts, easier and safer routes that local cyclists use, which is why this page was started. |
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| − | I've experimented with many routes to make this journey (actually I continue to Lynn Valley) and have finally found what I consider to be the best route. It uses several non-car paths to gain advantage :) |
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| + | == Route Videos == |
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| − | * Start point: Heading east on Marine Drive just after the bridge (near the video billboard). |
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| + | The videos below show a few routes on the North Shore from a cyclist's perspective. The Low Level video shows the former Low Level Road next to the train tracks. |
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| − | * Continue east to Capliano Road. Nasty intersection for bicycles. If you have the confidence use the middle lane and turn with the cars, else follow the crosswalks around. Beware of the westbound left turn lane from Marine onto Capilano. |
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| + | '''Designated bike routes''' |
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| − | * Start climbing Capilano Road. The road is narrow and a dangerous, hence the new construction to add bicycle lanes. |
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| + | * [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQlzhUFZO3w&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL Esplanade (westbound)] |
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| − | * Follow the entrance to Highway 1 but turn right on the short road into Pemberton Heights. |
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| + | * [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfiNgWV7rPg&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL Lillooet Road (northbound)] |
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| − | * At Keith Road look for the trail that heads east. There are several barricades and often cars parked in front. The right side is the easiest approach. |
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| + | * [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsunzm584C4&feature=related Low Level Road (westbound)] |
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| − | * Continue along 23rd St to Lloyd Ave and turn left on Lloyd Ave. |
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| + | * [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdEvpdCfP4k&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL Main Street & Cotton Drive (westbound)] |
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| − | * Follow Lloyd Ave all the way to the Upper Levels highway and you'll find a passage to the separated path next to the freeway on your right. |
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| − | * Follow the path along the freeway to Westview Drive. |
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| − | * Turn left on Westview Drive and go over the freeway. You will need to get onto the sidewalk after crossing the westbound offramp to make it easy to get on the paved path down onto 25th St. |
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| − | * Take the paved path down to 25th St. (A small dog on the sun deck will probably bark at you ;) |
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| − | * Follow 25th St to Chesterfield. Note that at Jones Ave it becomes a 1-way against you. Just stick to the right. The traffic is very low along here (and this is a candidate for setting up curb-isolated bike lane). |
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| − | * Turn left at Chesterfield Ave. You'll need to jump the curb to get onto it. Another place for improvement! |
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| − | * Follow Chesterfield Ave to 27th St and turn right. |
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| − | * Follow 27th St to Lonsdale Ave. There is a crossing signal here but it's on the north side of the street only and far from the curb, so not cycle friendly. Another place for improvement! |
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| + | '''Additional routes and off-street paths''' |
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| − | From there to top of Lonsdale and Lynn Valley are in easy striking range. |
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| + | * [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVEIHo0Rhv4&feature=youtube_gdata From Capilano University to Mount Seymour Parkway] |
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| + | * [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSYNEhPD10I&feature=BF&list=ULq9tJucSvods&index=6 From Mountain Highway to Lillooet Road via Hwy 1 underpass & Old Lillooet Road] |
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| + | * [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM9F3L13dWI&feature=BF&list=ULq9tJucSvods&index=7 From Mount Seymour Parkway to Main Street & Second Narrows bridge via Hwy 1 ramp] |
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| + | * [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-lT4RMIZc8&feature=BF&list=ULq9tJucSvods&index=8 Orwell Street from Main Street to Fern Street] |
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| + | == Routes == |
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| − | [http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=49.330772,-123.097773&spn=0.039155,0.090551&z=14&msid=100548870285165674554.00048657ad39a64c0a5a3 Google Map with details] |
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| + | === Spirit Trail === |
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| − | [[File:LGB to 27th and Lonsdale.png]] |
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| + | |||
| + | The North Shore Spirit Trail is a Multi-Use Path (MUP) that is intended to extend from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove. Currently (2023) it runs from Ambleside Park, in West Vancouver, to the Park and Tilford Shopping Mall in the District of North Vancouver. |
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| + | |||
| + | A [[Spirit_Trail_2023 | photo essay]] written to highlight the trail describes the Spirit Trail as of 2023. |
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| + | |||
| + | [[File:0 Map1 anotated.png|thumb|centre|Map showing the current route of the Spirit Trail in North and West Vancouver. The trail is marked with a red line.]] |
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| + | |||
| + | === Lions Gate Bridge to Lonsdale & 27th === |
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| + | |||
| + | [[File:LGB to 27th and Lonsdale.png|Quick Map|thumb|400px]] |
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| + | |||
| + | I've experimented with many routes to make this journey and have finally found what I consider to be the best route. It uses several non-car paths to gain advantage and has a steady but decent grade. Details are on a [[Lions Gate Bridge to Lonsdale & 27th|separate page]] |
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| + | |||
| + | <br clear="all" /> |
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| + | ---- |
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| + | === Village Bike Route - West Vancouver === |
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| + | |||
| + | Following the example set by the establishment of the Village Walk in West Vancouver, it is proposed to designate and mark with appropriate signage a Village Bike Loop. The proposed route would connect five public schools and most of the public facilites, including five parks and the Community Centre within the Ambleside and Dundarave communities. Also, it would connect to the Spirit Trail and link to the bike route along the Upper Levels Highway. It would become an integral part of the West Vancouver Cycling Network. |
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| + | |||
| + | A map showing the proposed route of the Village Bike Loop is shown below: |
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| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | [[File:Village Bike Loop 08-02-10.jpg]] |
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| + | |||
| + | == Shortcuts == |
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| + | |||
| + | === City of North Vancouver === |
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| + | |||
| + | ==== Connector trail between Tempe Glen and 25th St (aka Bark Mulch Trail) ==== |
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| + | |||
| + | [[File:Tempe Glen to 25th trail.png|100px|thumb|quick map]] |
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| + | |||
| + | For travel between Lynn Valley and Upper Lonsdale or Westview, this trail is ideal. It can get a little treacherous in rainy season and overgrown in the summer, so be careful on it. The trail itself hugs the Upper Levels highway from near the tennis courts at the south end of Tempe Glen and dumps you out on the sidewalk at the east end of 25th St. |
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| + | |||
| + | [http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=100548870285165674554.00048636c279a4ee329ff Google Map] |
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| + | |||
| + | <br clear="all"/> |
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| + | ---- |
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| + | |||
| + | === District of North Vancouver === |
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| + | |||
| + | ==== Phillip Ave Tunnel ==== |
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| + | |||
| + | [[File:NS-VACC Shortcut - Phillip Tunnel.png|Quick Map|thumb|100px]] |
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| + | |||
| + | There's a tunnel under the Upper Levels Highway at the top of Phillip that is an easy way to get from Pemberton Heights to Capilano Highlands and vice versa. Beware of the speed checks midway through the tunnel! |
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| + | |||
| + | [http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=49.332988,-123.114295&spn=0.002447,0.005659&z=18&msid=100548870285165674554.00048658ad394b1573a69 Google Map] |
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| + | |||
| + | <br clear="all"/> |
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| + | ---- |
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| + | |||
| + | ==== Bike Route from Pemberton Heights in North Van to the Spirit Trail in West Van including the Connector Trail between Keith Rd and 23rd St (near Capilano ramps) ==== |
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| + | |||
| + | Now that the bike lanes on Capilano Road are completed (July 2011) one can cycle between Pemberton Heights in North Van and the Lions Gate Bridge and the Spirit Trail in West Van as is shown on the following map: [[File:Ride the Riding map from the eastern boundary.jpg ]] |
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| + | |||
| + | [[File:NS-VACC Shortcut between W Keith and 23rd.png|Quick Map|thumb|100px]] |
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| + | |||
| + | A very convenient trail connecting W Keith Rd near the Capilano Rd Hwy 1 ramps to W 23rd St in Pemberton Heights. For riders needing to continue east after coming off the freeway this is perfect. Also makes up a key part of the [[Routes_and_Short_Cuts#Lions_Gate_Bridge_to_Lonsdale_.26_27th|Lions Gate Bridge to Lonsdale & 27th]] route. |
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| + | |||
| + | [http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=49.330842,-123.115025&spn=0.006586,0.01929&z=16&msid=100548870285165674554.000487329a5640e735ac3 Google Map] |
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| + | |||
| + | [http://northshore.vacc.bc.ca/large_uploads/Keith-23rd.3GP Video] |
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| + | |||
| + | <br clear="all"/> |
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| + | ---- |
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| + | |||
| + | ==== Connector trail between Westview Dr and 25th St ==== |
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| + | |||
| + | [[File:NS-VACC Shortcut between Westview Dr and 25th St.png|100px|thumb|quick map]] |
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| + | |||
| + | 25th St makes an excellent route connecting Lynn Valley/Upper Lonsdale and Westview. At the west end is paved trail that leads up to Westview Dr. This is also a key connector on the [[Routes_and_Short_Cuts#Lions_Gate_Bridge_to_Lonsdale_.26_27th|Lions Gate Bridge to Lonsdale & 27th]] route. |
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| + | |||
| + | [http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=49.332492,-123.087569&spn=0.003293,0.009645&z=17&msid=100548870285165674554.00048733ceeebd606e5d0 Google Map] |
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| + | |||
| + | <br clear="all"/> |
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| + | ---- |
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Latest revision as of 14:12, 3 March 2024
This page is dedicated to sharing the knowledge from experience from other North Shore riders to help you find the best route for you. This page is a work in progress. If you have an idea for a route or shortcut to be added please contact us.
Metro Vancouver publishes cycling maps. Google Maps has a cycling option when looking for directions. Google's quality of the data (bike routes and trails) shown for the North Shore is getting quite good. There is also an online cycling route planner developed at UBC. Be aware that on the North Shore some of the mapped designated bike routes have gaps or no cycling infrastructure. The maps also do not show many of the short cuts, easier and safer routes that local cyclists use, which is why this page was started.
Route Videos
The videos below show a few routes on the North Shore from a cyclist's perspective. The Low Level video shows the former Low Level Road next to the train tracks. Designated bike routes
- Esplanade (westbound)
- Lillooet Road (northbound)
- Low Level Road (westbound)
- Main Street & Cotton Drive (westbound)
Additional routes and off-street paths
- From Capilano University to Mount Seymour Parkway
- From Mountain Highway to Lillooet Road via Hwy 1 underpass & Old Lillooet Road
- From Mount Seymour Parkway to Main Street & Second Narrows bridge via Hwy 1 ramp
- Orwell Street from Main Street to Fern Street
Routes
Spirit Trail
The North Shore Spirit Trail is a Multi-Use Path (MUP) that is intended to extend from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove. Currently (2023) it runs from Ambleside Park, in West Vancouver, to the Park and Tilford Shopping Mall in the District of North Vancouver.
A photo essay written to highlight the trail describes the Spirit Trail as of 2023.
Lions Gate Bridge to Lonsdale & 27th
I've experimented with many routes to make this journey and have finally found what I consider to be the best route. It uses several non-car paths to gain advantage and has a steady but decent grade. Details are on a separate page
Village Bike Route - West Vancouver
Following the example set by the establishment of the Village Walk in West Vancouver, it is proposed to designate and mark with appropriate signage a Village Bike Loop. The proposed route would connect five public schools and most of the public facilites, including five parks and the Community Centre within the Ambleside and Dundarave communities. Also, it would connect to the Spirit Trail and link to the bike route along the Upper Levels Highway. It would become an integral part of the West Vancouver Cycling Network.
A map showing the proposed route of the Village Bike Loop is shown below:
Shortcuts
City of North Vancouver
Connector trail between Tempe Glen and 25th St (aka Bark Mulch Trail)
For travel between Lynn Valley and Upper Lonsdale or Westview, this trail is ideal. It can get a little treacherous in rainy season and overgrown in the summer, so be careful on it. The trail itself hugs the Upper Levels highway from near the tennis courts at the south end of Tempe Glen and dumps you out on the sidewalk at the east end of 25th St.
District of North Vancouver
Phillip Ave Tunnel
There's a tunnel under the Upper Levels Highway at the top of Phillip that is an easy way to get from Pemberton Heights to Capilano Highlands and vice versa. Beware of the speed checks midway through the tunnel!
Bike Route from Pemberton Heights in North Van to the Spirit Trail in West Van including the Connector Trail between Keith Rd and 23rd St (near Capilano ramps)
Now that the bike lanes on Capilano Road are completed (July 2011) one can cycle between Pemberton Heights in North Van and the Lions Gate Bridge and the Spirit Trail in West Van as is shown on the following map: 
A very convenient trail connecting W Keith Rd near the Capilano Rd Hwy 1 ramps to W 23rd St in Pemberton Heights. For riders needing to continue east after coming off the freeway this is perfect. Also makes up a key part of the Lions Gate Bridge to Lonsdale & 27th route.
Connector trail between Westview Dr and 25th St
25th St makes an excellent route connecting Lynn Valley/Upper Lonsdale and Westview. At the west end is paved trail that leads up to Westview Dr. This is also a key connector on the Lions Gate Bridge to Lonsdale & 27th route.