Vancouver Skate Patrol

The Stanley Park circuit is a 10 km (6 mile) loop. For 8.5 km (5.5 miles), the path follows the Stanley Park seawall. The seawall is a one-way path (counter-clockwise) for cyclists and in-line skaters, and is a two-way route for pedestrians.

Visiting Vancouver? or New to our Area?

Stanley Park circuit is just part of a path that starts at Science World (it is called the Seaside trail). At the Sunset Beach parking lot, the Vancouver Parks board has created a Learn-to-Skate area next to the Roller Hockey area. This is a great area where to practise the basics of skating before heading out on the Seaside or Seawall paths.

Vancouver's Other Skate Trails

The B.C. Parkway 7-11 Trail is easiest to skate west to east starting at the Nanaimo Skytrain Station. The trail is a two meter wide paved trail (some road sections at the start) that climbs uphill to Metrotown Center. From Metrotown to New Westminster is all downhill. Nanaimo to New Westminster is about fifteen kilometers and you should be an advanced beginner to intermediate skater to complete it in 1 - 1 1/2 hours. There are many road crossings and trail intersections so skate with CAUTION!

Iona Regional Park (YVR Airport) is a 15km round trip skate located on Sea Island next to the Vancouver Airport. You will be skating on a two-lane road with wide shoulders on the eastern half of the course. The most western section has narrow shoulders so it is best to skate during off peak hours (Sunday mornings seem to have the least amount of traffic). There are washrooms located at the far west end(close to the ocean).For parking turn right on Templeton St.( just as you come on to Sea Island) and the next right hand turn, Grauer Rd., will take you under the Arther Laing bridge, park on the side of the road and start your skate here. Watch for large trucks, the road is flat with a good surface

The Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve (formerly the Seymour Demonstration Forest) Seymour Valley Trail is 10 km long finishing 100 meters from the Seymour River. This new trail opened in June 2002 and the pavement is very good (6 meters wide). This trail is a greater challenge than the old SDF mainline road, as there are a number of hills and corners. The first downhill comes at the 2 km mark with a right hand turn at the bottom. The first steep uphill is at the 3 km point and from that point it is a long climb to the 6 km mark. Once you reach the 7 km point you will find one of four rest stops. You will also find a 3 km downhill grade to the Seymour River. At the 10 km point the pavement ends and it is a short walk to the Seymour River (bring your sandals or shoes). The Seymour Valley Trail is suitable for Advanced Beginners with excellent braking skills. Look out for pedestrians, cyclists and other skaters on the trail. This is a multi-use recreational trail so the only vehicles are the Service trucks, which are occasionally required to access the trail. Take Exit 22 off the Second Narrows Bridge and follow the signs north on Lillooet Road to the Rice Lake parking lot.

The Burnaby Mountain Urban Trail is easiest to skate from east to west. Starting at the foot of Cameron Street (just behind Lougheed Mall) off North Road. The trail climbs for close to nine kilometers to Kensington Park (Hastings & Sperling - North Burnaby). The trail is a two-three meter wide paved multi-use urban trail that connects with the Adanac Bicycle Route. The trail is downhill from Kensington Park to Cameron Street so good braking skills are required.

Port Moody's inline skate trails starts at Rocky Point Park. Follow St. John's Street (main street of Port Moody) to Moody Street and turn towards the water. The parking signs will take you to the swimming pool parking where inline rentals are available at Rocky Pt. Ice Cream Factory (May-Oct.) The trail is a three meter paved multiuse trail that travels 3 km around Port Moody inlet to Old Orchard Park. Alderside Road (watch for cars) goes another 2 km to Ioco Road. A round trip skate is almost 10 km and there are a couple of hills that require good braking skills.

home | events | about us | photo gallery | messages
where to skate | articles | links | vancouver skate patrol