PEDAL POWERING THE ARBUTUS GREENWAY
Spring is finally here! And though pandemic restrictions are still in place, we can get out of our COVID confines and enjoy some fresh air. In the next few issues, I’ll share local day-escapes where you can have some fun and stay safe. So, toss off those PJs and come along for the ride.
Riding is the key word for this piece. With travel on hold this past year, my husband, Brent, and I decided to cash in some airline tickets for a couple of e-bikes. Although they won’t take us overseas, with a little (or no) pedaling, we can cover a lot of local territory in a day.
The Arbutus Greenway in Vancouver is one of our favourite cycling jaunts. The 8.5-kilometre former railway bed that snakes its way from the Fraser River to 6th Street and Fir is now a paved dream-come-true for anyone with a good pair of legs or set of wheels.
We like to start at the most southern end, near 75th and Milton, where parking is free and there is less pedestrian traffic. This end is quieter and less scenic, offering only peek-a-boo views of industrial landmarks. But the nearby historic Fraser River Park, can be a delightful detour if you want to stretch your legs before the ride. And the hidden gem of Milton Bar and Grill can offer a delicious deck-dining reprieve after you return. Both venues boast vistas of the adjacent river – and departing planes (although fewer this year!).
Our cycling corridor is all downhill from here. And even though the rail grade is gradual, what goes down must come back up, hence our delight in having a throttle.
There aren’t a lot of visuals until 53rd Avenue. And then the flora begins. Tulips that were planted last autumn are now in bloom. Vibrant reds, sunshine yellows, virgin whites will soon hug up to fragrant hyacinths and honeysuckle. In another bed, petals and greenery cascade from hanging baskets and hidden beneath the well-tilled groundcover are germinating seeds. With so many garden plots bordering our byway, we literally take time to smell the flowers.
The quaint community of Kerrisdale is home to 200 diverse shops, many of which will also slow down your pedal power. You might want to sample the Portuguese egg tarts at Michele Cake Shop on 44th, the yummy rolls at Sushi Bar Ajisai on 42nd, or Bufala’s acclaimed pizza at 38th Ave. All strictly adhere to the current COVID protocols, so there really is no harm in stopping for a bite. Or two!
Distancing is not a problem along this entire route. The paths are wide, directional flow is respected and grassy sidelines permit further separation, if necessary.
Going north from Kerrisdale, you’ll parallel Arbutus and enjoy sneak peeks into upscale homes that are backed by the distant North Shore Mountains. Dismount at 33rd for traffic, as well as at King Edward Boulevard and 16th Avenue. In need of a little hydration? Then don a mask here and pull into Loblaws City Market.
Or if you’re still feeling peckish, keep pushing the pedals and weave your way downward to the beginning of this route – past more gardens and bountiful blooms – to 6th Avenue, where you have your choice of take-out goodies at either the trendy Beaucoup Bakery or historic Arbutus Coffee, a café with roots that date back to 1907.
If you don’t have an e-bike, you just may need the additional fuel to make the return trip!
Milton Bar and Grill
Technically considered Richmond, but only accessible from Marpole in Vancouver.
101 – 9191 Bentley Street
Richmond, B.C.
(604) 269-2348
https://milltownbar.com/
Michele Cake Shop
6033 West Blvd,
Vancouver BC
(604)261-3284
https://michelecakeshop.com/
Sushi Bar Ajisai
2081 W.42nd Ave
Vancouver, BC V6M 2B4
(604) 266-1428
https://sushibarajisai.com/
Bufala Kerrisdale
5395 West Blvd
Vancouver BC V6M 3W4
(604) 267-7499
https://www.bufala.ca/
Loblaws City Market
3185 Arbutus St
Vancouver, BC V6J 3Z3
(604) 736-2835
https://www.loblaws.ca/
Beaucoup Bakery
2150 Fir St,
Vancouver, BC V6J 3B5
(604) 732-4222
https://www.beaucoupbakery.com/
Arbutus Coffee
2200 Arbutus St,
Vancouver, BC V6J 3Y1
(604) 736-5644
arbutuscoffee.ca
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