Public Art Ride in Vancouver
City Tour, 17 Miles
Overview
Melissa and Chris Bruntlett, the route curators, are co-owners of Modacity, a multi-service consultency, focused on inspiring healthier, happier, simpler forms of urban mobility through words, photography and film.
Every city has a creative soul, and Vancouver is no exception. Take a ride along our beautiful bikeways and Seawall and see just some of the work that makes this city a beautiful place to live!
Map & Logistics
Click on map image to download PDF
Paper Map
voice navigation
Download the RideWithGPS app to experience this route with voice navigation.
Bikes
- Bayshore - $30+ daily for cruiser, mountain, hybrid, tandem, kids, trail-a-bike or trailer. Locks extra
- Cycle City - $30/5 hours for stylish 7-speed city bike (Norco City Glide)
- English Bay - $30+ daily for cruiser, mountain, folding, tandem and kids. Helmets and locks included.
- EzeeRiders - $24+ daily for cruiser, mountain, road, electric, tandem, kids, trailer.
- Reckless - $30+ daily for hybrid, comfort, road, trail-a-bike, trailer and baby seat. Includes helmet, lock, basket and map.
- Spokes - $25+ daily for cruiser, city, mountain, road, tandem, kids, trail-a-bike, trailer, child seat
Transit Connections
- Start of route - VCC Clark on Millennium Line
- End of route - Yaletown on Canada Line
- System Map
What to Bring?
Camera and money for food
Highlights
A. The East Van Cross
Erected just in time for the 2010 Olympic Games, this has long been the symbol of East Vancouver. The sculpture, created by Ken Lum, represents the cross that has been an expression of hope and defiance in East Vancouver for decades, and is what calls families like our home.
B. Dude Chilling Park
Also known as Guelph Park, this space adopted a new name thanks to neighbouring residents who rallied to change it to reflect the unique statue that resides there resembling, you guessed it, a "dude chilling". With lots of green space, a community garden and a playground, it's a great place to set up and have a picnic.
C. Trans am Totem
Towering 33 feet above Quebec Street, Trans-Am Totem pays homage to Vancouver’s indigenous past, its radical environmental roots, and contradictory consumer culture. It is truly a sight to behold, constantly turning the heads of passing drivers, pedestrians, Skytrain users, and cyclists alike!
D. Terry Fox Plaza at BC Place
Another installation by local artist Douglas Coupland, this series of commemorative statues offers a wonderful tribute to a local hero.
E. Digital Orca
This playful sculpture by local author and artist Douglas Coupland is a fun stop for all ages. Stop by at night and watch it sparkle!
F. Olympic Cauldron
One of the many legacies left behind from the 2010 Olympics, the Cauldron in Jack Pool Plaza is a great stop for photos and the kids love to walk along the pool of water that surrounds the structure.
G. Totem Poles at Stanley Park vancouver.ca | (604) 873-7000
British Columbia's Native Peoples have a rich history, and a must stop on a visit through the area is to the Totem Poles at Stanley Park. A tourist trap for sure, but worth a stop as you travel along the breathtaking Seawall.
H. A-MAZE-ING Laughter - Sculpture by Yue Minjun 1800 Morton Avenue
This is a must stop for any public art tour. Located just near Vancouver's iconic English Bay, these statues made of patinated cast bronze offer fun and humour to the landscape. It is not uncommon to see tourists mimicking the funny faces, or for children to be found dangling from their sturdy arms!
I. Inukshuk 1700 Beach Avenue | vancouver.ca | (604) 873-7000
You can't visit Vancouver without a stop at the iconic Inukshuk, sitting at the water's edge at English Bay.
J. Engagement by Dennis Oppenheim
These massive rings are often overlooked when cycling through Sunset Beach but are a beautiful addition to the landscape. By night, the 'diamonds' sparkle and light up the surrounding area.
K. 217.5 ARC X 13
Located among the sands of Sunset Beach, the 217.5 ARC X 13, or more commonly known as 'The Whale Bone", is a massive corten steel structure not only a fun place for kids to climb and play, but is the perfect frame to the mountains and setting sun.
L. Roundhouse Park & Engine 374
Offering a real-life perspective of one of Vancouver's old rail yards, Roundhouse park is a fun place to sit down and relax or climb and rearrange the plastic chair sculptures set under a large canopy. Don't forget to stop in to see Engine 374, housed in the adjacent building. Kids and adults can climb aboard and feel like a conductor would have 100 years ago!
M. The Birds of Olympic Village 2390 Brunswick St. | vancouver.ca | (604) 873-7000
Lovingly known by some as the "Angry Birds", the two giant bird statues have become a visual landmark for Olympic Village Square. Kids love to see how high they can climb up their backs, while parents can sip coffee from the nearby coffee shops.
N. Human Structures by Jonathan Borofsky
Nothing like a life-size human tower! Race in and out of the digital people, and look up as they climb higher and higher into the sky.
O. Love Your Beans by Cosimo Cavallaro
A playful stop along the south False Creek Seawall. Kids love trying to climb on these colourful larger-than-life jellybeans!
P. Giants by OSGEMEOS
In the summer of 2014, the stark grey cement towers of OCEAN cement got a face lift, creating this unique and fun set of public art. If you catch it on an open house day, you can get up close to the towers, but if not, they are visible from both sides of False Creek and add a lot of colour to an otherwise grey scene.
Q. Echoes by Michel Goulet
At first glance, they simply look like patio chairs left out from the nearby cafe. But look closer and you'll find each strategically placed chair includes a message to get you thinking. Enjoy a peaceful moment as you stare off into the horizon, or share a moment with a friend!
Extras
1. Coopers Park
This fun little playground nestled just under the Cambie Street Bridge is a neat place to stop. Situated right next to a mini cement rink, it's not uncommon to find an impromptu game of bike polo happening!
2. Bella Gelateria 1001 West Cordova Street | www.bellagelateria.com | (604) 569-1010
We've heard it's the best gelato in Vancouver, but the line up is always long, so we haven't tried yet. Maybe you'll get lucky!
3. Second Beach Playground
A great stop for kids looking to burn off some energy. Two separate areas with something for all ages, or else hit up the beach for some sandy fun!
4. Cupcakes 1168 Denman Street | cupcakesonline.com | (604) 974-1300
You can't visit Vancouver without a stop at Cupcakes. Options galore for your sweet tooth.
5. Terra Breads 1605 Manitoba Street | www.terrabreads.com | (604) 877-1183
Grab a tasty coffee and pastry and enjoy the views in Olympic Village Square.
6. Sutcliffe Park Spray & Play 1318 Cartwright Street
Also referred to as Granville Island Playground, this park featured all the best play structures, as well as a spray park and water slide for warmer days. It's our favourite stop in the city!
7. Lee's Donuts of Granville 1689 Johnston Street | (604) 685-4021
In this family's opinion, the best donuts in town!
8. Kitsilano Playground
End your journey while letting your kids play at this neighbourhood park with lots for all ages.
