by Rebecca Slaven | When I was a student at UBC, I used to nap in the Aquatic Centre between classes and headed home as soon as the day was done. Back then, it was difficult to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounded me. I was too exhausted by papers, exams, and late teenaged angst to take it all in. Not so anymore. Those who’ve never been or wish to make up for lost time should give it a go. UBC’s campus is ideal for exploring by bike on quiet weekends.

This route is a loop. Whichever starting point you take, head west so that you can enjoy the ocean views. From Fairview/Kits, make your way to the Seaside Bicycle Route, or if it’s a crowded summer day, take West 3rd. Transition onto NW Marine Drive and keep following the road around campus until University Boulevard. On the way is a very large hill, which is best taken slowly but surely.

There’s a sign at one point on NW Marine Drive saying that all cyclists must bike on the sidewalk with pedestrians, which is separated from the road by a cement barrier. Most cyclists ignore this and continue on the road but biking on the sidewalk allows you to stop at the view points.

Turn left onto University Boulevard to make your stops and head back to NW Marine Drive once you’re finished. Keep going until just before SW Marine Drive turns into 70th Avenue. Take a left on Cornish Avenue and follow the signage along the Cypress Bikeway until 7th Avenue. Then head left onto Fir and stop at 6th Avenue.

Stops & Eats | The Delly’s delicious avocado sandwiches cost less than $5 and are prepared by ladies with the fastest hands you’ve ever seen. The relatively new Great Dane Coffee serves arguably the best espresso on campus and has a great patio for warm days.

In summer, tour the Nitobe and Botanical Gardens and if you’re up for the stairs, stop for a dip in Wreck Beach. On cool days, check out the awe-inducing blue whale skeleton at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum. While it’s free to view the whale skeleton, it’s well worth the $12 admission to wander through the impressive collection of flora and fauna within the rest of the museum.

At the end of the route, if you’re not too full of caffeine and food already, Beaucoup Bakery in Fairview makes for a lovely last stop. Happy riding!

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Rebecca Slaven is a librarian, writer, and cyclist. Her subject specialities include law, beauty, and croquet. Her format specialty is the how-to guide. She mostly rides her bike to work but has cycled as far as San Francisco. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter.