by Rebecca Slaven | Maybe I’ve read too many Bronte novels but I love cycling to Grouse Mountain on a foggy day. The gruelling uphill trial is rewarded with dramatic views and grounded by the delicious pastries at Ambleside’s Savary Island Pie Company. It’s a gothic melodrama that takes place all in one afternoon!

The route is as simple as it gets, at least in terms of navigation. Ensure your gears are in tip top shape because you’ll be switching fast and often.

Make your way over the Lion’s Gate Bridge and follow the signs for North Vancouver. Take a left on Capilano Road, and keep heading up until your legs give out or you reach Grouse Mountain. Beyond the Capilano River Regional Park there are no flat stretches but there is space to pull over when you need a minute (or more) to catch your breath. Just think of the fun ride you’ll have on the way down as motivation!

Stops & Eats | Unless you are truly an animal and feel up for the Grouse Grind, take it easy on a roundtrip Skyride and enjoy the towering sight of the city engulfed in mist.

On the way down, stop at the Capilano River Regional Park. Practice your best brooding look while beholding the majesty of the Cleveland Dam and Capilano Lake. Afterwards, you can get your heart racing again with a stroll across the Capilano Suspension Bridge ($31.95) and around the Cliffwalk.

While it is slightly off route, it’s definitely worth stopping at the Savary Island Pie Company on the way home. A slice of chicken pot pie will perk you up for the rest of the journey. It was so good, I couldn’t wait to take a photo before taking a bite. Space is limited so it’s best to go at off-times. Enjoy!

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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.