Trails System and Map


The City of Richmond offers a rich agricultural, waterfront and natural environments to explore. Spectacular views, easy access due to a flat terrain, heritage landscapes and a unique island ecology makes using the Recreational Trail and Cycling System an enjoyable, accessible adventure for all users.

Shell Road Trail

Recreational Trails & Cycling Routes

There are several key points of interest along the Recreational Trail System that feature scenic viewing and ecological destination points. Details are included in each route. In addition to these ecological and scenic points of interest, there are other features along the system such as fishing piers, Nature Park Bog Forest and public art pieces.

For detailed information about existing and planned cycling routes and trails in Richmond, see the cycling topics Local Cycling Routes and Maps in the Transportation section of the city website.

To explore trails located throughout the City, click on the map or visit the links below.

Notice: North Dyke Recreational Trail Closure
The North Dyke Trail between one kilometre east of No. 5 Road and No. 6 Road is closed until further notice. Detour routes are:

  • Eastbound users: via No. 5 Road, Vulcan Way and No. 6 Road
  • Westbound users: via No. 6 Road, Vulcan Way and No. 5 Road

Detour signage has been installed to direct users. At this time, the period of closure has not been determined. Check back for updates.

Scenic Routes & Cycling Tours

The structure of Richmond's recreational trails and cycling network is a route-based system that is built on a combination of on-street cycling routes, on-street connector routes and off-street cycling and pedestrian trails. Each route is a 'loop', has the same start/end point and is planned in combination with trail, designated bicycle and on-street connector routes.

Four of the suggested routes below are under two hours, while others are more encompassing cycling tours of the city taking over two hours to complete.

Route Name Distance and Cycling Time
Steveston / South Dyke 6km | 20 minutes
West Dyke / South Dyke Cycling 26.5km | 90 minutes
East Richmond South / North Arm River 23.5km | 75 minutes
Sea Island Drive / Middle Arm 25km | 85 minutes
West and South Dyke / Sea Island 30km | 1 hour 45 minutes
Middle Arm Trail / East and Central Richmond 38km | 2 hours
Middle Arm Trail / Shell Road Trail / West Dyke Trail 43.5km | 2 hours 30 minutes
Circumnavigate the Island 47.5km | 3 hours

Note: Estimated times for the cycling routes are based on an assumed cycling speed of 18km/h (11 mph).