Ladner Loop by Bike

The Ladner Loop is a perfect ride for those who may be a little out of shape after just getting back on their bikes after a winter of rain.  It is flat, REALLY FLAT, scenic and includes a lot of trail riding along the dykes.

View from the dyke

The views are spectacular, and you are often treated to some great bird watching as you travel in the Important Bird Area near Roberts Bank.

We had another almost perfect day.  The sun was out, there was no wind, and did I mention the route was FLAT - really FLAT?  The area is almost surreal as you are so close to Vancouver, yet you feel miles away from the big city as you pedal through acres of farmland and along the dykes.  (lots of great farmer's markets to stop at when in season)

The view of the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal and the Roberts Bank Terminal brings you back to reality.  Roberts Bank is huge and the number of trains coming and going is mind boggling!

Cargo ships loading at Roberts Bank

 "The Roberts Bank Rail Corridor consists mostly of single rail track and currently carries up to 18 trains per day, ranging from 6,000 to 9,500 feet in length. The volume of train traffic is expected to increase to 28–38 trains per day by 2021, and some train lengths are expected to increase up to 12,000 feet."  

Roberts Bank rail corridor

We had to hop off our bikes and cross several train tracks to complete the loop. We stopped for several minutes to watch the comings and goings of this very, busy terminal.

After leaving Roberts Bank, we cycled on through Tsawwassen and enjoyed a great ride along the Mud Bay trail.

 It was a beehive of activity as joggers, cyclists, walkers, birders took to the trails in order to enjoy a sunny spring day.

Giggle of the day: 

We recently discovered a  group called The Slow Bicycle Movement.  Curious, we investigated further to learn more about the criteria for joining the group and becoming a card carrying member.  Members must agree to:

• meander
• stop
• look
• eat
• take pictures
• laugh
• chat

The description fits us perfectly!  We giggled throughout the entire Ladner Loop every time we hopped off to meander, look, EAT, chat......you get the picture!

Map and route tips:

The loop begins at Deas Island Regional Park and follows the Millenium Trail under highway 99 to Ladner.  From Ladner, follow the Fraser River out to Brunswick Point and then continue on to Tsawwassen and Mud Bay and then a quick loop back.