Ride, Explore, Repeat: Fun Things to Do Around Westside Sports

At Westside Sports, we believe a great ride is about more than just the trail—it’s about the experience. Whether you’re coming in for a quick tune-up, gearing up for your next ride, or just starting your cycling journey, we’re proud to be part of a neighborhood that offers plenty to do once you step off the pedals.

Located in the heart of Vancouver’s west side, our shop is surrounded by some of the city’s best low-key gems: museums, green spaces, ocean views, and cultural institutions that are worth slowing down for. So if you're looking for ways to extend your ride—or just enjoy the day without rushing—here’s your guide to fun things to do near Westside Sports.

1. Explore the Museum District at UBC

Just a short ride west of the shop lies the University of British Columbia (UBC), home to some of Vancouver’s most renowned museums and galleries. Whether you're a local or just visiting, it’s worth making time for:

‭• The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) – Known for its powerful Indigenous art collections and dramatic architecture, MOA offers a quiet, reflective stop after a morning on the road.

‭• Beaty Biodiversity Museum – Home to a full blue whale skeleton and thousands of natural history specimens, this spot is a hit with families and curious minds alike.

‭• The Belkin Art Gallery – Free to visit and full of thought-provoking contemporary works, the Belkin is a great detour for creative inspiration.

You can make a loop of it: ride out to UBC, explore one or two museums, and cruise back along the water or through Pacific Spirit Park.

 

2. Walk the Gardens (or Just Bike Past Slowly)

Want to swap your bike shoes for a stroll? Just outside UBC you’ll find several peaceful gardens that invite you to slow down:

‭• Nitobe Memorial Garden is a beautifully maintained Japanese garden—one of the most authentic in North America. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and unwind after a ride.

‭• UBC Botanical Garden features forested walkways, rare plants, and even a tree canopy walk if you’re up for a bit of adventure on foot.

If you’re not looking to dismount, the quiet roads surrounding the gardens make for a scenic, relaxing ride too.

3. Take the Long Way to the Beach

The west side is known for its beach routes—and they’re not just for summer. Ride down toward Spanish Banks or Jericho Beach, both down the road from Westside Sports. Even in the shoulder seasons, they offer unbeatable views, fresh ocean air, and places to sit, snack, or simply take it all in.

Spanish Banks has a more laid-back vibe with long stretches of sand and views of the North Shore mountains. Jericho is great for people-watching and has plenty of grassy areas for a quick break.

4. Detour Through Pacific Spirit Regional Park

If you’re craving nature, you’re only minutes away from Pacific Spirit Regional Park—a sprawling urban forest with wide gravel trails perfect for relaxed riding or walking. It’s a great option if you want to swap pavement for packed dirt, enjoy some tree cover, and hear the sound of your tires rolling through the forest.

You can enter the park from multiple points near UBC or take smaller residential roads from the shop to reach it. It’s a local favorite for a reason—quiet, peaceful, and just challenging enough to break a sweat.

5. Browse a Local Bookstore or Gallery

Not all post-ride adventures need to be outdoors. If you're the type who loves to wander with a helmet under your arm, you'll find cozy independent bookstores and art galleries tucked along West 10th and in nearby Kitsilano. These quiet stops are great for cooling down while discovering something new—be it a local artist or your next weekend read.

Keep an eye out for community art exhibits or pop-ups in the area—Vancouver’s west side is full of creative surprises if you’re willing to explore beyond the main roads.

6. Plan a Family Day Around the Ride

Cycling can be a great part of a bigger family day. Consider combining a short ride with a visit to a kid-friendly attraction like the UBC Aquatic Centre, the Vancouver Public Library’s west branches, or a stop at one of the nearby playgrounds and parks along the way.

The flat terrain and protected lanes around this area make it easy to ride with younger cyclists—and there’s always something to do before heading home.

7. Treat Your Bike to a Tune-Up—and Yourself to a Mini Adventure

Let’s not forget: a visit to Westside Sports doesn’t have to be all business. While your bike gets a little TLC, take the opportunity to explore the neighborhood. Whether that means grabbing a snack, sitting in a park, or walking through a nearby gallery, you’re in one of Vancouver’s most scenic and laid-back zones.

We’ve seen it time and time again—people who stop in for a quick fix often end up making a full afternoon out of it. And why not? Around here, it’s easy to turn a simple ride into a full-circle experience.

Final Thoughts: Your Ride Doesn’t End at the Door

Westside Sports is proud to be part of a community where bikes, nature, and everyday culture all come together. Whether you’re heading out for a long ride, swinging by for a service, or just passing through, we hope you’ll take the time to enjoy everything the neighborhood has to offer.

Because in Vancouver’s west side, the ride might be what gets you moving—but it’s what you discover along the way that keeps you coming back.