Delta
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| ROUND TRIP | 17.6 km (11 miles) |
| TERRAIN | Paved roads and gravel dyke; flat |
| TRAFFIC VOLUME | Low, except moderate on Boundary Bay Road |
| ALLOW | 2 to 3 hours |
| HIGHLIGHTS | Ocean and mountain views; tidal flats and lagoon; raptors, shorebirds, waterfowl; Centennial Beach |
| PICNIC SPOT | Centennial Beach at 8.0 km |
| STARTING POINT | Dyke at the south foot of 72nd Street |
| HOW TO GET THERE | BY CAR: Leave Hwy 99, south of the Massey Tunnel, at exit 28. Follow Hwy 17 south for 1.5 km and turn left on Ladner Trunk Road (Hwy 10). Turn right on 72nd Street and proceed to its end at the dyke. Park on the wide shoulder. |
| BY TRANSIT: Take the bus to 72nd Street and Churchill Street and ride to the starting point. | |
| WHEN TO GO | March through May to see spring migratory birds; July and August to swim at Centennial Beach. |
| CONNECTS WITH | Mud Bay |
Observation tower, Centennial Beach
BOUNDARY BAY is of prime importance to migratory and wintering birds hungry for the intertidal plants and animals to be found offshore and in the marsh. Flanking the entire 16-kilometre width of the bay is a gravel dyke, well used by bird-watchers, hikers, joggers and cyclists.
The turnaround point for this ride is Centennial Beach, abutting the U.S. border. Overlooked by Mount Baker on the eastern horizon, the beach is a great place for swimming, picnicking on the sand or beneath the trees (or at the concession) or exploring a self-guided nature trail among the dunes. Please note, though, that cycling is permitted on the multi-use 12th Avenue Dyke Trail only. Take your binoculars—there are observation towers and viewing platforms along the way.
Our route includes a diversion into the cosy community of Boundary Bay, where garden lovers can visit an unusual garden. The Secret Garden of Boundary Bay was made by a resident for the neighbourhood to enjoy. If you choose to visit, please leave your bicycle outside the garden. There is no charge for visiting, but donations are welcome.
KM THE ROUTE
0.0 South foot of 72nd Street. Go right onto the dyke.
4.1 Right on the footpath where the dyke ends, and continue straight ahead on 17A Avenue. Beach Grove Park is on your right.
4.6 Left on Farrell Crescent.
4.9 Right on 16th Avenue.
5.1 Left on Gillespie Road.
6.0 Left on 12th Avenue. Go through the parking lot onto the 12th Avenue Dyke Trail. Tidal lagoon and viewing platform. Follow the multi-use gravel dyke to Centennial Beach; other paths are out-of-bounds for cyclists.
8.0 Leave the park by the gate south of the concession and cycle along Centennial Parkway.
8.4 Right on 4th Avenue. To find the Secret Garden, keep straight ahead on the grassy path from the bend in the road. Otherwise, continue south on 67A Street. Cross 3rd Avenue.
9.0 Right on 1A Avenue, then continue right on 65B Street, opposite the school.
9.8 Left on 3rd Avenue, which becomes Boundary Bay Road.
12.3 Keep right on Beach Grove Road.
13.4 Right on the footpath to the dyke and retrace your outward route.
17.6 South foot of 72nd Street.