BY JULIE CHENG

A swim at New Brighton Pool is one of the great joys of summer. It’s even better to cycle there for a full day’s workout.

There are lanes to swim laps and a huge shallow end that’s perfect for kids. The pool is heated at 23 C, so it’s a warm swim even on a cool day. I love the view of the working waterfront with its grain elevators – it’s so uniquely East Vancouver.

Best of all, I top off the exercise with a delicious salmon burger from the concession stand. As an incentive to work extra hard, on the ride back I sometimes pick up a treat from one of the Italian bakeries on Hastings Street (one near Kaslo and the other near Penticton).

Depending on where you start in Renfrew-Collingwood, the bike ride can take from 30 to 40 minutes. There’s one big hill and a few small ones, but generally the ride follows bike routes and is easy and safe.

For a small fee, you can purchase tickets online to reserve for one of several time slots at the pool (vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/new-brighton-pool.aspx). I like to reserve the 9:30 am to 11:45 am time and go early to avoid the crowds. The pool is generally open from May to Labour Day in September.

It’s important to bring water and get an early start, especially on a hot day. On a cloudy weekday, though, you may find you have a lane all to yourself.

Renfrew-Collingwood bike route to New Brighton Pool

1. Take the Slocan Street bike route. Going up the hill next to Van Tech high school and just before Broadway is the worst part of the ride.
2. Continue on Slocan. Rest in the shade and hydrate at Clinton Park and 1st Avenue, if you like.
3. Turn right at Adanac. Turn left at Kaslo.
4. Follow Kaslo until you hit the Portside route. Take in the views of the waterfront. Ride past the horse barns of the PNE’s Hastings Park racecourse on your right.
5. Continue on Portside, going under the train bridge, until you reach New Brighton Pool.

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