If you’re looking for the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and local food, the Barns to Beaches Bike Route in Delta, British Columbia, is a ride worth planning your weekend around. This scenic sixteen kilometre cycling path links farmland, waterways, and coastal views, while also connecting two of the region’s most beloved farmers’ markets: the Ladner Village Market and the Southlands Tsawwassen Farmers’ Market. With food, culture, and scenery woven together, the route is the perfect way to turn a casual bike ride into a full day trip.
Starting the Day in Ladner Village
The best place to begin is in Ladner Village. Every other Sunday between June and September, the Ladner Village Market transforms 48th Avenue into a bustling celebration of local food and creativity. The market is one of the largest open air markets in British Columbia, hosting more than one hundred and sixty vendors who fill the street with colourful produce stands, the smell of fresh baking, vibrant bouquets, and handcrafted goods. Arriving by bike is not only convenient but adds to the lively energy of the day, as cyclists blend with families and locals wandering between stalls.
Grab a coffee from a local roaster, pick up a warm pastry to enjoy before you set off, and perhaps tuck away some fruit or snacks for the ride ahead. The farmers’ market is as much a social gathering as it is a shopping destination, so it is worth taking your time to enjoy the live music and chat with growers and makers.
Cycling the Scenic Route
When you’re ready to ride, hop on your bike and follow the Barns to Beaches signs as the route winds its way out of Ladner. The path takes you past open farmland where rows of crops stretch toward the horizon and red roofed barns stand as reminders of Delta’s deep agricultural roots. As you pedal along, you will also trace parts of the waterfront, with glimpses of tidal flats, marshland, and views of Boundary Bay.
The ride itself is friendly to a wide range of cyclists. Much of the terrain is flat or gently rolling, making it accessible for families with children, casual riders, and those who simply want to take it at a leisurely pace. There are plenty of opportunities to stop, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before continuing on toward Tsawwassen.
Arriving at the Southlands Tsawwassen Farmers’ Market
After about an hour of relaxed cycling you will reach the Southlands area of Tsawwassen, where the Southlands Tsawwassen Farmers’ Market welcomes you into a pedestrian friendly community space. Just a short detour from the main route, the farmers’ market is perfectly positioned as your mid ride or end of ride destination.
Here, you will find a slightly different atmosphere than in Ladner. The Southlands Farmers’ Market has a relaxed coastal village feel, surrounded by new homes, open fields, and the nearby shoreline of Boundary Bay. Stalls are filled with seasonal produce, artisan cheeses, breads, and handmade crafts, and there is often live music creating a laid back vibe that pairs beautifully with a summer afternoon. It is an ideal place to pause for lunch, enjoy a snack, or stock up on ingredients to bring home for dinner after your ride.
Making the Most of the Day
Cycling the Barns to Beaches Bike Route between Ladner and Tsawwassen is about more than simply getting from one point to another. It is about immersing yourself in the rhythm of Delta’s communities, enjoying the beauty of the landscape, and connecting with the people who grow and create the food that sustains us.
To make the most of your trip, check both market schedules in advance so that your ride aligns with their opening days. Bring a backpack or pannier bags if you plan on shopping, as there will be plenty of tempting goods to carry home. A refillable water bottle and a picnic blanket can also come in handy, since there are many grassy spots and viewpoints along the way where you might want to stop and linger.
Both Ladner Village and the Southlands neighbourhood are worth exploring beyond the markets themselves, too. Ladner offers historic architecture, waterfront trails, and small shops, while Tsawwassen’s Southlands development has cafes, gathering spaces, and access to the beach. Each adds another layer of discovery to your day trip.
A Full Day Adventure
By the end of your ride, you will have cycled through farmland, tasted fresh local food, met growers and makers, and experienced two distinct farmers’ markets, each with its own personality. The Barns to Beaches Bike Route is an invitation to slow down, explore, and savour the connection between land, community, and food.
So whether you are planning a solo outing, a family adventure, or a day with friends, this route offers a memorable way to celebrate everything that makes Delta unique. Bring your bike, your appetite, and your curiosity. The markets, the scenery, and the community will take care of the rest.
Sample Itinerary: A Day on the Barns to Beaches Bike Route
9:30 am – Arrive in Ladner Village
Park your car or roll straight in by bike. Take a little time to stroll through Ladner Village before the market opens.
10:00 am – Explore the Ladner Village Market
Grab a coffee and pastry for breakfast, browse the stalls, and stock up on snacks for the ride. Chat with vendors and enjoy the live music before heading out.
11:00 am – Begin your ride on the Barns to Beaches Bike Route
Follow the signs out of Ladner Village. Pedal past barns, fields, and dike trails, taking in views of Delta’s agricultural heartland.
12:00 pm – Scenic stop along the route
Pause at a waterfront viewpoint or shady spot to enjoy some of your market snacks. Take a few photos of the fields and waterways.
12:30 pm – Continue cycling toward Tsawwassen
Enjoy the flat, easy stretches of the route as you approach Boundary Bay and the Southlands area.
1:00 pm – Arrive at the Southlands Tsawwassen Farmers Market
Wander through the stalls and pick up lunch from a food vendor, or enjoy fruit and cheese under the market tents. Relax to the sound of live music and soak in the coastal village atmosphere.
2:30 pm – Explore Southlands and Boundary Bay
Take a short walk or ride down to the shoreline. The beach and tidal flats are great for birdwatching or just enjoying the sea breeze.
3:30 pm – Begin your return ride
Head back along the Barns to Beaches route toward Ladner. Stop again if you missed anything on the way out.
4:30 pm – Wrap up in Ladner Village
Finish your day with a cold drink or early dinner at one of Ladner’s local restaurants before heading home with your market treasures.
Ready to plan your trip? The Barns to Beaches Bike Route is waiting! Just grab your bike, bring your appetite, and enjoy a day filled with fresh flavours and scenic cycling. You can find more information about the bike route, including maps, on the City of Delta website here.