The Gastown Grand Prix is a major cycling race in Vancouver’s Gastown district that’s part of the BC Superweek races in July each year.
The event usually takes place in early July. Other events that happen around this time of year include Carnaval del Sol in Vancouver and the Shipyards Night Market on the North Shore. In the Fraser Valley, there is also the Harrison Festival of the Arts.
See our July Calendar of Events for details about other events happening this time of year. Continue reading, however, to learn about the Gastown Grand Prix.
Gastown Grand Prix Cycling Race in Vancouver
The Gastown Grand Prix is one of Vancouver’s best-known cycling events. It takes place in the Lower Mainland in July. The race is especially easy to watch because the course is short, compact and right in the middle of Gastown. The area is easy to get to by public transit.
Other cycling races in the BC Superweek series include the Tour de Delta which runs from July 3rd to 5th in 2026.
In past years, the July cycling calendar also featured events such as the New West Grand Prix, PoCo Grand Prix and Tour de White Rock. None of those races are expected to return in 2026.
Another cycling event in Metro Vancouver is the Giro di Burnaby, which took place on April 18th this year. Burnaby also hosts a kids’ event called the Girolino, which happens on June 14th, 2026.
About the Gastown Grand Prix
The Gastown Grand Prix began in 1973. Part of the USA CRITS Championship Series, the Gastown Grand Prix is one of the continent’s most historic cycling competitions.
Over the years, it has grown into one of the city’s most popular spectator sports events, attracting as many as 30,000 spectators. Offering the highest prize money of any one-day Canadian Criterium race of its kind.
Races in 2026
On race day, the event features a Youth Race, a Women’s Pro Race and a Men’s Pro Race. The youth event lets younger riders compete on the same course as the professionals. The two headline races then take over the streets of Gastown later in the evening. Cyclists race multiple times in a loop around Vancouver’s old town. It’s an especially exciting competition to watch.
Races happen in the late afternoon. In 2026, the first race of the day begins at around 5:10 pm, and races continue late into the evening. When racing, the cyclists are so close together and complete each lap at amazing speeds.
Gastown Grand Prix Schedule
Below is the 2026 schedule of events.
- 5:10 pm – Youth Race
- 5:55 pm – Opening Ceremonies
- 6:15 pm – Pro Women’s Race
- 7:30 pm – Pro Men’s Race
- 9:00 pm – Winners Ceremony
The Women’s Pro Race is 40 laps of the course for 48 km. The Men’s Pro Race is 50 laps for 60 km. Awards follow all the races at 9:00 pm
Course Route and Location in 2026
The race takes place in Vancouver’s historic Gastown district. The official start and finish line is at Cambie Street and West Cordova Street.
Teams gather beforehand in the alley between Abbott Street and West Cordova Street. On race day, some roads in Gastown close for the event.
The circuit is short and easy to follow. Riders start at Cambie and West Cordova, continue along West Cordova, turn left at Carrall Street, and then loop back along Water Street until the course reconnects with West Cordova. Because the route is so compact, cyclists complete many laps during each race.
Visit the official Gastown Grand Prix website for the most up-to-date traffic details as the event approaches.
Other Information
Click Gastown Grand Prix to learn more about the Gastown event.
See our article about Gastown to learn more about the neighbourhood.
Click Vancouver Cycling Races for information about other BC Superweek cycling races in July.
See Vancouver’s Best Places’ July Calendar for other events taking place this month and also check out Festivals and Events for a list of other major events at different times of the year.
