Major events shutting down Metro Vancouver roads this weekend
Several major events are taking place in Metro Vancouver this weekend, and commuters and residents are advised of road closures to accommodate the activities.
This year’s RBC Gran Fondo cycling race between Vancouver and Whistler takes place on Saturday, Sept. 6, along the Sea to Sky Highway. More than 5,000 cyclists are expected to participate in the 16th anniversary event.
Those staying in town this weekend may also encounter traffic delays due to large street festivals in Vancouver, New Westminster, Port Coquitlam, and Maple Ridge.
Car Free Day
Traffic impacts begin bright and early on Saturday morning with the RBC Gran Fondo.
Vancouver Park Board alerted followers on social media that there will be a partial closure from 4 to 8:30 a.m. on Stanley Park Drive, east of Avison Way.
There will be a full closure from 5:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Avison Way, Pipeline Road, Stanley Park Drive, northbound Stanley Park Causeway and Lions Gate Bridge. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane southbound on Stanley Park Causeway and the Lions Gate Bridge.
Vancouver Park Board
“Motorists can expect possible delays between West Vancouver and Whistler between 5:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.,” said RBC Gran Fondo online. “Motorists are advised to obey all traffic control personnel… rolling re-openings will occur as riders pass through the course.”
Tourism Whistler also encouraged commuters to “expect delays.”
“During the event, speed limits will be reduced to 60 km per hour on sections of Highway 99 between Horseshoe Bay and Whistler,” they said. “Motorists are advised to plan their travel well in advance and drive with caution. Motorists should also follow signs, obey all traffic control personnel and be prepared to stop during this large-scale cycling event. Traffic changes and detours will be in effect.”
A full list of traffic advisories and road closures can be found online.
RBC GranFondo
Also on Saturday are several Car Free Days celebrations across Metro Vancouver.
Leave the car at home and walk, bike, or take public transit to the celebrations on Commercial Drive between Grandview Highway and 1st Avenue in Vancouver, McAllister Avenue in Port Coquitlam, and Memorial Peace Park and the Downtown Core in Maple Ridge.
The streets will be closed to all vehicle traffic for the family-friendly events. Make a day of it by checking out the live music and performances, plenty of food vendors, local businesses, artisans, and non-profit groups.
Car Free Day Vancouver
North America’s largest addiction and mental health recovery festival is returning to New Westminster on Sunday, Sept. 7, from noon to 5 p.m.
The 12th anniversary of Recovery Day BC will feature live entertainment on three stages, including headliner Loverboy, kids’ activities, food trucks, and an information fair with health and wellness booths.
Recover day will take over 6th Street in New Westminster from 4th Avenue to 7th Avenue, and road closures and traffic detours will be in effect throughout the neighbourhood.
Recovery Day BC/Facebook
Commercial Drive Car Free Day
When: Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025
Time: 12 to 7 p.m.
Where: Commercial Drive – Grandview to 1st Avenue, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Port Coquitlam Car Free Day
When: Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025
Time: 1 to 8 p.m.
Where: McAllister Avenue in Port Coquitlam
Cost: Free
Our Neck of the Woods
When: Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025
Time: 2 to 6 p.m. (Daytime programming), 6 to 10:45 p.m. (Evening programming)
Where: Memorial Peace Park and the Downtown Core in Maple Ridge
Cost: Free
Recovery Day BC
When: Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025
Time: Noon to 5 p.m.
Where: 6th Street from 4th Avenue to 7th Avenue, New Westminster
Cost: Free