Photo: Burnaby.ca
Burnaby may seem urban, but it has pockets of nature that are great for hiking, biking, paddling, and lots more. Here are eight ways to have fun outdoors in Burnaby.
Visit a Park
Burnaby isn’t short on parks. Forested Central Park has lots of great walking trails and grassy areas for picnics. Deer Lake Park is a great spot for walking, boating, and learning about history. You can explore forests, wetlands, and a huge lake at Burnaby Lake Regional Park. Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area has hiking and biking trails and incredible views of Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains. Or visit the sandy beach in Barnet Marine Park.
Photo: Burnaby Lake Regional Park
Take a Hike
You might be surprised to learn that Burnaby has lots of hiking trails. If you’re looking for a workout, tackle the Velodrome Trail, nicknamed the Burnaby Grind. It’s a steep climb up the side of Burnaby Mountain. For a more mellow outing, explore the flat trails around Burnaby Lake or Deer Lake.
Stairs on the Velodrome Trail. Photo: Taryn Eyton
Go Mountain Biking
The southeastern slopes of Burnaby Mountain below Simon Fraser University are home to a network of mountain bike trails. Most are beginner-friendly green and blue trails, but there are a couple of black diamond trails for expert riders. Use the Trailforks app to find your way around.
Paddle a Canoe or Kayak
Little Deer Lake has calm water that is perfect for exploring by boat. You can rent canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats at the kiosk at the eastern end of the lake. Watch for turtles sunning themselves and birds splashing in the shallows as you paddle.
Photo: Deer Lake Boat Rentals
Take Your Pup to an Off-Leash Park
Burnaby is home to a few destination-worthy off-leash dog parks. North Burnaby’s Confederation Park has a huge fenced off-leash area for games of fetch. The park also has a 1.3 km long off-leash nature trail. Or take your dog to Barnet Marine Park for great ocean views. Leashes are optional on the west side of the park, but there are time restrictions in the summer months.
Play Pitch and Putt or Disc Golf
Play a fun game of pitch and putt golf in Burnaby. There are two courses to choose from. Kensington Park in North Burnaby has a sprawling course and Central Park has a beginner-friendly course with no water hazards. You can also try disc golf at Robert Burnaby Park. The nine-hole course is mostly wooded with a few open fairways. Bring your own discs.
Kensington Park Pitch and Putt. Photo: Golf Burnaby
Cool Off at an Outdoor Pool or Spray Park
Burnaby is home to ten wading pools and nine spray parks. You can also visit four outdoor pools: Central Park Outdoor Pool, Kensington Park Outdoor Pool, McPherson Outdoor Pool, and Robert Burnaby Outdoor Pool. Most facilities are open between the end of May and the end of September, but check websites for opening hours.
Kensington Outdoor Pool. Photo: City of Burnaby
Go for a Bike Ride
With lots of bike paths and bike lanes, Burnaby is a great place to go for a bike ride. Follow the BC Parkway on separated paths underneath the Expo Line Skytrain. Or pedal along the Central Valley Greenway which bisects the city from west to east. Road cyclists looking for a challenge can tackle the tough climbs to the top of Burnaby Mountain via bike lanes on Gaglardi Way and Burnaby Mountain Parkway. Use the Burnaby Bike Map to plan your route.
