The best running trails around Burnaby

Burnaby offers a wide selection of over 100 running routes, catering to various preferences and fitness levels. These include urban park trails, picturesque lake paths, and forested hills.

The running routes in Burnaby are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 20 reviews. Runners often praise the diverse natural landscapes, well-maintained trail networks, and the variety of terrains available, from flat paths to challenging climbs.

Yes, Burnaby has several easy routes perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed run. For example, the Burnaby Lake loop from Burnaby is a moderate 6.3 km trail that takes about 40 minutes to complete, offering scenic views through Burnaby Lake Regional Park.

For a more vigorous workout, Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area offers a network of trails suitable for trail running. The Velodrome Trail, known as the "Burnaby Grind," presents a steep climb with 500 stairs and a significant elevation gain, providing incredible panoramic views of Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains. Another challenging option is the Mel's Trail – Pipeline Trail loop from Metro Vancouver Regional District, a difficult 20.5 km route with substantial elevation changes.

Many of Burnaby's popular running routes are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Notable examples include the Pathway with Tartan Surface loop from Metrotown, which is 6.7 km, and the Burnaby Lake – Observation Tower loop from Sapperton, a longer 19.6 km option.

Burnaby offers several scenic spots. At Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, you can enjoy panoramic views of Vancouver, the North Shore Mountains, and Burrard Inlet, along with the Centennial Rose Garden and the Kamui Mintara (Playground of the Gods) sculptures. Deer Lake Park provides tranquil lake views, while Barnet Marine Park offers stunning ocean and mountain vistas along Burrard Inlet. You might also spot highlights like the Burnaby Lake Wetlands.

While specific dog-friendly designations for each route are not always listed, many of Burnaby's regional parks, such as Central Park, Deer Lake Park, and Robert Burnaby Park, generally welcome dogs on trails, often requiring them to be on a leash. It's always best to check local park regulations before heading out with your canine companion.

Yes, many of Burnaby's parks offer paved or well-maintained gravel paths that are suitable for strollers. Central Park features a 3.5-kilometer rubberized perimeter trail, which is exceptionally comfortable for running and ideal for families. Deer Lake Park also has extensive networks of trails, including a 2-mile perimeter path, that are generally flat and accessible.

Many of Burnaby's parks and trails are well-served by public transport. For instance, Central Park is conveniently located near the Metrotown SkyTrain station, making the Pathway with Tartan Surface loop from Metrotown easily accessible. Burnaby Lake Regional Park also has public transport access points, allowing runners to reach trails like the Burnaby Lake – Observation Tower loop from Burnaby.

For those looking for longer runs, Burnaby offers several routes that extend over 10 kilometers. The Burnaby Lake – Observation Tower loop from Sapperton is a challenging 19.6 km path, and a 12.1-kilometer portion of the Trans Canada Trail also crosses Burnaby, providing another excellent option for extended runs.

Burnaby's running trails offer a diverse range of terrains. You can find comfortable rubberized surfaces in Central Park, extensive gravel paths around Burnaby Lake, and winding trails through dense forests and creek ravines in parks like Robert Burnaby Park. For a more rugged experience, Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area provides hilly and challenging trail running options.