The best city hikes and walks in Burnaby Lake Regional Park

Burnaby Lake Regional Park offers a wide selection of urban hiking trails, with over 20 routes to explore. Most of these, around 18, are considered easy, making them suitable for a relaxed outing, while 6 are moderate for those seeking a bit more challenge.

Yes, many trails in Burnaby Lake Regional Park are ideal for families and beginners. The park features well-maintained, relatively flat paths, including accessible sections like parts of the Cottonwood Trail, which are suitable for strollers and wheelchair users. The Burnaby Lake Wetlands loop from Burnaby Lake Regional Park is an easy 4.4 km option perfect for a leisurely family walk.

Yes, Burnaby Lake Regional Park is dog-friendly! You are welcome to bring your dog, but please ensure they are kept on a leash at all times to protect the park's wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.

Burnaby Lake Regional Park boasts diverse landscapes, including the central glacial lake, extensive wetlands, lush forests, and unique peat bog ecosystems, particularly along the south shore where boardwalks traverse wet areas. You'll encounter cattail grass, salmonberry, blackberry, ferns, and large trees like cedar, hemlock, and Sitka spruce. The trails offer scenic views of the lake and, on clear days, even glimpses of the North Shore Mountains.

The park is a significant wildlife sanctuary, especially renowned for its abundant birdlife. Over 200 bird species, including great blue herons, bald eagles, kingfishers, and osprey, can be spotted. Keep an eye out for beavers, turtles basking on rocks, and evidence of coho salmon and cut-throat trout in the rehabilitated waterways.

Yes, near Piper Spit on the north shore, you'll find a viewing tower that provides a 'bird's-eye view' for spotting wildlife and enjoying panoramic vistas. Piper Spit itself is an excellent spot for observing ducks and geese. The Nature House also offers interpretive displays and educational experiences on summer weekends.

The most popular route, the Burnaby Lake Park Trail Loop, is approximately 10-11 kilometers and typically takes about two to three hours to complete at a moderate pace. For a slightly shorter, easy option, consider the Burnaby Lake Wetlands loop from Cariboo, which is around 6.1 km.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 371 ratings. Reviewers often praise the park's serene natural beauty, the well-maintained and accessible trails, and the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, especially for birdwatching.

For those looking for a longer urban hike, the View of Burnaby Lake – Burnaby Lake Wetlands loop from Edmonds offers a moderate 18.7 km route. Another moderate option is the View of Burnaby Lake – Burnaby Lake Wetlands loop from Braid, which covers 12.6 km.

Burnaby Lake Regional Park is easily accessible. There are several parking areas available within the park. Additionally, the park is well-served by public transport, making it convenient to reach without a car. Specific bus routes and SkyTrain stations are located nearby, providing good access points to the trails.

Yes, picnic facilities are available within Burnaby Lake Regional Park, particularly on the north shore near Cariboo Dam. These areas provide a great spot to relax and enjoy a meal amidst the natural surroundings after your hike.