The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
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Family friendly hiking trails in Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area traverse a diverse landscape spanning 576 hectares, offering varied terrain from sea level to a summit of 366 meters. The area features dense coastal forests with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, providing scenic routes that wind through a rich mountain ecosystem. Hikers can explore trails crossing small creeks and enjoy panoramic views of the Burrard Inlet and North Shore Mountains from higher elevations.
Best family friendly hiking trails in…
Last updated: October 5, 2026
60
hikers
3.65km
00:58
30m
30m
Hike the easy 2.3-mile Drummonds Walk Urban Trail in Burnaby, British Columbia, offering waterfront views along the Burrard Inlet.
9
hikers
5.40km
01:40
190m
190m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
22.1km
06:34
660m
660m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
3.14km
00:57
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The trail is an easy packed dirt track that is two people wide in most places. It's a pretty tour of the large ferns, mossy trunks, and other flora that this region of BC has to offer.
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Also known as the Harry Jerome Sports Centre, you can play volleyball here and the indoor cycling track has an incredible banked wooden oval. If it's open, the velodrome is well worth a step inside to see the cycling track if nothing else.
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This wide, gravel trail is an easy path to take as a quick out and back hike or to combine with other trails for a nice loop. Keep in mind that it is multi-use, so you're likely to see cyclists on the path as well, but it's wide enough that there's plenty of room for everyone.
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The Velodrome Trail is well known for its iconic wooden steps. The hundreds of stairs cover over 240-metres of elevation gain and are famous for the grueling workout they give hikers. However, the city of Burnaby has closed this section of trail due to erosion and unsafe conditions. As of June 2026 the stairs are closed indefinitely, while a plan is approved for their repair.
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The Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area protects a large forested ecosystem on the slopes of Burnaby Mountain, which rises to about 370 metres (1,214 ft) above the surrounding city and overlooks Burrard Inlet and the Lower Mainland. The area has long been used by Coast Salish peoples and was first logged in the early 1900s before becoming a popular hiking destination in the 1920s and an official park in 1957. Today the conservation area spans hundreds of hectares of coastal forest filled with Douglas fir, western red cedar, and hemlock, with a network of trails used by hikers and mountain bikers.
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Pipeline Trail is a wide multi-use path in the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area that is shared by hikers and cyclists. The relatively smooth gravel surface makes it easier than many of the surrounding singletrack trails, and it can be travelled in both directions. Along the route you’ll cross small creeks on wooden bridges and pass through dense coastal forest.
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Mel’s Trail is an intermediate singletrack in the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area that winds through dense coastal forest on the mountain’s eastern slopes. The trail features natural obstacles such as roots, rocks, and narrow bridges over small creeks. Mel’s Trail connects with several other routes in the network, including the Gear Jammer Trail and Sidewinder Trail, allowing it to be combined into longer forest loops.
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Named after former Burnaby mayor former Mayor Douglas P. Drummond, this path follows the shoreline from Barnet Marine Park with great views, park benches, and beaches along the way.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area?
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area offers a good selection of family-friendly hiking trails. You'll find 14 routes suitable for families, with 7 of these being easy and 7 considered moderate, providing options for various energy levels.
What are some easy, short trails suitable for families with young children?
For an easy and relatively short walk, consider the Kamui Mintara Sculpture via Velodrome and Pandora Trail loop. It's about 1.5 km long and leads through forested areas to the significant Kamui Mintara sculptures. Another great option is the Drummonds Walk Urban Trail, an easy 3.6 km path offering pleasant waterfront views along the Burrard Inlet.
Are there any circular routes that are good for families?
Yes, several trails offer a loop experience, which is often ideal for families. The Mel's and Pipeline Trail loop is a popular 5.4 km option that weaves through diverse forest settings. Another short loop is the Kamui Mintara Sculpture via Velodrome and Pandora Trail loop, which is 1.5 km.
What kind of natural features and views can we expect on these trails?
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area offers diverse landscapes. From its summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Burrard Inlet, Indian Arm, the Vancouver skyline, and the North Shore Mountains. Trails wind through a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, and many cross small creeks on wooden bridges, adding to the natural charm. You can also find specific viewpoints like the View of Indian Arm and Burrard Inlet and the View of Vancouver from Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area.
Are there any cultural attractions or points of interest along the family trails?
Absolutely! A significant cultural site is the Kamui Mintara (Playground of the Gods) Sculpture, featuring intricately carved wooden poles. The Kamui Mintara Sculpture via Velodrome and Pandora Trail loop takes you directly to it. You can also find the Centennial Rose Garden near the main parking lot and the Burnaby Mountain Water Tower Murals.
What is the best time of year to visit Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area with family?
The park is beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer vibrant foliage and pleasant temperatures, while autumn brings rich, colorful leaves. Even in winter, occasional snowfalls can create a magical experience. The diverse forests provide a changing scenery with the seasons, making it enjoyable at any time.
Is there parking available for families visiting the trails?
Yes, there are parking facilities available at Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, particularly near the main attractions like the Centennial Rose Garden and the upper slope near the Mintara restaurant, which also offers playground and picnic areas perfect for families.
Can we spot any wildlife while hiking with our family?
The mountain ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife. You might spot black-tailed deer, coyotes, and bald eagles. Black bears and cougars occasionally visit the creeks and streams, though sightings are less common. Keeping an eye out for birds and smaller creatures is always a fun activity for families.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.55 out of 5 stars from over 700 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse trails, stunning panoramic views, and the combination of natural beauty with cultural attractions, making it a rewarding experience for families.
Are there any trails that offer a good workout for older children or more active families?
For families looking for a bit more challenge, the View of Buntzen Lake loop from Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area is a moderate 4.5 km route with some elevation gain. Another moderate option is the Hiking loop from Simon Fraser University, which is longer at 8.4 km and offers a good workout with significant elevation changes.
Most popular routes in Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
Most popular attractions in Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
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