Burnaby Lake Regional Park
About
Burnaby Lake Regional Park offers 10 kilometers of flat, stroller-friendly trails around a serene lake where families can spot herons, ducks, beavers, and turtles in their natural habitat. This 400-hectare urban nature preserve is perfect for easy hikes, nature education, and peaceful picnics just minutes from Vancouver, with plenty of boardwalks and viewing platforms that make wildlife watching accessible for little ones.
Highlights
- ✓Spotting beavers, turtles, herons, and dozens of duck species from the boardwalk viewing platforms
- ✓The Burnaby Lake Nature House with hands-on exhibits and educational programs
- ✓Flat, easy walking trails perfect for young children and strollers
- ✓Fishing from designated areas (fishing license required for adults)
- ✓Year-round nature exploration with changing seasonal landscapes
Best Time to Visit
Early morning or late afternoon on weekdays offers the best wildlife viewing and fewer crowds. Spring (April to June) is ideal when migratory birds return and baby ducks appear, though the park is beautiful year-round with each season offering different nature experiences.
What to Know
Admission and parking are completely free. There are washroom facilities at the Nature House and near main parking areas, but no restaurants on-site, so pack snacks and water. Most trails are flat and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with different wildlife viewing opportunities each season. Spring brings baby animals and migrating birds, summer offers lush greenery (but more mosquitoes), fall features beautiful foliage, and winter provides clearer sightlines for spotting wildlife. The Nature House has limited winter hours (weekends only October to March).
Nearby Eats
Burnaby Heights neighborhood (10 minutes away) offers family-friendly options like Rosemary Rocksalt for casual comfort food and Belgian Fries for poutine and burgers kids love. Alternatively, pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many scenic spots around the lake.
More Activities Near Burnaby
Deer Lake Park
Deer Lake Park is a beautiful 182-acre natural oasis offering families the perfect blend of beach play, forest trails, and open green spaces. Kids can splash in the shallow lake waters, explore multiple playgrounds, spot turtles and ducks along the shoreline, and enjoy picnics with stunning mountain views in the background.
Still Creek Drive
Still Creek Drive offers a perfect combination of active play and nature exploration in a peaceful Burnaby neighborhood setting. The park features playground equipment for various ages, a refreshing splash pad for hot summer days, and scenic creekside trails that make it easy to enjoy the outdoors with kids of all energy levels.
Still Creek Park
Still Creek Park is a fantastic neighborhood green space that offers the perfect combination of active play and nature exploration for families. With its excellent playground equipment, refreshing summer splash pad, and scenic creekside walking trails, this Burnaby gem provides hours of entertainment without costing a penny. The well-maintained facilities and peaceful natural setting make it an ideal spot for both high-energy play and relaxed family picnics.
Piper Spit Park
Piper Spit Park is a beloved Burnaby neighborhood gem that delivers everything families need for a perfect outdoor day. With modern playground equipment suited for multiple age groups, a refreshing spray park for hot summer days, and expansive grassy areas ideal for picnics and ball games, this free park offers excellent value for visiting families looking to let their kids burn energy in a safe, well-maintained setting.