Deer Lake Park
About
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.
Highlights
- ✓Sandy beach area perfect for wading and building sandcastles
- ✓Easy 1km loop trail around the lake suitable for strollers and young walkers
- ✓Multiple playgrounds with modern equipment for different age groups
- ✓Wildlife spotting including turtles, ducks, herons, and fish
- ✓Large grassy areas ideal for running, flying kites, and family games
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on summer weekends to secure parking and prime beach spots, as this popular park fills up quickly by late morning.
- 2.Bring water shoes as the lake bottom can be a bit mucky, and pack bug spray for evening visits near the water.
- 3.The playground near the main parking area gets very sunny, so visit in the morning or bring sun protection and plenty of water.
- 4.Check out the Burnaby Art Gallery located right in the park for a quick cultural stop that's free to enter.
- 5.The paved path around the lake is stroller and wheelchair friendly, making it perfect for families with young children or accessibility needs.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings during summer (July and August) for the best beach experience with fewer crowds. Spring and fall offer beautiful foliage and quieter trails, while avoiding the peak beach season busy periods.
What to Know
Parking is free but limited, especially on sunny weekends. There are public washrooms on site, but no food concessions, so pack your own snacks and picnic supplies.
Seasonal Notes
The park is open year-round, but the beach is most enjoyable from June through September. Winter visits offer peaceful walks and possible snow play, though facilities may be more limited. Fall brings beautiful autumn colors around the lake.
Nearby Eats
Metrotown shopping center (5 minutes away) has numerous family-friendly chain restaurants including White Spot and Cactus Club. For a quick bite, stop at one of the many casual eateries along Kingsway Avenue just north of the park.
More Activities Near Burnaby
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.
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.
Deer Lake Park
Deer Lake Park is a beautiful 125-acre natural oasis offering everything active families need for a full day outdoors. With sandy beaches perfect for building castles, multiple playgrounds for different age groups, paved walking trails ideal for strollers and bikes, and wide open spaces for picnics and play, this free lakeside park combines natural beauty with excellent family amenities.
Burnaby Lake Regional Park
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.