Burnaby Lake Regional Park wilderness guide
Regional Park · British Columbia

Burnaby Lake Regional Park

Burnaby Lake Regional Park is a scenic urban park offering extensive wetlands, forested trails, and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities just east of Vancouver.

Regional Park1,1104+ Trails

Designation

Regional Park

Total Wilderness Area

1,110

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Burnaby Lake Regional Park

Burnaby Lake Regional Park is a scenic urban park offering extensive wetlands, forested trails, and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities just east of Vancouver.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Burnaby Lake Regional Park covers approximately 1,110 acres of protected wetland and forest habitat in Burnaby, British Columbia. The park centers around Burnaby Lake, a shallow natural freshwater body surrounded by wetlands and lush forested areas that support a rich variety of plants and animals. The park was established to protect the important ecological functions of these wetlands, which serve as breeding grounds for migratory birds and habitat for numerous amphibians, mammals, and fish. Visitors can explore over 10 kilometers of flat, family-friendly trails that connect the forest and lakeside environments, including boardwalks over marshy areas where wildlife can be observed up close. Canoeing and kayaking on the lake are also popular, enabling access to quiet coves. The park's history includes its use as a traditional gathering and fishing area for Indigenous peoples and its more recent development into a recreational area managed by the Greater Vancouver Regional District. Burnaby Lake Regional Park appeals to birdwatchers, families, casual hikers, and paddlers seeking natural settings near the urban core. Notable landmarks include the Burnaby Lake Nature House visitor center, which provides educational programs and information about the park’s ecosystems. The park’s combination of wetlands, open water, meadows, and forest ensures year-round interest for visitors and offers refuge to several species at risk. Burnaby Lake Regional Park is a valuable green space for passive recreation and wildlife conservation within the metropolitan Vancouver area.

Field Guide · Regional Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Burnaby Lake Regional Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Burnaby Lake Nature House—a center for environmental education and wildlife exhibits✦ Extensive boardwalk trails crossing wetland ecosystems ideal for birdwatching✦ Popular canoe and kayak routes accessing quiet parts of the lake✦ Established nesting sites for migratory bird species including herons and ducks
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Burnaby Lake Regional Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Burnaby Lake Regional Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Burnaby Lake Regional Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Burnaby Lake Regional Park
Park Recreation

Cycling

Available in Burnaby Lake Regional Park
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Burnaby Lake Regional Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Burnaby Lake Regional Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Burnaby Lake Regional Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access to park; no permits required for day use; canoe/kayak rentals available off-site

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Burnaby Lake Regional Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Burnaby, British Columbia
⌖ 1.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Burnaby, British Columbia

Burnaby offers a perfect blend of city life and outdoor adventure with forests, lakes, and mountain trails. Hike, bike, paddle, or spot wildlife year-round, while enjoying stunning views and easy access to Vancouver.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
New Westminster, British Columbia
⌖ 3.56 miles
Gateway Basecamp

New Westminster, British Columbia

New Westminster offers easy-access outdoor activities along the Fraser River, with parks, trails, and paddling spots ideal for casual adventurers seeking scenic urban nature experiences.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Surrey, British Columbia
⌖ 5.89 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Surrey, British Columbia

Surrey offers a vibrant mix of city life and nature with sprawling parks, river trails, and green forests ideal for hiking, biking, paddling, and bird watching. Its gentle climate makes it great for outdoor fun most of the year.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Port Moody, British Columbia
⌖ 5.93 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Port Moody, British Columbia

Port Moody is a coastal town with excellent hiking, biking, and paddling amid stunning Burrard Inlet views. Friendly trails and parks offer something for every outdoor enthusiast from spring through fall.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Anmore, British Columbia
⌖ 6.21 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Anmore, British Columbia

Anmore offers peaceful outdoor adventures with forest trails, lake paddling, and mountain biking near Buntzen Lake. Perfect for quiet escapes, with camping, wildlife watching, and scenic natural beauty.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Coquitlam, British Columbia
⌖ 7.30 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Coquitlam, British Columbia

Coquitlam offers a refreshing mix of outdoor adventures from hiking and mountain biking to paddling serene lakes and winter skiing nearby. Its regional parks and mountain access make it an ideal base for nature lovers close to Vancouver.

Late Spring to Early Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for nearby ski resorts
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Burnaby Lake Regional Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Shoreline Harvest: Foraging the Sea at Belcarra’s Tidal Edge
ADVEXPEDITION
Belcarra, British Columbia
Guided TourADV Bookable

Shoreline Harvest: Foraging the Sea at Belcarra’s Tidal Edge

A two-hour, shore‑based guided foraging experience in Belcarra where an expert wildcraft guide and Chef Robin demonstrate how to harvest and taste wild BC seafood — includes a hot foraged chowder.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip