Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area is located in the city of Burnaby, British Columbia, and forms part of a large upland park atop Burnaby Mountain. It features a mix of coastal Douglas fir and western red cedar forests with diverse understories and open grassland patches. The mountain rises to around 370 meters in elevation, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Lower Mainland, including the Burrard Inlet, Vancouver skyline, and North Shore Mountains. Historically, the area has significance to local Indigenous peoples and was later developed with recreational and conservation uses in mind. It is part of a protected green space that balances urban development pressure with ecological preservation. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy an extensive network of trails that cater to hikers and mountain bikers of all skill levels. Key landmarks within the area include Simon Fraser University, which sits on the mountain’s summit, and the well-known Forest Path Trails system. The conservation area is a refuge for wildlife such as black-tailed deer, various bird species including woodpeckers and owls, and occasional sightings of coyotes. Visitors are drawn to Burnaby Mountain for its close proximity to Vancouver, the accessibility of its trails, and its combination of natural and developed environments, making it a popular destination for day-use recreation, wildlife observation, and scenic photography.
