The best traffic-free bike rides in Burnaby Lake Regional Park

There are 18 dedicated no traffic road cycling routes in and around Burnaby Lake Regional Park. These routes offer a variety of distances and difficulty levels, with 6 easy, 11 moderate, and 1 difficult option to explore.

The no traffic road cycling routes in the Burnaby Lake area primarily utilize paved surfaces and designated shared-use paths. While the main loop around Burnaby Lake is mostly for walking, connecting routes like the Freeway Trail and Avalon Trail offer cycling opportunities. You'll find varied terrain, from mostly flat sections, especially on urban greenways like the Adanac Bikeway, to routes with significant elevation gain, catering to different fitness levels.

Yes, there are several easy routes suitable for families. For instance, the Central Park, Burnaby – Central Park loop from Robert Burnaby Park is an easy 16 km ride. Another great option is the Central Park, Burnaby – Central Park loop from Metrotown, which covers 23.7 km and is also rated as easy.

For those seeking a longer ride, the Central Valley Greenway – Upper Pond loop from Edmonds is a moderate 41.5 km route. Another moderate option is the Granville Island Public Market – VanDusen Botanical Garden loop from Royal Oak, which spans 40.4 km and offers varied terrain.

Burnaby Lake Regional Park is a vibrant wildlife sanctuary, home to over 400 species. While cycling on the surrounding paths, you might spot over 200 bird species, including bald eagles, great blue herons, and ospreys. Beavers are frequently seen, and endangered western painted turtles bask on rocks. The routes often provide views of the central lake, extensive wetlands, and mixed forests.

While the main park trails are for walking, the cycling routes often pass near points of interest. You can find a Viewing Tower near Piper Spit on the north shore of Burnaby Lake, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities. The Burnaby Lake Nature House provides educational exhibits about the park's ecology, and designated picnic areas, such as those near Cariboo Dam, are perfect for a break.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from 165 ratings. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free sections, the beautiful natural scenery, and the well-maintained paved paths that make for an enjoyable ride. The opportunity to connect with nature within an urban setting is a frequently highlighted aspect.

Yes, Burnaby Lake Regional Park is well-connected by public transport. Many routes, such as those starting from Sperling–Burnaby Lake or Edmonds, are accessible via SkyTrain stations, making it convenient to reach the starting points without a car. The Central Valley Greenway, which connects to many routes, is also easily accessible by public transit.

Parking is available at various access points around Burnaby Lake Regional Park. Popular spots include the main parking lots within the park itself, such as those near the Nature House or Cariboo Dam. Additionally, many of the urban greenway connections, like those for the Adanac Bikeway, have street parking or smaller lots nearby.

The spring and fall months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for no traffic road cycling, with mild temperatures and vibrant natural scenery. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer. Winter cycling is possible, but it's advisable to check local conditions for ice or snow, especially on less-trafficked paths.

While Burnaby Lake Regional Park itself is primarily natural, the surrounding urban areas offer various options for refreshments. Routes that connect to areas like Metrotown, Edmonds, or New Westminster will bring you close to cafes, restaurants, and pubs where you can take a break and refuel during or after your ride.