The best city hikes and walks around Burnaby
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Urban hiking trails around Burnaby offer a diverse range of experiences across its varied natural landscapes. The city features significant natural areas like Burnaby Mountain, providing panoramic views, and Burnaby Lake Regional Nature Park, a central ecological gem with extensive wetlands. Trails also wind through serene settings such as Deer Lake Park and the lush groves of Central Park, alongside waterfront paths along Burrard Inlet and the Fraser River. This combination of urban parks, lakefronts, and forested hillsides creates a rich environment for accessible outdoor exploration.
Best urban hiking trails around Burnaby
- The most popular urban hiking route is Central Park Boundary loop, a 2.3 miles (3.7 km) trail that takes about 1 hour to complete. This easy route explores the perimeter of Central Park, passing through impressive groves of cedar and fir.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Terry Fox Route, an easy 2.6 miles (4.3 km) path. This trail offers a pleasant urban walk, often completed in about 1 hour 5 minutes, with views of parkland and city surroundings.
- Local hikers also love the Trail of Hope loop — Burnaby's Central Park, a 2.0 miles (3.2 km) trail leading through lush parkland and mature trees, often completed in about 50 minutes.
- Hiking around Burnaby is defined by urban parks, extensive lakefront paths, and forested hills, with options ranging from easy strolls to more moderate ascents. The network of trails caters to various fitness levels, making outdoor activities accessible to many.
- The routes in Burnaby are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 460 reviews. More than 4000 hikers have used komoot to explore Burnaby's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 18, 2026
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6.22km
01:36
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.27km
01:06
30m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.47km
01:12
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
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44
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This is a pretty spot and there is a frisbee golf course here too.
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The Central Valley Greenway, in Burnaby, is a well-used multi-use pathway, offering a safe and scenic route for cyclists, walkers, runners, and commuters. Stretching across Burnaby as part of a 24 to 25-kilometre regional greenway that connects Vancouver, Burnaby, and New Westminster, the trail follows a shallow valley that makes the route relatively flat and accessible for people of all ages and fitness levels.
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In 2019, the City of Burnaby and the BC Labour Heritage Centre installed a bronze plaque at the site, naming the workers and describing the accident, as a way to acknowledge the dangerous conditions early railway labourers faced. The plaque sits right on the path, so you can read it without leaving the trail.
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The park offers full hook-up sites for RVs of any size, paved and landscaped pads, and a separate tent camping area. On-site amenities include an indoor heated pool, hot tub, fitness room, game room, a mini-mart stocked with over 1,300 items, and a large laundromat. There's also a playground, basketball court, and a seasonal RV wash station. The park itself is open year-round, so you can stay here in any season.
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Montrose Park sits perched on the steep bluffs of the Burrard Inlet with great views. Some sights you can see are elevated views of the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge and the Second Narrows Rail Bridge, and the rail bridge will sometimes lift into the air to let large cargo ships pass underneath. This waterway is also a bus shipping lane of the inner Burrard Inlet, dotted with terminals, tugboats, and container ships that fuel Vancouver's port. The Trans Canada Trail cuts through the park as a flat gravel path. This path is open to walking or biking two kilometres east directly into Confederation Park, passing through thick second-growth forests and over small creeks.
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From this point in Bates Park is an elevated viewpoint over two bridges, the newer Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Crossing and the older Second Narrows Rail Bridge. The viewpoint is closer to the older bridge that was built in 1925 and once carried both trains and automobiles.
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This flat, gravel trail runs between railroad tracks and Burnaby Lake. It's perfect for a family outing with multiple viewpoints along the way. You can take it as an out and back or combine it with other trails for a loop around the lake.
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This viewpoint sits at the end of the Phillips Point trail and is marked with a singular bench and great views over Burnaby Lake, which spans about 770 acres and is encompassed by wetlands.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many urban hiking trails are there in Burnaby?
Burnaby offers a fantastic network of urban hiking trails, with over 10 routes detailed in this guide alone. These range from easy strolls to more moderate walks, ensuring there's something for every fitness level.
What do other hikers enjoy most about urban hiking in Burnaby?
The komoot community highly rates urban hiking in Burnaby, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the city's ability to blend natural beauty with urban accessibility, highlighting the serene lake loops, lush parklands, and diverse wildlife spotting opportunities within city limits.
Are there any easy urban hikes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Burnaby has many easy, flat trails perfect for beginners and families. Deer Lake Park offers serene paths around the lake, while Central Park Boundary loop provides a gentle walk through impressive groves of trees. These trails are generally well-maintained and offer a peaceful escape.
Which urban trails are dog-friendly in Burnaby?
Many urban parks in Burnaby welcome dogs, often with designated off-leash areas. Barnet Marine Park is a popular choice, offering peaceful shore paths along the Burrard Inlet where dogs can enjoy the waterfront. Always check local signage for specific leash regulations within parks.
Can I access Burnaby's urban hiking trails using public transport?
Absolutely. Burnaby's extensive SkyTrain network and bus routes make many urban trails highly accessible. Central Park, for example, is conveniently located near a SkyTrain station, and Burnaby Lake Regional Nature Park is also well-served by public transit, allowing for easy access without a car.
Are there circular urban hiking routes in Burnaby?
Yes, many of Burnaby's urban trails are designed as convenient circular routes. The Central Park Boundary loop is a great example, offering a complete circuit through the park's natural beauty. Similarly, Burnaby Lake Regional Nature Park features an 11-kilometer loop around the lake, perfect for a longer circular walk.
What kind of wildlife can I spot on urban hikes in Burnaby?
Burnaby's urban parks are surprisingly rich in wildlife. Burnaby Lake Regional Nature Park is a prime spot for birdwatching, where you might see blue herons, bald eagles, osprey, and various waterfowl. Beavers and turtles are also common sightings around the lake. Deer Lake Park also offers opportunities for bird-watching in a serene setting.
Are there any urban trails with good parking facilities?
Most major urban parks in Burnaby, such as Central Park, Deer Lake Park, and Burnaby Lake Regional Nature Park, offer dedicated parking facilities for visitors. These are generally well-marked and provide convenient access to the trailheads.
What are some interesting landmarks or attractions near Burnaby's urban trails?
Burnaby's urban trails often lead to or pass by interesting attractions. Near Deer Lake Park, you'll find cultural sites like the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts and a village museum. Burnaby Mountain features the unique Kamui Mintara sculptures, commemorating its sister city in Japan, and offers panoramic views. The Burnaby Lake Wetlands are a highlight within Burnaby Lake Regional Nature Park, offering excellent wildlife viewing.
Can I go urban hiking in Burnaby during winter?
Yes, urban hiking in Burnaby is possible year-round. While some trails might be muddy or have occasional snow, many of the well-maintained paths in parks like Central Park and Deer Lake Park remain accessible. The mild coastal climate means heavy snow is infrequent, making winter walks a refreshing experience, though appropriate footwear is always recommended.
Are there any urban trails that offer a more challenging experience?
While many urban trails are easy, Burnaby Mountain offers more challenging options. The Velodrome Trail, for instance, is a steep ascent with over 500 steps, often compared to Vancouver's Grouse Grind, rewarding hikers with breathtaking views at the summit. Byrne Creek Ravine Park also presents a more challenging hike with some incline through a pristine forested area.
Which urban trails are best for scenic views?
For panoramic vistas, Burnaby Mountain is unparalleled, offering stunning views of Burrard Inlet, the Vancouver skyline, and the North Shore Mountains. Barnet Marine Park provides peaceful shore paths with beautiful waterfront views of the Burrard Inlet, while Fraser Foreshore Park offers scenic views along the Fraser River.
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