Just a 10-minute drive from Nelson on Foster, Burnaby Lake Park is the perfect place to connect with nature without leaving the city. If you have a love for the outdoors, this is just for you. How far would you go to experience a park that holds a wildlife sanctuary, a lookout point, a cricket match, an equestrian centre, a rowing pavilion, miles of nature trails and a butterfly garden? Lucky for you, you don’t have to travel far!
The lake was created by a glacier 12,000 years ago, and only a century ago its shores were home to bustling sawmills. This is hard to believe when you look around you. Today, a viewing tower on these shores provides a great view for spotting wildlife, as well as looking out at the city.
Wildlife is in abundance at this park; birdwatchers regularly spot blue herons, bald eagles, belted kingfishers, and even rare birds like the green-backed heron.
You can enjoy the lake from a canoe or kayak as the weather gets warmer this spring. The rowing pavilion at the Sports Complex offers a public canoe launch, as well as change rooms. If you’re not one for boating, Burnaby Lake also provides a 19km hiking path that loops around the entire lake. With multiple different trails to choose from, this park offers a great variety and an extraordinary view. Explore Burnaby Lake trails solo, with the family or your dog, it is perfect for any kind of outing.
Check out our community near Burnaby Lake Park: Nelson on Foster.