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This regional park, right in the heart of
Burnaby, is a place to reconnect
with the natural world without leaving the city. The area is a stunning wildlife
sanctuary where birdwatchers regularly spot great blue herons, bald eagles,
belted kingfishers, osprey and even rarer birds such as the small green-backed
heron.
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The lake was created by a glacier 12,000 years ago, and only a century ago its
shores were home to bustling sawmills. Today, a viewing tower on that same shore
provides a bird’s-eye view for spotting wildlife. You can view the lake from
your canoe or kayak to get an up-close look at the busy beavers, diving ducks
and turtles feeding in the marsh. Burnaby Lake has a rowing course suitable for
canoeing, kayaking and rowing training. The rowing pavilion at Burnaby Lake
Sports Complex has change rooms and a public canoe launch. Don’t miss the north
shore of the lake for a picnic at Cariboo Dam or a
visit to the Nature House. The Nature House is open summer weekends,
and its interpretive nature classes. Access the trail from the north portion of the
parking lot behind Bill Copeland Sports Centre
near the playing fields. Cross the bridge and
begin your journey around the lake. The trail
is relatively flat the whole way and well
maintained.
Watch for ducks along the shoreline and
in the small streams and ponds beside
the trail. These areas are ideal habitat for
diver and dabbler ducks. Many build
their nests on the ground in tall grasses,
so be sure to stay on the trail with your
children and leashed dog.
One duck that does not use the tall grasses
for nesting is the bufflehead. These small
diving ducks choose to nest in tree cavities
that are often abandoned woodpecker nests.
You could easily spend a whole day walking
around the lake with excursions to the
Nature House, rowing pavilion, wildlife lookout
towers, viewing docks and, last but not
least, a stop at the sports complex to watch
some of the local teams competing in their
favourite sport. 11 km Walk |
