Burnaby Mountain

THINGS TO DO

5 amazing things to do in Burnaby

1

Burnaby’s Mandarin Duck

Burnaby has its own version of “Where’s Waldo” with the city’s amazing Mandarin Duck. Nobody is exactly sure how the Mandarin Duck arrived in our city, but he’s brought in thousands of tourists who hit Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake trying to get a glimpse and a photo. The Mandarin Duck travels between both areas and you never know when he’ll pop up. “The mandarin, widely regarded as the world’s most beautiful duck, is a native of China and Japan,” explains the website Living with Birds. He’s a close relative of the North American wood duck–something Metro Vancouverites are very familiar with seeing in our local lakes and small waterways. Hope you find him!

2

Burnaby Lake & Deer Lake Park

Spend time in nature at the centre of the city at two of Burnaby’s best parks. Deer Lake’s peaceful, natural environment is also the centre for Burnaby’s cultural activity. There are walking trails connected to the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Burnaby Village Museum, Deer Lake Gallery and Burnaby Art Gallery. You can even stop off for a bite to eat after your hike at the Hart House Restaurant. Burnaby Lake Regional Park is just across the highway with 19 kilometres of walking and hiking trails, as well as plenty of paths for biking and horsebackriding to choose from. Both lakes are great spots for canoeing or kayaking. Check out one of the lookout points or the viewing tower at Burnaby Lake, and stop off at one of the picnic sites with your lunch.

3

Burnaby Mountain

Head up to Burnaby Mountain: This is the highest point in the city, and home to Simon Fraser University. Burnaby Mountain is known for its mountain biking trails and obstacles, as well as picnic areas and the famed rose garden. The area attracts riders of all skill levels from across the Lower Mainland. It also offers the finest views the city has to offer. 4 Central Park

Explore the forest on the wellmarked trails in Central Park. See the Douglas fir, western hemlock, cedar, poplar and maple grove trees, and the geese and ducks at the park’s two ponds. The park is known for its recreation facilities, and for good reason. There are tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, horseshoe pitch, a pitch-and-putt golf course, and, of course, Swangard Stadium, which hosts many sporting, cultural and

corporate events. Get a workout at the fitness circuit with 12 outdoor fitness stations along the Trail of Hope, a 2.5-kilometre circuit around the park.

5

Confederation Park

One of Burnaby’s best-kept secrets, Confederation Park has everything you could want in a recreation area: baseball diamonds, fields, tennis, off-leash trails, track and tennis courts to start. Visit the Library, Youth Centre or Seniors Centre, or go for a picnic and take a ride on the Model Steam Railway that runs every weekend during the summer. Cool off in the spray pool or go swimming at the Eileen Dailly Leisure Pool on a sunny day as the city plans to reopen it.

Our City

7