Burnaby

As the third-largest city in British Columbia, Burnaby is less than 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver and is easily accessible by car or SkyTrain. From lakeside trails and relaxed water activities to mountain biking and hiking, Burnaby presents a wealth of outdoor recreation possibilities.

In the heart of Burnaby lies the popular Deer Lake Park, offering a serene setting and a variety of outdoor experiences that include bird-watching, canoeing/paddling and scenic trails that ramble around the lake and through lush meadows and woodlands. The 90-hectare Central Park is another notable urban park with impressive trails, complete with massive cedar, douglas fir, western hemlock and maple groves.

Or, head farther east to explore Burnaby Mountain's woodsy, forested trails. Along with some of the city's best views (on a clear day), Burnaby Mountain offers a network of incredible hiking, walking and mountain biking trails.

For bird watchers and enthusiasts, the Burnaby Lake Regional Nature Park is ideal for taking a stroll and spotting colorful ducks and birds such as blue herons, bald eagles, belted kingfishers and osprey.