Confederation Park

Spend the whole day at one of Burnaby's largest parks

Picnic under the trees, ride the model steam train, catch some air in the skateboard plaza, cool off in the spray park or explore the rugged north side of the park.

About Confederation Park

Located in north Burnaby, this busy park can accommodate a wide range of activities–from softball to lawn bowling to skateboarding–and everything in between!

The north side of the park (across Penzance Dr) has been left in its natural state–except for a trail that winds through forested areas and up and down steep hills. The views along the trail is worth the hike!

Download the site map

A wide pathway winds around picnic areas, tennis courts, skateboard plaza, grass fields, and the playground and spray park–making all the park features accessible to everyone.

Heritage

This cenotaph was built by stonemason and First World War veteran, Walter Holmes Morrice in 1953 for the North Burnaby Legion Post #148. The bronze plaques on the cenotaph commemorate the fallen from WWI, WWII and the Korean Conflict and celebrate the freedom these soldiers gave their lives to protect. The site continues to be the gathering place for this north Burnaby community to observe Remembrance Day every November 11. Located at the north end of Confederation Park, the cenotaph holds a Heritage Designation and it’s listed on Burnaby’s Community Heritage Register.

Recreation

Splash, play and climb! Confederation Park's 400 sq. m water play area was designed plaza-style to encourage manipulation play–children can operate the gates and weirs to change the direction of water. The 700 sq. m playground features a multi-person see-saw, spinner bowls, child-size picnic tables, swing sets, a climbing rock and more–all on a safe rubberized surface. Check out the two-way benches and relax under the shade canopy.

See water and play features for locations and schedules for Burnaby's playgrounds, wading pools and spray parks.

Confederation has two large picnic areas. Area 1 has 15 picnic tables and Area 2 has 18 picnic tables. Each area can accommodate 200 people. They're available May-September.

For more information or if you're interested in booking a large group, visit our picnic sites webpage.

Download the picnic area site map

Note: It's sited 180 degrees opposite to park site map.

Cool off or work out at the Eileen Dailly Leisure Pool & Fitness Centre just west of the track and field oval. The Centre is accessible by car or transit on Willingdon Ave.

Located in the north portion of the park at the corner of Willingdon Ave and Penzance Dr, the Burnaby Central Railway is a ride-on model passenger train that runs 11am-5pm on weekends from Easter to Thanksgiving. The 3 kilometre model railway was built and is operated by volunteers from the BC Society of Model Engineers.

Sports

The lacrosse box is currently closed while the City replaces it with a new, covered multi-sport court that will be available for use year-round for lacrosse, ball hockey, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and badminton. 

We are now accepting applications for time-reservation allotments at the new box for weekdays (Monday to Friday) and Sundays. Fall/winter (September 2024-March 2025) deadline is April 1, 2024. Send a completed application form to [email protected] to have your request considered by our staff. Learn more

There are 3 playing fields:

  • an illuminated field/ball diamond in the northwest corner of the main park area, south of Penzance Drive
  • a grass field oval surrounded by the oval running track east of the ball diamond
  • 2 side-by-side unlit grass mini-fields in the southwest corner

The running track in the track and field oval has a rubberized surface that's great to run or walk on. It's located in the main park area, east of the indoor pool.

The skateboard plaza is designed for all ages and includes a bowl area. It's just north and east of the field and oval running track.

Please note: The skateboard plaza isn't supervised:

  • We strongly recommend that you use the proper safety equipment like a strapped on helmet, shin and wrist guards, and elbow and knee pads.
  • Small children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
  • No food, drinks or alcohol in the skateboard plaza.

The outdoor lacrosse box is located just east of the oval running track, near the children's play area.

There are 3 tennis courts to the north of the children's play area.

There is a basketball court north of the children's playground and spray park.

The lawn bowling green and clubhouse are north of the oval running track. The casual-play bocce area is north of the tennis courts.

Hiking and walking dogs off-leash

The more rugged north side of the park (across from Penzance Dr) offers a 1.3 kilometre loop trail that's also designated for off-leash dog use. The trail winds through forested areas and some steep hills–but it's worth it for the view of Burrard Inlet.

Confederation offers two fenced areas (one for small dogs only) in the northeast end of the tennis courts. There's also the 1.3 kilometre park trail north of Penzance Dr with year-round off-leash access. Please read the signs posted in all off-leash areas and take a moment to review these helpful tips on dog off-leash areas.

Download the off-leash enclosure map
Download the trails off-leash map

Community facilities

Eileen Dailly Centre is all about aquatics–featuring a beach-entry leisure pool, deep tank main pool and more. There's also a well-equipped weight and cardio room and a multi-purpose room for fitness classes.

The Summit Youth Centre is a great place for preteens and teens to enjoy computer time, games, art, leadership opportunities, outdoor activities and more.

Confederation Community Centre is home to age-friendly activities and programs for seniors 55+ who want an active and social lifestyle. It's located near the library off Albert St.

 

It's not often you'll find a library so perfectly situated in a park–but the Burnaby Public Library-McGill Branch is kitty-corner to the Eileen Dailly Leisure Pool & Fitness Centre at the corner of Albert and Alpha streets.

What you need to know

Please be respectful and courteous toward other park users and use our parks, trails and public spaces responsibly:

  • Propane barbeques and charcoal and open-flame barbeques are allowed at this park. Please use the on-site ash pits to safely dispose of hot ashes.
  • Check out Wildlife in Burnaby page so you know what to do if you see a bear or a cougar on the trails, especially in the park area north of Penzance Dr.
  • Alcohol in parks pilot program: From July 1 to October 31, 2023, we permitted responsible consumption of alcohol in this park along with some others. This program is now closed, and alcohol consumption is not permitted in any Burnaby park. We're analyzing feedback from the program and will make recommendations to City Council in early 2024 on if it should be made permanent/expanded.
  • Enjoy clean air at your favourite public park. Smoking has been banned in all City parks and multi-use paths since January 1, 2022. 

Accessibility

Download the site map

  • There are 22 designated parking stalls (4 in the paved lot) east of the picnic grounds, 2 stalls in the lot off of Penzance Dr, 11 stalls in the lot south of the Eileen Dailly Pool & Fitness Centre, and 6 stalls in the paved lot fronting the McGill Library and Confederation Centre.

  • Confederation Park's playground has adapted play equipment and some limited access for wheelchairs and walkers.
  • The summertime spray park has gently sloped edges that make it easily accessible for wheelchairs. It adds a great element of fun for accessible and integrated play.
  • There are 2 picnic shelters in the southeast area of the park (east of the playground and spray park) with picnic tables designed for wheelchairs.
  • The play area is surrounded by a rubberized surface making it easy to walk or roll in the play area.

  • Accessible washrooms are available in the Field House.

Visitor information

General inquiries

[email protected]
604-294-7450

Park hours

Confederation Park is open from dawn 'til dusk year-round. Please check at the entrance gates on the day of your visit for specific opening hours.

  • Note: The model steam railway is open 11 am-5 pm on weekends from Easter to Thanksgiving.

Address

250 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby
North of Hastings St off of Willingdon Ave.
Get Directions

Parking 

There are 6 paved lots accessed off Willingdon Avenue, Albert Street, Alpha Avenue and Beta Avenue, and 1 gravel lot accessed from the Beta Avenue park entrance.

Public Transit

Visit TransLink Trip Planner.

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