Be Park Smart

Get energized, enjoy the fresh air and stay active–Burnaby’s parks and trails are just the place to do it

Sharing park spaces safely and respectfully

Our popular parks and trails can attract a lot of people–so it's important for all of us to be respectful and courteous toward each other. We've put these tips together to help you enjoy your visit:

Be sure to park in designated areas. There is parking on some residential streets, but respect restriction signs that clearly state 'no parking' or 'resident parking only'.
Burnaby’s parks are popular–especially Barnet Marine Park, Deer Lake Park, Burnaby Fraser Foreshore Park and Robert Burnaby Park.
In the summer months, between Victoria Day in May and Labour Day in September, our parks can be quite busy–especially weekends and stat holidays, between noon and 4 pm. Try visiting outside these peak periods.
Are you setting up for the day with your group? Take up only the space you need in the park so there’s room for others.
Enjoy alcoholic beverages responsibly. As of June 24, 2024, drinking is permitted year-round in City parks for adults (19+), but not in playgrounds, washrooms, parking lots and other restricted areas.
Smoking has been banned in all City parks and multi-use paths since January 1, 2022.
Don’t blast your music–other people around you may not want to hear it.
Please don’t litter. We have garbage cans in all our parks and picnic areas. If they're full, please take your garbage with you, along with your recyclable items.
Don't feed wildlife–when wild animals start relying on human food instead of their natural diet, their health suffers.

Picnics, barbecues and campfires

Picnic tables are first come, first served. Some of our parks let you book a picnic area for large and small groups.
Propane barbecues are allowed in all parks.
When permitted, open-flame (charcoal/briquette/wood) barbecues are only allowed at:
- Deer Lake Park
- Burnaby Fraser Foreshore
- Central Park
- Robert Burnaby Park
- Confederation Park
- Barnet Marine Park
- These parks have ash pits on-site where you can safely dump hot ashes.
Campfires aren’t allowed at any of our parks.

Dogs are welcome

Keep your dog leashed unless you're in a designated off-leash area. Please observe the hours posted indicating when the off-leash areas are open.
Keep your dog on the trail–some off-trail areas are sensitive and easily damaged if they're trampled.
Thank you in advance for picking up your dog’s waste immediately and dropping it in the red dog waste bins located in all our off-leash areas.

On the trails

Before you head out, let someone know where you're going and how long you'll be.
Please observe trail signs–keep to the right on a trail and pass others on the left. Some trails may be one direction only.
If you’re wearing headphones, make sure you can still hear what's going on around you.
Stay on formal trails–they’re wider, with an asphalt, concrete or gravel surface that’s good for running, walking, cycling and wheelchairs.
Explore a more isolated trail or secluded forest area with a friend–or walk near others along the trail.
Watch your step–some parks have mountain trails that are steep and rugged with tripping hazards like roots.
Avoid forested park areas–especially where you see signs warning that the area is ecologically sensitive.

Park safety

Bylaw officers patrol our parks and deal with issues like dogs off-leash, rowdy park users, unauthorized use of sports fields or vandalism.

For your personal safety

Pick a route that goes through open, well-lit areas.
Stay aware of your surroundings–if you feel uncomfortable about a situation, or you think you're being followed–pay attention to that feeling and leave the area. Join a group of people if they're nearby or go to the closest house or business.
Wear comfortable shoes that you can easily run in.
Leave your valuables at home so they're not a tempting target in your car or on you. If you need to bring them, keep them out of site in a fanny pack or inside pocket.
Carry a whistle, alarm or other personal safety device so you can draw attention if you find yourself in trouble.
When you have children with you, make sure you can see them at all times. Always accompany children into public washrooms

Does something or someone seem suspicious to you? Report it to the police or park employees:

Emergencies: 911
Non-emergencies: 604-646-9999

Wildlife

Spending time in our parks increases your chances of encountering wild animals. Our goal is to keep you and the wildlife safe. Learn about the animals that thrive in our parks and what to do if your see a potentially dangerous animal–like a bear, cougar or coyote–on our Wildlife in Burnaby page.

If you see dangerous wildlife: