As you climb the rugged terrain, pause and contemplate the breath-taking beauty of this conservation area
Mountain trails are wonderful places for quiet contemplation and exhilarating moments. In no time at all, you can be up on Burnaby Mountain, deciding what route to take on the the mountain's network of 34 multi-use trails. They extend over 28 kilometres, criss-crossing 578 hectares within the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area.
At the base, the grade climbs from about 25 metres above sea level to the summit of Burnaby Mountain at 366 metres. As you reach the top, pause for a breath and consider how the preservation of this environment ensures that generations to come will enjoy and appreciate our natural heritage.
The trails wind through an important mountain ecosystem of slopes forested in deciduous and coniferous trees. Blacktail deer, coyotes, bald eagles and an assortment of smaller animals all make their homes in this lush and rugged terrain. Black bears and cougars are occasional visitors too–seeking out creeks and streams along the trails.
Trail information
Our trails are shared and accessed by a variety of users—from beginner to advanced hikers and cyclists—including one trail for horseback riding. Posted signs show the trail name, the degree of difficulty, details about the route and a global positioning (GPS) reference. Trailhead signs are located at each end of the trail and contain a topographic trail map, detailed trail information and trail safety tips.
Trail and parking closures:
A 4-meter-wide paved emergency route is currently under construction, connecting University Drive (SFU) with the Mintara parking lot. This priority project is designed to facilitate safe, downhill evacuation for individuals, as well as to provide access for ambulances during emergencies. Additionally, the project includes installation of gas service connection to the Mintara restaurant, along with communication and electrical conduits for future use. Construction is expected to complete by fall 2024.
The trail and a portion of the parking lot will be closed to the public during construction (view map). The Mintara restaurant and the children’s play area will continue to be open and accessible. Have questions? Contact Engineering at 604-294-7460.
Popular trails on Burnaby Mountain
Download the Trail Map
Access the trail from just above the Centennial Way parking lot. This walk offers spectacular views along the upper slope before leading you through deciduous and coniferous forests. Approach this trail with some caution–it's one of the most difficult in the area because of its steep grades and uneven trail surfaces.
Workout in your own backyard on one of Burnaby's hidden gems! The Velodrome Trail is a 1,400-metre route that begins at Harry Jerome Sports Centre where there's ample parking - or you can start in the gravel parking lot at the Drummond’s Walk trailhead in Barnet Marine Park, on the other side of the Barnet Highway, across from Harry Jerome Sports Centre.
As a hiker, you'll experience natural forests through the gradual 240 vertical metre elevation climb with an average grade of 20%. At the hillside base you'll find an impressive (maybe daunting!) 500-tread timber stairway that winds up the steep slope to Pandora Trail, which continues on to the open meadow where you'll discover the towering Kamui Mintara artwork.
The elevation continues to rise as you approach the Centennial Pavilion, where the Pandora meets the Trans Canada Trail. Stop and gaze at the breathtaking views of Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm. You can return to the car park on the Pandora trail, which takes about 25 minutes (depending on your pace)–or enjoy a longer 8.9-kilometre loop that uses the Trans Canada Trail, Cougar Creek Trail, Barnet Trail and Mountain Air Trail.
Parking
When you're hiking and biking the Burnaby Mountain trails, you can park at the Mountain Air Bike Skills parking lot, located off Takeda Drive on the south side of Barnet Highway. The Mountain Air Trail begins at the southwest corner of this lot, which has more capacity than the Drummond's Walk trailhead across the highway in Barnet Marine Park.