Burnaby Environment Week is a week long program of environmentally-themed community activities held to coincide with Canadian Environment Week. You’re invited to join us for some of the fun, family-friendly ways we’re celebrating our ecosystems around the City.
Environment week events
Go By Bike Week and the Commuter Challenge
Go By Bike Week: May 29-June 4
Commuter Challenge: June 4-10
These challenge programs celebrate alternatives to car travel, like biking and taking transit. Register online and log your trips to enter for great prizes.
Pop-up activity at Amazing Brentwood
Sunday, June 4, 11 am-4 pm
Did you know 29% of Burnaby is covered by tree canopy? With over 32,000 street trees and hundreds of thousands more in our parks, it takes a lot of work to manage their health and well-being. Our arborists and planning staff will be answering all your questions about the present and future of the Urban Forest Management Strategy and the new Official Community Plan process—come learn how we’re keeping them growing healthy and strong for today and the future.
Guided nature walk – Burnaby Lake Park Association
Sunday, June 4, 11 am-2 pm
The Burnaby Lake Park Association (BLPA) is offering an all-ages guided nature walk to celebrate Environment Week! Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, visit burnabylakepark.ca.
Guided nature walk – Cariboo Heights Forest Preservation Society
Sunday, June 4, 3-4:30 pm
In recognition of Burnaby’s Environment Week, the Cariboo Heights Forest Preservation Society (CHFPS) is offering a free guided nature walk following trails in the forested areas of Cariboo Heights. Register for a free walk in advance to learn more about Burnaby’s forest ecosystems.
Storm drain marking
June 4-10
Do you know what the yellow fish besides a storm drain mean? When you see this marking, it means the water flowing down this storm drain will eventually lead to a fish-bearing stream. There are plenty of storm drains throughout Burnaby that needs to be painted to educate residents of what can and cannot go down the storm drain. We want your help to protect our fish habitats by marking these drains! Reach out to [email protected] to volunteer—we’ll provide supply kits and logistical support to all volunteers ready to help.
Guided canoe trips on Deer Lake
Tuesday, June 6, 6 pm and 7:15 pm
To celebrate Environment Week, we’re offering 2 evening sessions of guided canoe trips on Deer Lake. We’ve got space for 20 participants to experience the sights and sounds of Deer Lake in the heart of Burnaby alongside an experienced canoe instructor—no paddling experience necessary! Register in advance—spaces fill up quickly!
June 1 update: Sorry, registration for this event is now full.
Eco-Centre open house
Saturday, June 10, 10 am-2 pm
Burnaby’s award-winning Eco-centre is the place to go for safe, convenient and friendly drop-off for over 20 different types of recyclable materials, with new categories being accepted all the time! We’re celebrating environment week with an open house featuring live music, and a free bag of compost will be available to Burnaby residents on a first-come, first served-basis (max 2 per household). Even our staff falcon will available for meet and greets! Join us for a free and fun event. For more information, visit our Eco-Centre Open House page.
Ecosystem restoration event at Cariboo Heights Forest
Saturday, June 10, 9:45 am-1 pm
We’re partnering with Green Teams of Canada’s Lower Mainland Green Team and the Cariboo Heights Forest Preservation Society for a day of direct ecosystem restoration! Roll up your sleeves and join us for an invasive species plant removal. These family-friendly events are a hallmark of Environment Week in Burnaby and one of the most effective ways to take action protecting nature in our city. Register for the event.
Indigenous Photo Tour at Deer Lake
Saturday, June 10, 1:30-3 pm
Join us for a guided tour of Deer Lake, focused on photography tips for both film cameras and phones that will help you get the perfect nature shots of beautiful Burnaby! This tour is guided by Indigenous guides and photographers John Preissl and Laurie Beeman, who will be sharing some of the Indigenous history of Deer Lake and the surrounding area, including the Legend of Deer Lake, as told by John’s great-great grandfather, Chief Joe Capilano of the Squamish Nation. Laurie will also be sharing traditional knowledge about the plants important to Coast Salish peoples for food and medicine. The tour will start and finish at Spirit Square at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, by Musqueam Nation artist Thomas Cannell’s Spirit Square basalt stone figures. Please bring water, a sun hat, and camera (phone cameras are welcome!)- as well as your adventuring spirit! This tour is mostly over flat ground, with a few short hills, and will last about 1.5 hours.