Here are the best hikes on Burnaby Mountain

The weather is starting to get warmer, and that means the Burnaby residents are coming out of their winter hibernation and will want to go outside. There are plenty of great walking trails in Burnaby, like Robert Burnaby Park or Burnaby Lake Regional Park, but you’ll also be able to find some great hiking spots on Burnaby Mountain, from the velodrome stairs to the full Burnaby Mountain Park loop.

Here’s our list of some of the best ones:

Burnaby Mountain Park Full Loop

This is by far the best way to experience the beauty of Burnaby Mountain. This full loop will take you around three-and-a-half hours and is a popular trail during the weekend when the weather is nice. The trail is relatively easy in comparison to some of the other hikes you can do in the Lower Mainland, with the only challenging part being the 500 stairs you need to climb. But we promise the climb will be worth it.

Burnaby Mountain Loop

This loop is better for those who don’t want to commit to a full three-and-a-half-hour hike. Clocking in at a moderate hour and forty minutes, this is ideal for anyone wanting to enjoy nature without having to do as much exercise (sounds like a win-win to us). But be warned, the first half of this hike is downhill so it may feel easier, but you’ll eventually have to climb back up for the second half. Additionally, the trail can get muddy so be sure to visit when the weather is a little bit nicer.

Velodrome and Pandora Trail

If you hate the Grouse Grind, then this trail is definitely not for you. This trail is made up mostly of stairs and will take you a little over an hour to complete. We’d also recommend doing this trail when it’s not too busy, since the path can get a bit narrow in some parts. Also, the stairs get slippery when wet, so be sure to go when it’s dry or wear proper shoes. Otherwise, this path is the perfect after-work or early morning workout.

Pipeline and Sidewinder Loop

If you’re wanting to go for a forest stroll and don’t care about a view, then the Pipeline and Sidewinder Loop is perfect for you. This loop starts lower on the mountain (with free parking on the side of the road) and will take you around an hour-and-a-half to complete. Be wary of mountain bikers who also like to use the trail and can come zooming around corners. Otherwise, if you go during non-peak hours you should have the whole trail to yourself.

Simon Fraser University Loop

Don’t worry, this trail won’t just take you for a walk around SFU. This is a three-hour trail that starts close to the university. While it is listed as “easy” on most online trail maps, hikers should know that this is more on the upper end of “easy.” Sections can get quite hilly and narrow, and you have to keep an eye out for mountain bikers who also use the path. Otherwise, this is a great trail to do. We’d even recommend putting on your winter boots and braving the weather in the colder months.

Burnaby Mountain Tour

Can’t decide which trail to hit? Why not try them all! No, we’re not joking. This six-hour hike will take you through plenty of different trails all around the mountain. Be sure to bring plenty of water and food (though part of the trail does go through SFU, so you will have a chance to refill water and stop for some food if you need it). This hike should only be taken on by more experienced hikers due to how long it takes. You’ve been warned.