4 transit-friendly trails to visit in Burnaby this spring

As the weather gets better, we’re itching to get out and explore Burnaby’s beautiful outdoors. We’re lucky to have a plethora of parks, trails, and hiking paths here in the city—and many of them are located near the SkyTrain, for those of us who don’t like to drive everywhere.

Here are four transit-friendly trails to check out this spring.

Central Park

Steps into this expansive urban forest, and you’ll feel like you’ve left the city far behind. It’s hard to believe that Central Park, with its 86 hectares of towering trees, winding trails, and charming water features, is located in the bustling Metrotown—but with the entrance directly outside Patterson SkyTrain Station, you’re hard pressed to find a more convenient forest getaway in Burnaby.

There are three main trails within Central Park: the 5km Terry Fox Route, the 2.3km Trail of Hope, and the 3.7km Central Park Perimeter Trail. All of these trails are rated “easy,” with paved or gravel paths and minimal elevation, and the Central Park Perimeter Trail (due to be completed this year) is made of a rubberized surface perfect for jogging.

The City of Burnaby says it’s also wheelchair accessible.

Willingdon Linear Trail

A serene oasis incorporating all the character and charm of North Burnaby, the Willingdon Linear Trail is a 13-block urban path lined with grassy lawns, trees, pocket parks, and public art.

This accessible and wide greenway runs from Brentwood Town Centre (you can take the Millenium Line directly to the SkyTrain Station there) up northwards to Hastings Street, connecting two of Burnaby’s busiest areas.

BC Parkway

This one’s a marathon. You can walk, cycle, jog, or wheel all the way from False Creek in Vancouver, through Burnaby, to the New Westminster Quay on this landscaped 19km trail.

In Burnaby, you’ll pass the Central Park forest, the urban skate park at Bonsor Rec Centre, or detour along the Highland Park Line in the Edmonds neighbourhood.

If you’re looking to hop onto the parkway in Burnaby, you can get off the SkyTrain at Patterson, Metrotown, Royal Oak, or Edmonds Stations.

Central Valley Greenway

Another long trail connecting Vancouver, Burnaby, and New Westminster, this 24km trail will take you through North Burnaby along Burnaby Lake, where you can detour onto a beautiful 11km waterfront loop.

There are many connections to the SkyTrain on the Millenium Line—you can hop off at Gilmore or Sperling-Burnaby Lake and connect onto the greenway.

This route takes you through lots of scenic greenery, and it’s perfect for walkers, joggers, cyclists, and wheelchair users.