Discover 9 Top Outdoor Activities in Burnaby - Adventure Awaits

Burnaby is an amazing city to experience outdoor activities. This article will introduce you to the best outdoor activities in Burnaby, perfect for all ages and interests.

From paddling in beautiful waters with the Canoe & Kayak Programs to stepping back in time at the Burnaby Village Museum, there's truly an activity for everyone.

We've handpicked these activities to ensure a diverse and engaging experience. There's just so many options for you to pick from, so let's get started!

The Burnaby Canoe and Kayak Club (BCKC) offers programs for paddlers of all ages and skill levels.

At BCKC, the Learn to Paddle programs are led by nationally certified coaches. These experts make sure everyone, from beginners to high-performance athletes, can enjoy and excel in paddling.

One of the most exciting things about BCKC is how they accommodate everyone. They offer a wide range of classes, each customized to different levels:

Beginner Class: Perfect for those who are new to the sport. This intro program teaches fundamental paddling techniques and essential safety practices.

Intermediate Class: If you've got the basics down and are ready to advance, this class will help you refine your technique and build endurance.

Advanced Class: Want to push your limits? This class offers specialized training to enhance your performance and achieve competitive goals.

High Performance Class: Aimed at elite athletes, this program provides intensive training and personalized coaching to maximize potential.

And it’s not limited to kids! BCKC's Adult Paddling program welcomes participants of all skill levels in a supportive and social setting.

For schools looking for a unique outdoor adventure, BCKC also offers Field Trip Programs. These trips provide students with an unforgettable paddling experience, allowing them to appreciate the beauty of Burnaby Lake while engaging in fun and educational activities on the water.

Stepping into a time machine and landing in a bustling village from the 1920s! That's exactly what happens when you visit the Burnaby Village Museum.

This enchanting destination was chosen for its immersive journey into the past, offering a beautifully recreated 1920s village set within a 10-acre site. It's open seasonally during Spring, Summer, and Christmas, but there are year-round programs and pre-booked tours to keep the history buff in you entertained.

With 38 exhibits adorned with authentic accessories, each corner of the village gives a vivid glimpse into life in the 1920s. Key highlights include the Blacksmith, the Schoolhouse, the General Store, and the utterly charming Farmhouse garden.

To make your visit comfortable, the museum has several amenities. Grab a treat at the Ice Cream Parlour which serves light menu options and sweet delights.

One of the most delightful aspects is the vintage carousel. This beautifully preserved piece of history offers a magical ride that’s a favorite for all ages.

Additionally, there are costumed townsfolk who bring history to life through engaging demonstrations and activities. It's like a living history book!

And if you can't make it in person, no worries! Burnaby Village Museum offers a variety of online activities, including virtual reality exhibits and downloadable activity sheets.

You can even try your hand at making historical recipes like homemade butter and ginger cookies, connecting with the past in a deliciously fun way.

Moving on to Ocean Quest Dive Centre, it was the first in Greater Vancouver to train students exclusively in drysuits. This innovative approach ensures divers stay warm and dry, making the underwater experience even more enjoyable.

Ocean Quest Dive Centre is the go-to spot for anyone interested in diving, regardless of skill level. The warm, friendly atmosphere makes it easy for divers to feel at home.

The centre offers top-tier dive training for all levels, earning its reputation as the most active career and technical training facility in Canada. The instructors are dedicated to taking your diving skills to new heights, ensuring you get high-quality instruction every step of the way.

One of the standout courses is the PADI Open Water Course. Over the past 25 years, this course has been refined to offer an exceptional learning experience. Spanning two weekends, the course kicks off with an orientation session on the first Wednesday evening.

This is followed by two full days of pool dives and custom theory reviews. The excitement peaks on the second weekend with four ocean dives, culminating in earning your PADI Open Water Diver Certification.

On top of diving courses, Ocean Quest also provides expert scuba equipment servicing. With over 30 years of experience, their technicians ensure all equipment, from regulators to drysuits, receives meticulous care, maintaining high standards of safety and performance.

For the avid golfer or anyone looking to enjoy a day on the greens, Burnaby Mountain Golf Course is an absolute essential destination.

First off, the course layout is a marvel. Ranging from 5,800 to 6,400 yards, it’s designed to accommodate both low-handicappers and novices.

The 18 unique holes offer varying degrees of difficulty, ensuring every round is a memorable one. Navigating through natural tree-lined fairways and gentle rolling terrain – it’s a blend of charm, challenge, and serenity that’s hard to beat.

Before you tee off, you might want to warm up at the Burnaby Mountain Driving Range. Open to the public from 7 AM to midnight, it’s the perfect spot to practice your swing. Just a heads-up: during busy times, you might have to wait for a stall, but the wait is well worth it.

Need some gear? The full-service pro shop located east of the clubhouse has all you need. From brand-name golf equipment to attire, you’ll find everything you require.

Additionally, the PGA of Canada professionals are on hand for lessons and custom club fitting, ensuring you can play your best game.

After a day on the course, the Burnaby Mountain Clubhouse is the perfect place to unwind. Located among lush green fairways, the cozy atmosphere and inviting patio offer a great setting for a meal with family or friends. The clubhouse also provides catering and event services, making it an ideal venue for various functions.

All aboard for an unforgettable experience at the Burnaby Central Railway! Located in the heart of Confederation Park, this miniature railway offers a one-of-a-kind adventure that's perfect for families and train enthusiasts.

What makes the Burnaby Central Railway truly special is its attention to detail. This 1/8 scale ride-on railway is built and run by the passionate volunteers of the BC Society of Model Engineers.

With options like steam engines powered by propane, as well as battery-electric and diesel locomotives, there's always something new to see and experience.

The railway includes over 2 miles of 7.5" gauge track, winding through wooded areas complete with bridges, tunnels, crossovers, and spirals.

Each delightful ride lasts about 10 minutes, offering a beautiful and thrilling journey for up to 20 passengers per car.

Families will love the outdoor public area with its grassy picnic spots. While the picnic tables under canopies are reserved for pre-booked birthday parties, there's still plenty of space to relax and enjoy a meal.

Facilities at Rainbow Creek Station are excellent, with wheelchair-accessible public washrooms equipped with baby change tables.

A small museum on site showcases photos of full-sized and miniature locomotives, railway memorabilia, and various miniature engines.

Burnaby Marine Park, located along the tranquil shores of Burrard Inlet, is a splendid escape filled with history and natural beauty.

This park sits on a site once used by the Coast Salish peoples for harvesting and gathering, and it also housed a century-old logging mill camp.

One of the park's standout attractions is Drummond’s Walk, named in honor of former Mayor Douglas P. Drummond. This peaceful foreshore and upland trail was his favorite spot to exercise.

As you wander along this path, you'll understand why he cherished this place so much. The walk offers stunning views of the ocean and mountains, making it a beautiful route for any time of day.

If you’re looking to enjoy an early morning stroll, a family picnic, or a sunset view over Burrard Inlet, Barnet Marine Park provides a refreshing change of scenery.

The park offers numerous activities: you can have a picnic, barbecue, go fishing, or even take a dip in the ocean.

The sandy beach is perfect for launching your paddleboard, canoe, or kayak, and it’s a wonderful spot to just sit back and watch the boats and paddle boards pass by.

Dog owners will be pleased to know there is a designated off-leash area where your furry friends can run around freely. Just be sure to keep them leashed in other parts of the park and clean up after them.

The park's wide, level paths make it easy to keep a safe distance from others, and the views of Indian Arm, Deep Cove, and passing ships are truly spectacular.

If you’re looking for the best spot to catch a breathtaking sunset, Burnaby Mountain Park should be at the top of your list. Perched high atop the mountain, the views of Burrard Inlet and the Vancouver skyline are simply stunning, especially as the sun dips below the horizon.

Burnaby Mountain Park is part of the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, a sprawling 576-hectare paradise located just 20 minutes east of Vancouver.

More than just the views, this place is teeming with nature and adventure. You’ll find a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, and if you’re lucky, you might spot black tail deer, coyotes, or even bald eagles.

And don’t miss the Centennial Rose Garden, which contains over 900 fragrant and colorful rose bushes. It’s easily accessible from the main parking lot and is a peaceful spot for a leisurely stroll or even a wedding ceremony.

The park is also home to the Kamui Mintara or Playground of the Gods. These towering wooden sculptures, created by Ainu artists Nuburi and Shusei Toko, are a striking symbol of the friendship between Burnaby and its sister city, Kushiro in Japan. At sunset, the poles etch dramatic silhouettes against the sky, making it a must-see.

Don't forget to check out the Mintara Restaurant, an elegant spot surrounded by the rose garden and offering jaw-dropping views.

For those planning a visit, dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash, and it’s crucial to stay on the trails to protect the environment.

The park is also accessible, with some wheelchair-friendly trails and a 6-kilometer paved urban trail on the northeast side.

Did you know that Burnaby offers plenty of free outdoor tennis courts where you can enjoy a game under the open sky? Tennis is a hit among locals of all ages, and it's easy to see why.

One of the best things about tennis is its numerous health benefits. Playing regularly can boost your aerobic capacity, lower your resting heart rate and blood pressure, and even improve your metabolic function.

Additionally, it's fantastic for increasing bone density, lowering body fat, and enhancing muscle tone, strength, and flexibility. Not to mention, it’s a delightful way to improve your reaction times!

For those ready to grab their racquet, Burnaby's outdoor courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There’s no need to book ahead for casual games. Just show up, follow the posted etiquette rules, and you’re good to go.

Burnaby has several popular parks with excellent tennis facilities. Central Park has 12 courts (though they're closed for maintenance until spring 2024). Known for its extensive amenities and central location, it's a favorite among locals.

Playing tennis outdoors has its perks. It's a wonderful way to stay active, soak up some vitamin D, and meet new friends who share your interest in the sport.

Moreover, outdoor courts are often free, making it a more affordable option compared to indoor facilities. It’s also a fantastic year-round sport for kids, with the National Tennis School offering various courses and lessons.

Don't you think playing golf with a flying disc instead of a ball and clubs is an exciting twist?

If you're in Burnaby, you’re in luck because Robert Burnaby Park offers a fantastic 10-hole disc golf course that’s perfect for both beginners and experienced players.

Disc golf is a healthy and inexpensive activity that provides a full workout, from upper and lower body conditioning to aerobic exercise and mental stimulation.

One of the best parts? It's usually free to play in public parks, and Robert Burnaby Park is no exception. This makes it accessible for people of all ages, gender identities, and fitness levels.

The course itself is set within the park’s rich landscape, with uphill and downhill terrain. Each hole presents its own set of challenges.

The course has 10 holes, complete with concrete, grass, dirt, and gravel tees, and DISCatcher Pro targets. For those who prefer a leisurely pace, the course is also stroller and cart friendly, and dogs are allowed!

Facilities are also thoughtfully provided with restrooms located near the tennis courts, though it's important to note that there’s no drinking water available on-site.

So, there you have it! From the tranquil waters of the Canoe & Kayak Programs to the historical charm of the Burnaby Village Museum, Burnaby is packed with outdoor adventures for everyone. 

These activities were chosen for their diversity and ability to engage all kinds of adventurers. They offer a mix of relaxation, history, excitement, and sport, ensuring there’s a variety of options.

And if you need more ideas, visit ActiviFinder Burnaby. Your next adventure is just a click away!