Burnaby Mountain Tour

Burnaby Mountain Tour is a long one for an urban hike: a 20 km loop in Burnaby with about 719 m of gain and a high point around 333 m. It’s rated challenging for good reason, more of a full-day tour of the mountain than a quick outing, and most people need around 6 hours. If you want a solid workout without having to drive to the North Shore, this loop is one of the best options in the area.

The Burnaby Mountain Tour links together a network of trails around the conservation area and Simon Fraser University, so the terrain changes often. You’ll move from wide, well-groomed paths to tighter, more rugged forest sections with tall trees and a surprising amount of birdlife for a city mountain. Views are limited in the trees, but you do get the best open viewpoint up by SFU, plus lawns and open space near the preservation area that are great for a break or picnic before you finish the loop.

Recent hikers report that most of the trail is clear and easy to follow, but a few stretches are a bit overgrown and require paying close attention to signs and junctions. Navigation apps can be glitchy up here, so download your route offline and don’t rely on your phone alone. Expect some long gravel descents in either direction; poles and good tread make those sections much more comfortable, especially in wet months. The Burnaby Mountain Tour is hikeable year-round, but shoulder seasons can be muddy, and the distance and elevation add up, so bring enough water, snacks, and layers to treat it like a real backcountry day even though you’re still in Burnaby.