Cottonwood Trail to Observation Tower

Cottonwood Trail to Observation Tower is one of the easiest walks you can do around Burnaby Lake in Burnaby, and that’s exactly why locals keep coming back. It’s a flat 5.6 km out-and-back route with only about 17 m of elevation, usually wrapped up in just over an hour, so it feels more like a relaxed walk than a hike. Think after-dinner stroll, not grind-it-out workout.

The Cottonwood Trail follows a wide gravel path beside the railway, then gradually pulls you into quieter greenery and bird habitat as you get closer to the lake. You’ll hear more birds than cars, and the Observation Tower gives you a raised view over Burnaby Lake where you can scan for ducks, herons, and other wildlife. If you want to go farther, trails around Burnaby Lake connect on, but most people just enjoy the simple out-and-back to the tower.

Recent visitors call it “flat road, suitable for a walk after dinner,” but also mention it can be “hotter than an MFer,” so sun exposure is a real thing on warmer days. Bring water, a hat, and be ready for minimal shade in sections, especially in summer. The trail is usable most of the year, with January through October being the most comfortable window, and the wide gravel makes it friendly for strollers, casual walkers, and leashed dogs.