The best road cycling routes in Burnaby Lake Regional Park

No, road cycling within the core of Burnaby Lake Regional Park is generally limited. The primary 10-kilometer Burnaby Lake Loop trail is typically not open to cycling. However, the Freeway Trail and Avalon Trail are designated for shared use, including cycling, and offer approximately 7 kilometers of flat cycling, connecting to external bike routes.

Road cycling routes in the vicinity of Burnaby Lake Regional Park primarily utilize external paved surfaces and designated shared-use paths. While some sections within the park are flat, routes connecting to the broader urban network can feature varied elevation profiles, offering options from moderate loops to more challenging rides with significant climbs.

There are over 120 road cycling routes available in and around Burnaby Lake Regional Park. These routes cater to various skill levels, with approximately 39 easy, 72 moderate, and 10 difficult options to choose from.

For family-friendly road cycling, consider routes that incorporate the flatter, shared-use sections like the Freeway Trail and Avalon Trail within the park, which are generally flat. Additionally, many routes connect to the broader Central Valley Greenway, which offers accessible and paved sections suitable for families.

While cycling, you'll be in the vicinity of Burnaby Lake itself, a significant wildlife sanctuary. The park is home to over 400 species of plants and animals, including numerous bird species like great blue herons and bald eagles. You might also spot wetlands, peat bog ecosystems, and mixed forests. For birdwatching, the Viewing Tower near Piper Spit is a popular spot.

The road cycling routes in Burnaby Lake Regional Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 160 reviews. Cyclists often praise the variety of terrain, the connection to urban greenways, and the scenic views of the lake and surrounding natural landscapes.

Yes, there are several circular road bike routes. An example is the Good Trail loop from Sperling–Burnaby Lake, which is a challenging 57.1 km route. Another option is the Central Valley Greenway – Adanac Bikeway loop from Sperling–Burnaby Lake, a moderate 46.3 km path combining urban greenways with sections near the park.

Yes, Burnaby Lake Regional Park is accessible by public transport. The park is well-connected to the broader Metro Vancouver transit network, with bus routes and SkyTrain stations (such as Sperling–Burnaby Lake and Production Way–University) located nearby, making it convenient to bring your bike and start your ride.

Parking is available at various access points around Burnaby Lake Regional Park. Common parking areas include those near the Sperling–Burnaby Lake SkyTrain station and the Nature House. These spots provide convenient starting points for accessing the external paved routes and shared-use trails suitable for road cycling.

For a moderate challenge, consider the Good Trail loop from Production Way–University. This 28.3 km route leads through varied urban and natural landscapes and can typically be completed in about 1 hour 45 minutes, offering a balanced ride.

While Burnaby Lake Regional Park itself focuses on natural views, some longer road cycling routes that extend from the park's vicinity can offer cityscapes. For example, the View of Vancouver Skyline – Science World loop from Lake City Way is an easy 40.4 km route that takes you towards the city, providing opportunities for skyline views.

Burnaby Lake Regional Park is an excellent destination for birdwatching. It's a significant wildlife sanctuary, hosting at least 70 species of resident birds and approximately 214 visiting species throughout the year. While cycling on permitted paths, you'll be in an area rich with birdlife, especially near the lake and wetlands. The Viewing Tower at Piper Spit is particularly renowned for bird observation.