Deer Lake Park

I come here every time I’m in town. Love the long trail and the option to walk up royal oak st for a butt toning workout.
The beauty and the greenery is what makes this place so serine! IIhope this place continues to be the way it is and for not too many people know about it.

My favourite park in the lower mainland. Not too crowded, beautiful walkways, lots of benches to sit and watch. Parking all around the park, everything from more natural landscapes to the pristine planted flower beds.

Deer Lake is one of the 2 nicer parks in Burnaby (the other being Burnaby Lake). What makes these parks really nice is that they generally don’t get too packed, unlike Stanley or Central Parks.
Parking is available in a few lots scattered around the perimeter. The largest lot is on the E side, where there’s also a playground.
To be honest, certain parts of the park (wilderness parts) aren’t exactly maintained or landscaped, so there are plenty of dead trees, and the scenery isn’t the most photogenic. With that said, there are new wooden walkways which make it easier to walk around the park. Unfortunately they’re not quite wide enough for 2 groups to pass each other. Supposedly the walkways now go around the entire perimeter of the lake, but I can only confirm that the N half is covered. It takes about 45 minutes to go from one end to the other, at a leisurely pace.
The nicest (landscaped) part of the park is the N side, where there’s also a museum, as well as a large grassy area that would be good for picnics or rolling around.

One my favourite urban parks with a lake. There is plenty of open space to catch sun rays & a well built path around the lake. I enjoy being able to meditate with the stillness of the lake.
It’s normally pretty quiet here although with the Shabolt Centre on the property it can become full due to a certain event schedules.

What: Beck
Where: Deer Lake Park
When: August 19, 2014
Status: very undersold
Rating: 5 out of 5
Beck was hipster before hipster was hipster. He embraced my mix tapes with his brand of folk alternative that went against the traditional grain of everything else that came out of the 90’s while still remaining accessible by producing low self esteem anthems.
Those in the audience were mostly music geeks, many of which were guest listed on this sadly undersold event. These people knew Beck better than alternative radio did. The intro mix ranging from New Order to Kate Bush was a clear indication that Beck’s career influence has been spearheaded by thinking outside the box.
The set was a full 90 minutes that went by a little too fast. It started at a reasonable time and ended before 10 pm, allowing those from odd distances returning home with the tune of Devil’s Haircut stuck in their heads. The show started with a very strong hit, a death sentence for most bands, however, the momentum in material quality remained sustainable from start to finish.
There were no shortage of hits, all of which still holds up decades later. There were a few new songs played. The songs sounded extremely awesome live considering that the original band during the recordings is his current touring band. There were a few songs that sounded better live with slightly different arrangements than on the recordings. During the encore they did a medley of popular top 40 hits that not only sounded better than the originals but better than the most established career cover bands. Overall the band’s musicianship alone blew me away.
Beck was very animated and energetic on stage. His chemistry between his band and himself was positively obvious. It was one of the few times that I’ve seen such an awesome aura presented between musicians on stage (aside from Buble and his band).
I was too far back to see the details of what age has done for Beck, however, was still transfixed on the spectacle that was on stage.
There was no heavy production other than an LED screen (considered retro by the rapidly evolving concert production industry) projecting an array of loud patterns that looked like Will Smith’s shirts in the Fresh Prince of Bel-​Air.
I walked out of the show with a new respect for Beck. It still baffles me how Beck was able, in spite of creating some challenging music, to survive past the 90’s. The cool thing about this new hipster movement is that there is a much overdue appreciation for Beck from a decade when people were too afraid to take chances on music that wasn’t decorated in flannel.

Nice idyllic location in Burnaby where you can walk a gentle boardwalk around the lake, picnic on the free benches or rent boats at very reasonable rates :)

Deer Lake is a beautiful place to spend time in the summer.
My friends and I recently had a BBQ and it was so peaceful. You will need to bring your own portable BBQ’s as they have removed the BBQ pits that used to be set up in the parks. Remember to bring umbrella or tents to give yourself a break with some shade from those intense sun rays.
There’s a parking lot (free) with a playground and washrooms near by. The water seem a little dirty to go swimming, but you can rent paddle boats and canoes for $ 7/​hour.
Deer Lake is dog friendly, but keep your 4 legged friend on a leash. They also have live performances in the summer, but I have yet to check one out.

Peaceful, scenic and usually deserted (aside from weekends).
When it’s not raining I like to come here to relax and just chill. Read a good book, or go for a nice jog, you can pretty much do it all here.
If you’re the more nature orientated person, there are tons of trees and animals to spot out — I remember coming here when I was younger to bird-​spot.
Trails are fairly long and the park is well maintained.

Horrible people are making me exercise.
Okay, so I don’t mind it so much… Look for the butterflies on the grass closer to the Royal Oak parking lot. They look like flowers, but they’re tiny little butterflies.

No time for a long paddle? Try Deer Lake in Burnaby.
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist — or even a brain surgeon! — to figure out that I love to paddle. (Just look at my Unilocal profile.)
But I can’t always get away for a three– or four-​day trip; sometimes it’s tough even to get away for a day, even out to a place as close as Pinecone Burke Provincial Park (where there’s great canoeing) or to Bowen Island (for kayaking).
However, about 15 minutes away from where I live lies Deer Lake Park. It’s a small lake, not even as big as Burnaby Lake Regional Park, but it has one advantage over BLRP: you can rent canoes and kayaks at Deer Lake; you can’t do that at Burnaby Lake (although there is a boat launch there, if you bring your own canoe or kayak).
The boat rental facility is seasonal, mind you. After Labour Day weekend, you really need to phone them the day you plan to go to see if they’re open, especially on weekdays. Of course, if you have your own canoe or kayak, you don’t have to worry about that.
Deer Lake is not challenging, it’s not demanding, it doesn’t even take very long to paddle around the entire perimeter of the lake. But if you’re looking for a nice quiet paddle, a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, and you don’t have much time, you really can’t beat it.
There are plenty of ducks and geese there to keep you company on the lake, and they don’t seem to be too shy of paddlers, probably since they see them there all the time. If you get close enough to the shore, and have a pair of binoculars, you’ll probably be able to spot some songbirds, as well — maybe even a wild squirrel! And overhead, if you’re lucky, maybe a raptor will wing its way past you.
One of the striking things I found about paddling there is the way I was within a few metres of wild waterfowl, quiet woods and still water — but if I turned my head and looked in another direction, I could see high-​rise buildings off in the distance.
They’re far enough away that they don’t disturb the ambiance of the lake. It really is quite quiet there, at least during the week, and especially when school is in session.
It stands to reason it’s busier the summer months, unless you get on the lake early or late — which you can do, and if you have your own watercraft, you can do it on your own schedule.

There are even newer wooden walkways at Deer Lake Park, which means your shoes will be a lot cleaner and you don’t to worry about slipping as much. The newest part of the wooden walkway (north western part of the lake) was just completed last month. I’m really enjoying it because it cuts across this marshland which was pretty much impossible to travel before it was built. I really like the fact that these new walkways have metal wiring so it prevents people from slipping if it’s wet.
Deer Lake is better than ever. You really have to walk around the entire lake because scenery is truly amazing and very relaxing for an urban park. Heck, even the fences around the park have a lot of character. You’ll walk through grass meadows while listening to sounds of the many birds singing. You can see beavers, turtles, and even frogs, especially if you’re on a canoe.

Love this park!
Great and easy trails, I come here for my short runs and walks.
Trail is well marked.

My first trip to Deer Lake was about a week ago, and since I have visited twice. Its a really great place to take my doggy family for a good quick walk. I have three dogs, and one boyfriend who tag along with me.
This park is nice for a Sunday stroll when your in no hurry, and want to take things easy. The trail around the park takes us about an hour to walk with the dogs, including pee breaks and lots and lots of sniffing.
Everyone around the park seems quite friendly and courteous, which is really nice when you have three crazy dogs. Its really quite beautiful with the lake and the surrounding old heritage homes in and around the park. Lots of places to watch the water fowl and really enjoy a nice day outside.
Walking through the park we noticed an older building that is a restaurant called the Hart House. I am definitely interested in trying it out, as it would have a lovely view of the lake and the beautiful scenery.
Fall seems to be a great time in deer lake it has never been too busy with pedestrian traffic, its also nice because there is not a lot of bike traffic either. Which ensures you can really enjoy a fantastic day outside. We will definitely keep coming back!

–Part One–
Live Performances:
I wonder if they cleared this sloping hillside years ago thinking, you know, I think this will make the best outdoor ampitheatre. Intentional or purposeful, they’ve succeeded.
While I like being at concerts in the conveniently located (at least for me) Stanley Park, nothing beats Deer Lake for a show. It’s always a bit warmer being inland, and the way the sky, trees, lights and music play upon each other is nothing short of magical.
The staff here are friendly — I think it’s the first time a security person said «sorry» for rifling through my personal belongings — the grass is shortly clipped, well manicured and plentiful and even though the parking is a bit of a nightmare* it’s a beautiful walk into the park.
*Nightmare: Parking on residential streets instead of a parking lot is a little maddening, and the fact that there’s no direct way to Deer Lake from downtown means transit is a hassle. However, if you get there before the opening act goes on, you’re bound to find parking. Duck up the smaller streets just west of the park, and you should be a-​ok!
–Part Two–
Weddings:
Lucky for me I’ve had the opportunity to attend a wedding right on the lake as well. The gentle slope from the Hart House down to the lake makes for a beautiful scene. On a sundrenched afternoon, the only thing a bride and groom have to worry about it curious joggers and cyclists stopping to witness their special moment.
–Part Three–
On The Lake:
Taking advantage of the boat rental shop
gives you a very different view of the lake. From the middle of the lake in a paddle boat, it’s almost hard to believe you’re basically right off of the freeway, almost a walk away from a giant mall. It’s peaceful, it’s beautiful. It feels like camping!

Je suis allé à l’école ici dans Burnaby, et de temps à autre je visiterais ici. Mémoires d’enfance et teenager pour moi. C’était un endroit à jouer car un enfant et c’étaient un endroit pour boire de la bière dans l’obscurité en tant qu’adolescent. Ah, ouais, le RCMP est voisin. Toujours un grand endroit pour alimenter les canards et pour attendre le camion de ice cream.
I went to school here in Burnaby, and once in a while I would drop by and visit. Childhood and teenager’s memories for me. This was a place to play as a child and it was a place to drink beer in the dark as a teenager. Oh, yeah, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police HQ is nearby. It’s still a great place to feed the ducks and to wait for the ice-​cream truck to come by. Make sure you use you don’t use your 1982 Canadian dollar, as I did, or the kid in the truck would not recognize it.

I can’t imagine this place all full of people for the Blues and Roots festival in August.
There were hardly any people there when we arrived for an early evening paddle, the sun was low and brilliantly reflecting off the calm water. The light breeze made it the perfect temperature.
We celebrated our anniversary by canoeing around the lake edges next to (and sometimes into) the Lilly pads, much to the chagrin of the Canada Geese and Mallard Ducks happily grazing close by.
Beautiful park and picnic grounds, and choice of boat rentals. This is a very relaxing thing to do and it’s not expensive at all.

I just love the free event we’re currently enjoying here in the park. Wow
VSO program:
Bernstein/​mason-​West Side Story Selections
Tchaikovsky-​Sleeping Beauty Waltz
Bizet-​Carmen: Toreados, Intermezzo, Habanera, Danse Boheme
Medelssohn-​Midsummer Night’s Dream: Wedding March
Mendelssohn-​Violin Concerto: Allegretto ma non troppo-​Allegro molto vivace
INTERMISSION
Jared Millet-​2010 Traffic Jam
Beethoven: Leonore Overtire No. 3
Massenet-​Thais: Meditation
Tchaikovsky-​1812 Overature

ACCESSIBILITY:
The boardwalk around the lake makes this walk very accessible. No rolling your wheelchair or stroller in the muck, getting stuck in sand or being confronted by a set of stairs. Its all flat and smooth.
The park is on an accessible bus line, catch the 144 from Metrotown.
DOGS:
No off leash area and my dog is not a fan of the boardwalk because all the tantalizing smells are out of reach, but there some nice green areas with SQUIRRELS! There’s lots of other wildlife as well so its best to keep the pooch on a leash or he might destroy a nest.
CHILDREN/​FAMILY:
This is not a very kid friendly park, the beach has too many geese (with their droppings) and the playground is just swings.
In the summer the boat rental is great fun — you can rent those dual paddle boats or a canoe.

If you live within walking distance to Stanley Park, it’s so easy to become a snob towards other parks in the area so I make sure that I get out of the city at least once every other week if not more often.
It was a perfect crisp and sunny autumn holiday Monday morning and we decide to visit Deer Lake Park — far enough that we had to take the freeway but close enough to come home in late afternoon to walk the dog.
We picked a perfect time of the year with fall foliage. Everywhere we turned, there were red, yellow and green.
The loop trail around the lake is about 4 km on a boardwalk protecting the bog vegetation around the lake. The sections of the trail along the lake offer views of the lake, distant mountains, water fowls, and bog vegetation on a 360-​degree canvas although you can’t escape the view of the residential high rises dotted along Kingsway if you look south. Some parts of the trails lead you pass exclusive private residences on narrow shaded streets.
For those members of your families who like to run and roll around, there are also many vast green lawn areas in the park. An art gallery, a village museum, a performing art centre and the Hart House restaurant will satisfy those who like to read, touch and eat.
I particularly enjoy wandering on the grassy slope between the lake and the performing arts centre. It reminds me of Hampstead Heath in London.
It’s a perfect park for an easy hike and tranquility without leaving the metro area.

I used to live near Deer Lake, and it was nice to have such a large and beautiful park nearby when you just wanted to enjoy a bit of nature, without having to go far.
The park surrounds the lake, and it’s quite big, a lot bigger than it looks. There’s a small playground for kids, although it mostly consists of just swings really. The geese and ducks always hang around this area, laying claim to it with their excrete all over the sand and dirt here. It’s lovely (note my sarcasm).
It’s a great park for walking or running because of its size, so if you do a full lap you’re sure to get a real workout. The park is also home to the famous and historic house, the Hart House, which is now a fine dining restaurant. I’ve never been, but I hear it’s superb.
You can see a good part of downtown Burnaby from the lake, which is really neat when you’re in such a quiet park. You feel secluded from the urban part of the city, but you can still see it from where you stand.
You can also rent paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks to go out on the lake in the summer. I did this once, and it was a lot of fun. They also host special events like the Summer Symphony and other shows here in the summer, as the large space makes for the perfect entertainment/​picnic venue.

With it’s stately old houses, wide lawns, and big trees, Deer Lake Park makes you feel fine just for walking around. It’s located just off the Canada Way exit in Burnaby, recognizable by the Tudor-​style mansions (now art galleries and art centres) you’ll see from the road, as well it’s big deciduous trees.
My favourite time here is in the fall, when all those leaves are turning red. There is loads of parking during the day, and you can stroll down to the lakeside on the pathway, passing by the gardens around the Burnaby Art Gallery and catching the view of the Shadbolt Centre. The lakeside path is a board walk, and there are other forested paths as well.
The beach at the eastern end of the lake is nice, but nothing spectacular.
There are a number of events held here throughout the year — a summer concert series, as well as a fall lantern festival.