02 The story
A lake surrounded by culture
Deer Lake is a small lake in the middle of Burnaby, ringed by a park with walking trails, meadows and wetlands. The lake anchors the city’s main cluster of arts and heritage venues, and Burnaby City Hall sits nearby on Canada Way. It is one of the most relaxing places in the city, and it rarely feels crowded outside of big summer events.
Most of the original forest was logged in the early 1900s, and wealthy families built country estates on the slopes above the water in the early 1900s. One of those homes, Fairacres, now houses the Burnaby Art Gallery, which shows historical and contemporary work and cares for the city’s art collection. The former Oakalla Prison once stood near the lake; condos now occupy the site.
What to do
- Burnaby Village Museum: an open-air museum of heritage and replica buildings showing local life in the 1920s, with a restored vintage carousel.
- Shadbolt Centre for the Arts: a community arts centre with performances, exhibits and classes year-round. Larger concerts and festivals use the park lawns to the south.
- Deer Lake trails: a mostly flat loop through forest and boardwalks, good for strollers and birdwatching.
- Paddling: in summer you can rent canoes, kayaks and pedal boats. Motorboats are not allowed on the lake.
Deer Lake is mostly parkland and quiet residential streets, so there are few shops right at the lake. Plan to eat in Metrotown or along Kingsway, or pack a picnic. Burnaby Lake Regional Park lies just to the north across Highway 1 if you want a longer walk.
