Vancouver is a green, lush and picturesque city, however with the warm and beautiful sunlit days only lasting for about 3 months a year you need to make the most of it before you head back into the dismal rain (which ironically is why the city is so green and lush - such is life). The city has many parks and forest areas where you can hike and swim and enjoy the summer months, but few are as stunningly beautiful or as easily accessible as Deer Lake.
Located right in the heart of the suburb of Burnaby, about 20mins out of downtown Vancouver, you will find the large oasis of Deer Lake and its surrounding park. Here you will find stunning views of the city of Burnaby over the lake as well as a variety of animal life and family friendly activities.
Deer Lake Boat Rentals offers canoe, kayak, pedal boat, and rowboat rentals to the public during the summer months for a small rental fee, so you have no excuse to not enjoy the sun out on the water. Kayak's start at around $18 for a 1 hour rental (1 person) or $22 for 2 people, with Canoes and Paddle boats at $22 per hour. The lake is also huge, so don't worry about bumping into other people in busy times, there is plenty of room for all.
The park has many wide open green areas, perfect for family picnics and games, as well as some really well maintained trails and wooden foot paths that protect not only the environment, but also your shoes from any muddy or marshy areas.
The lake is also great for fishing. It is stocked between March and May, October and November with rainbow trout by the Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery as well as having some extra resident trout of the lake, so the fish are plentiful. Its a great place for those who like to do just a short fishing trip without having to travel far, or lug gear great distances from your car as parking is easy and nearby. A note to keep in mind before you decide to fish from your boat though, powered boats are prohibited at Deer Lake, so if you decide to use a boat then get ready to row.
Deer Lake park is also an Arts and Culture destination. The park has an art gallery called The Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, and a fantastic Old Burnaby Village (which i will go into more depth about in another post), and every year in July they host a Symphony in the park, as well as many other festivals and events over the summer months. So if you'd like to get your cultural fix, this is a great place to do it.
Fast becoming my favorite place in Vancouver, Deer Lake Park is a bustling hub of activity, but large enough that you can still find your own corner of serenity and peace. Weather its just watching the baby ducks swimming in the lake, or enjoying a Paddle boat ride, its a place where everyone can enjoy themselves in a safe and enjoyable environment. Truly a hidden gem in the middle of a concrete jungle.
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