Where does the Central Park perimeter trail start?

You can start anywhere along the loop, but many locals begin at the Patterson SkyTrain station entrance on the park's west side for easy transit access.

Is the trail suitable for beginners?

Yes, the perimeter trail is mostly flat with a paved surface, making it ideal for walkers, joggers, and runners of all fitness levels.

Are there amenities along the trail?

The park offers restrooms, water fountains, and benches at various points, plus the Burnaby Sports Complex facilities near the north entrance.

Central Park's 5K Perimeter Trail: Burnaby's Hidden Running Gem

Central Park's 5K perimeter trail is Burnaby's best-kept secret for runners seeking a scenic, accessible loop without leaving the city. Here's everything you need to know about this underrated training route — from surface conditions to parking spots — plus why locals are ditching the treadmill for this tree-lined path.

Where exactly is Central Park's 5K trail in Burnaby?

The trail loops around the entire perimeter of Central Park, bounded by Boundary Road, Kingsway, Patterson Avenue, and Imperial Street in central Burnaby. You'll find multiple entry points — the most popular starts near Patterson SkyTrain Station (the southwest corner) and the Central Park Pitch & Putt parking lot off Kingsway.

The route is paved, well-marked, and surprisingly flat for a park trail. It's not a perfect 5K — the full loop clocks in around 5.2 kilometres — but that extra 200 metres won't break your stride.

What makes this Burnaby trail better than other local running routes?

Unlike the steep climbs at Burnaby Mountain or the crowded seawall in Vancouver, Central Park's trail offers consistent terrain with enough variation to keep things interesting. The path winds through mature forest canopy — mostly Douglas fir and western red cedar — which keeps you shaded even on hot summer afternoons.

Here's how it stacks up against other nearby options:

Trail	Distance	Surface	Best For
Central Park Perimeter	5.2 km	Asphalt	Daily training, beginners
Burnaby Lake Loop	10 km	Gravel/dirt	Long runs, trail shoes
SFU Burnaby Mountain	Variable	Trail/mixed	Hill workouts
Deer Lake Path	4.5 km	Gravel	Easy recovery runs

The perimeter trail connects to smaller interior paths too — worth noting if you want to add hill repeats on the Swangard Stadium stairs or cool down with a lap around the duck pond.

When's the best time to run Central Park in Burnaby?

Early mornings (6–8 AM) on weekdays are practically empty — you'll share the path with a few dog walkers and the occasional Tai Chi group near the fountain. Weekends get busier, especially after 9 AM when families hit the Central Park playground and tennis courts.

Winter running here is surprisingly pleasant. The tree cover blocks most wind, and the city clears snow from the main perimeter path within 24 hours of any snowfall (unlike some interior trails). Just watch for wet leaves in November — they're slicker than they look.

Street parking is free along Patterson and Imperial, though spots fill fast on weekend mornings. The Patterson SkyTrain station offers a convenient alternative — no need to circle for a spot.

Whether you're training for the Burnaby Lake Run or just starting Couch to 5K, this loop delivers. Lace up at the Patterson entrance, follow the trail clockwise (it's slightly easier on the knees), and you'll understand why Burnaby runners keep this one in their regular rotation.