Drop by the Burnaby Lake Nature House for the BLPA’s Annual Holiday Open House!
This event is free and everyone, of any age, is welcome!
- Guided outings – see below for descriptions
- Decorate your own Wood Duck cookie*
- Check out the birds at Piper Spit – spot late migration visitors, temporary winter and year round residents
- Discover Santa’s “Naughty and Nice” plant list
- Crafts and colouring
- Get involved with Citizen Science and ask one of our App Experts how to use phone apps like iNaturalist, Merlin Bird ID and eBird and share your sightings
- Visit the BLPA display and find out what we do and how you can get involved
- Hot apple drink* to warm you up! To be more sustainable, bring your own thermal mug if you have one.
Hope to see you there!
Check the weather forecast and dress for the weather. We’ll be there – rain, shine or snow! ❄
Join us on a winter outing in the park! Free, but registration required. Select either:
- 11:00 am to 12:30 pm – Guided Bird Outing
Did you know? Winter is a great time to visit Burnaby Lake and see both migratory birds that visit the lake in the colder months as well as our year-round birds. Our leaders will share their knowledge and passion for birds while wandering through Burnaby Lake trails and at Piper Spit. We’ll listen for calls and songs, enjoy discussion on topics such as bird habitat and plumage, and share tips.
Register here. - 11:30 am to 12:30 pm – Introduction to Forest Bathing
“Forest bathing” is an art first practiced in Japan but has found new life in our modern world full of concrete, high rises, mental anxiety and a disconnect with nature. A daily dose of less than 30 minutes can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of dementia, restore mental health, and re-energize the body. This prescription is FREE at Burnaby Lake.
Register here. - 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm – Winter Nature Walk
Burnaby Lake may seem dormant in the winter, but there is still plenty of color and life to explore! Join us for an easy walk on forested trails – take in the crisp air, observe winter wildlife and learn about the plants around the trails.
Register here. - 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm – Wreath Making Workshop – ⚠️NEW ACTIVITY ADDED⚠️
Come join us for a fun and festive wreath making workshop led by Director Mark. He will guide you through the process, providing all the materials you need to craft a beautiful holiday decoration. No experience is necessary – just bring your creativity and holiday cheer! The decoration of the wreath will involve locally sourced plant materials like conifer trimmings, windall materials, and educate you on the proper use, display and disposal of invasive materials such as English Ivy and Holly.
Register here.
⚠️**Road Construction notice** ⚠️
Please take note that there is construction along Winston Street which includes single lane traffic that may add an additional 5 minutes to your trip. Details for the Winston Street Sewer project can be found here.
If the weather is nice, the parking lot can be very busy. You may need to park along Piper Avenue or at Warner Loat Park right off of Winston which is a 450 m/5 minute walk to the Nature House. There is also a railway crossing which may be blocked from time to time.
* While supplies last