Nestled on the slopes of Burnaby Mountain, just a short drive from Vancouver, the Velodrome & Pandora Trails offer a steep but rewarding adventure for hikers and fitness enthusiasts.

Often referred to as Burnaby’s Grind, this trail challenges your legs and lungs with over 500 wooden stairs, while rewarding you with panoramic views of Indian Arm, Burrard Inlet, and the city of Vancouver. Perfect for a short but intense cardio workout, it’s also pet-friendly, making it ideal for adventurers who want to bring their furry friends along.

The trail begins at Barnet Highway on the north side of Burnaby Mountain and climbs steeply via the 500-step wooden staircase. Once the stairs end, the trail continues along the Pandora Trail, eventually reaching the Kamui Mintara Playground of the Gods, where wooden sculptures by Ainu artists Nuburi Toko and Shusei Toko create a unique cultural highlight.

Near the top, the Japanese totem poles at Horizons Restaurant mark a scenic endpoint and offer a stunning viewpoint.

Burnaby Mountain, also home to Simon Fraser University, provides a unique backdrop to the trail, combining natural beauty with a cultural and educational landmark.

I even hiked this trail with my dog, as it is fully pet-friendly. The trail is easy to follow, almost impossible to get lost on, and perfect for a short but intense adventure. Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, which surrounds the trail, is a protected space home to forests, wetlands, and wildlife, including coyotes, deer, eagles, and black

Route Description – Velodrome Trail

     •     Start: Barnet Highway parking lot, north side of Burnaby Mountain

     •     Rating: Moderate

     •     Length: 4.14 km (out-and-back)

     •     Time Needed: 1.5 – 2 hours

     •     Route Type: Loop

     •     Uphill: 240 m

     •     Downhill: 250 m

     •     Highest Point: 290 m

     •     Lowest Point: 50 m

     •     Pet-Friendly: Yes, dogs and other pets are allowed

This trail is a perfect cardio workout, offering a steep climb with rewarding views and a short but scenic experiencethrough Burnaby Mountain’s forests and cultural highlights.