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MODERATE · 3.4 KM

Pandora Trail

Pandora Trail is a steep, root-covered forest trail on the north side of Burnaby Mountain within the 576-hectare Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area.

Status Open · Year-Round
Difficulty MODERATE
Distance 3.4 km
Time 1.5 h
Area Burnaby
Burnaby Free Outdoor · Hikes
MODERATE Loop

3.4km

Distance

165m

Gain

1.5h

Time

01

About this Trail

A steep 3.4 km forest trail on Burnaby Mountain with 165 m of elevation gain -- one of the most challenging routes in the conservation area. Climbs through dense rainforest to summit views of Burrard Inlet and the Kamui Mintara sculptures. Connects to Trans Canada Trail for a loop. Part of the 576-hectare Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area.

02

Best Suited For

The Crowd

  • 🥾Hikers
  • 🔹Trail Runners
  • 🔹Fitness Enthusiasts
  • 🐕Dog Walkers
  • 🔹Experienced Walkers

The Occasion

  • 🔹Hiking
  • 🏃Exercise
  • 🔹Nature Walk
  • 📷Photography
03

Highlights

  • Burnaby Mountain's steepest trail — 165m gain in 1.7 km

  • Old-growth forest with towering cedars and ferns

  • Quiet trail rarely visited compared to other Burnaby Mountain routes

  • Connects to the summit trail network and SFU

04

Route Details

A steep, root-covered trail climbing through dense forest on Burnaby Mountain's north side. The trail has some of the steepest grades in the conservation area with uneven surfaces that require good footing. Climbs through mixed second-growth forest with occasional views of Central Harbour through the trees. Connects to the Trans Canada Trail at the upper end for a loop option back to the parking area.

The Route

  1. Takeda Drive parking trailhead km 0.0

  2. Initial forest section km 0.5

    moderate grade begins

  3. Steep section km 1.5

    steepest grades, root-covered

  4. Harbour viewpoint km 2.5

    glimpses through trees

  5. Trans Canada Trail junction km 3.4

    loop option

Along the Way

  • One of the most challenging trails in Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

  • Dense temperate rainforest with towering trees

  • Views of Central Harbour through the canopy

  • Connects to Trans Canada Trail for loop variations

  • Good workout trail — steep grades and uneven terrain

  • Wildlife habitat — deer, coyotes, eagles

05

Practical Tips

Best Times to Visit

Year-roundMorning for solitude

Insider Tips

  • 💡

    Very steep — trekking poles help on the way down

  • 💡

    Can be slippery when wet — go carefully

What to Bring

🎒Hiking shoes
🎒Water
🎒Trekking poles
06

Accessibility & Facilities

⚠️

Very muddy and slippery in fall and winter.

Free Parking
Dog-Friendly (On Leash)

Not Available

✕ Washrooms✕ Drinking Water✕ Picnic Area✕ Wheelchair Access✕ Stroller-Friendly

Not wheelchair accessible. Steep grades, uneven terrain, exposed roots, and dirt surface throughout.

Cell
Moderate
07

History

Pandora Trail is one of several trails climbing Burnaby Mountain through the conservation area. It offers a more direct and challenging route compared to the main trails.

Source · burnaby.ca

08

Location

09

Getting Here

🚌 Transit

Bus #136 to Burnaby Mountain base area, then walk to Takeda Drive trailhead.

🚗 Parking

Free parking at Mountain Air Bike Skills lot off Takeda Drive. Shared with mountain bikers.

Details sourced from Google, venue websites, Instagram, and public data. Vibes, highlights, and recommendations reflect our editorial perspective.

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