Take a paddle on the water with Deer Lake Boat Rentals this weekend.
Take a leisurely paddle on the water this weekend with Deer Lake Boat Rentals, open all weekend from noon to sunset. A two-person boat will cost about $18 per hour, while a four-person will be closer to $30. There are canoes, kayaks, rowboats and pedal boats. While you’re on the water, keep an eye out for the endangered Western painted turtle and other creatures of the lake. Business hours are subject to weather conditions, so if you’re unsure, call 604- 839-3949 to confirm they are open. The rental shop is at 5435 Sperling Ave.
Why drive out of the region, when Burnaby Mountain is home to some amazing hiking trails with spectacular views? The trail network on the east side of the mountain is a dog-friendly, somewhat easy hike that takes one to three hours, depending on which route you choose. It’s an elevation gain of 300 metres, with views of the Burrard Inlet. The area is also used for mountain biking, so keep an eye out for cyclists while on the trails. Pack some sunscreen, water and a picnic lunch and make a day trip out of it. Park in Centennial Way, close to Horizons Restaurant, and head out from there. For a map to plan your route, visit http://tinyurl.com/BurnabyMountainHike.
Stock up on fresh organic produce at the Burnaby farmers’ market, which runs every Saturday in the city hall parking lot at 4949 Canada Way. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There’s live music every week, a book exchange and vendors selling produce, food and crafts. Don’t forget to visit the Burnaby Gogos, who will be selling children’s clothes and totes bags to raise money for grandmothers in Africa caring for children orphaned by AIDS.
Take the kids to celebrate Tanabata at the Nikkei Centre on Saturday, July 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. As part of the holiday celebration, there will be bon odori dancing and taiko drumming. People can write their summer wishes on colourful streams of paper and have a take-home “sasa” bamboo branch. There will also be kids’ activities, food and games. Festival goers are encouraged to dress up in jinbei or yukata, but if you don’t have anything to wear, there will be some options available at the centre. The event is suited for families with children aged three to 10. Info: 604-777-7000. The centre is at 6688 Southoaks Cres.
Beat the summer heat in one of Burnaby’s four outdoor pools this weekend. The Robert Burnaby outdoor pool (at 8175 Wedgewood St.), the Kensington pool (at 700 Hammarskjold Dr.), the Central Park outdoor pool (at 6110 Boundary Rd.) and the MacPherson pool (5485 Rumble St.) are open for public swims on Saturday and Sunday, and all four have free swims from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Regular drop-in admission is $3.81.
