From Burnaby, the easiest way to Deer Lake Park is usually by car or a TransLink bus, with the 144 as the route that runs along the park. Which option is quicker depends on where in Burnaby you start, so the details below stay general where distances vary.
The 144 and the neighbouring routes
The 144 bus is the route most often named for the park. It runs along Deer Lake Avenue and links to Metrotown Station and Sperling Station, with stops near the Shadbolt Centre and the Burnaby Art Gallery. The 123 runs along Canada Way close to the park, and the 129 serves the wider Deer Lake area.
From Metrotown or Sperling, the SkyTrain gets you to the bus. Enter your starting point and Deer Lake Park in the TransLink trip planner to see the current route, the walk from the stop and the next departures.
Driving in from Highway 1
The directions given from Vancouver are to take Highway 1 east, leave at exit 33 for Kensington Avenue, turn left onto Canada Way and then right onto Sperling Avenue. From Sperling you can go one more block to a large lot, or turn onto Deer Lake Avenue along the east side of the park.
Parking around the lake
Deer Lake Avenue leads to parking beside the Burnaby Village Museum, the Shadbolt Centre and the Burnaby Art Gallery. More parking is on the west side off Royal Oak Avenue, and the Sperling Avenue lot has washrooms. The lots are listed as closing at 10 p.m. each night, and the park closes after dark, so read the entrance sign for current gate hours before you leave the car.
Ride or taxi for a picnic day
If you are carrying chairs, food or gear for an event at the arts centre, a taxi saves the carry from a bus stop. The Vancouver taxi page covers local service. The Uber estimate calculator gives a rough rideshare price for the distance. Fares move with traffic, so confirm the amount when you book.
Cycling also works for a short trip within Burnaby, but check a current bike map for a route that suits you.