Deer Lake is the prettiest of Burnaby's chain of small lakes, set in 73 hectares of parkland that also encompasses the Burnaby Art Gallery, a performance venue, and several heritage buildings. The lake itself is swimmable in summer (there is a small beach and seasonal lifeguards), and the perimeter path is one of the better urban walks in the Lower Mainland — about 3 kilometres through a mix of open lawn, woodland, and shoreline.
The park hosts the Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival in summer and other outdoor events. Paddle boat and rowboat rentals are available in season.