Stretched along Delta's southwestern shores, Boundary Bay Regional Park is a haven of warm shallow waters. The huge stretch of sand, sea and wetlands provide for a number of water activities from parasailing, skim boarding and swimming at Centennial Beach to an array of wading birds such as sandpipers, gulls and blue herons. At low tide, the beach curves around to Point Roberts.
In addition to picnic facilities, the park has a playground and a range of areas for tennis, volleyball and baseball, as well as plenty of trails along the dykes for walking, cycling and horseback riding. The dykes are great places to view eagles, hawks and owls, year round; access them at the bottom of 12th Avenue or Centennial Beach.
Burns Bog and Delta Nature Reserve
An estuarine-raised peat bog, some 4.5m/15ft above sea level, Burns Bog is the largest raised bog on the West Coast of the Americas and the largest undeveloped urban wilderness in Canada. Although half its original size, the bog itself still covers almost 2,428ha/6,000ac and supports more than 150 species of birds and about 30 species of mammal including black bear, blacktail deer, red fox, bobcat, coyote and beaver.
International Bog Day
Plant life, especially, is extraordinary. Only dwarfed pines, insect-eating plants, acid producing mosses and hardy northern shrubs survive in this micro-climate yet, as an environmental gem, this special wetland stores up to 20 times more carbon dioxide than a rain forest. Burns Bog Conservation Society stages an International Bog Day event each year and is advocating the bog be recognized as a World Heritage Site.
The best public access is in the Delta Nature Reserve just east of Hwy 91 near the Great Pacific Forum-Planet Ice.
Deas Island Regional Park
Located at the south end of the George Massey Tunnel, also known as the Deas Island Tunnel, this family-oriented park is a slice of history. Named for one of Delta's first settlers who built a cannery here in 1873, three heritage buildings give the island a turn-of-the-century feel. These include Burrvilla, an elegant1905 Queen Anne-style residence, Inverholme Schoolhouse (circa 1909) and an Agricultural Hall, originally built in 1899.
Deas Island Attractions
Deas Island Regional Park also includes over 5km/3mi of easy-walking trails and treed dykes, tidal marshes, sand dunes, meadows and well-serviced picnic areas. The public dock is a favourite spot for trout and salmon fishing - a tidal water sport fishing is required (available at Still Water Sports Club in Ladner Village), and the calm waters of Deas Slough host skiers, kayakers and many a rowing skull.
Access is via River Road at the park's east end.
North Delta Watershed Park
As Delta's largest parcel of park reserve, the 153ha/375ac North Delta Watershed Park has numerous old service roads and trails that are ideal for walkers, mountain bikers and equestrians. The park was originally acquired by the municipality based on the artesian wells present in the park, to facilitate the development and preservation of a dependable water supply for East Delta and Ladner.
Recent park improvements include the development of gravel trails, footbridge crossings, park signage and a promontory lookout with a clear view of Mud Bay, making this a perfect spot for a picnic.
For more information about regional parks around Delta, drop by the Visitor Centre at 6201 - 60th Avenue.
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