Burns Lake covers much more area on the valley floor then can be seen from the Highway. It has numerous bays, islands, inlets, and reaches that hide beyond the visible portion of the lake. From the valley bottom to the summit of the mountains to the south there is almost no development or encroachment by the works of man. Instead the area is a shelter for many forms of wildlife. Moose, Deer, Bear, Coyote, Foxes, Otter, Beaver, and Muskrat are some of the common animal species that may be observed along the lake shores. Rarer species are sighted from time to time.

     The lake and valley bottom are home to many species of bird life. Larger ones such as Bald Eagles, Osprey, several species of Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, Great Horned Owls, Grey Owls, Crows, Ravens, are common visitors. Among the many smaller bird species are Chickadees, Juncos, three species of Woodpeckers, Robins, Cedar Waxwings, Stellar Jays, Kingfishers, Western Tanagers, Finches, Warblers, Pine Siskins, Humming birds, both Pine and Evening Grosbeaks, blackbirds, and many sparrows. A major migration flight path followed by many waterfowl passes over the area. Loons, Geese, Swans, Herons, Sandhill Cranes, Gulls, Sandpipers, Bittern, and many, many varieties of ducks, may be spotted on the lake and along its shores.

     The lake provides good fishing for small Rainbow Trout. Kokanee and Lake Char are also to be had in season.

     Boating is a natural pass time for many families who live along the shores of Burns Lake. Watercraft of many types and sizes may be seen on the lake in season. The lake is ideal for smaller boats and canoes. Because of its narrow shape, many bays and inlets, and the intervening strips of forest, the lake seldom raises waves of any magnitude. Canoeists find the lake particularly appealing for this reason, and because the canoe makes an ideal craft for quietly slipping along and observing wildlife. Canoes may also be easily portaged over short pathways into the small lakes that lie along the valley floor close to the south side of Burns Lake. Some hunters also find the use of small boats reward their efforts in the fall hunting season.