Burnaby Mountain is blanketed with a second-growth forest that hosts a number of species. Ferns are a common sight in the woods. Their life cycles include both gametophyte and sporophyte stages. Sword ferns are very common, especially on the higher north slopes and in areas of reduced canopy cover. They are the largest ferns.
Wood ferns are a smaller species.
These are generally less common although their numbers are noticeably higher on the western slopes. Deer ferns are even less abundant. They are often found growing around tree roots and off moss-covered tree trunks. Deer ferns were also observed living on the joints from which branches of trees extended. Other species include bracken and licorice ferns.