The breathtaking city of Burnaby, Canada, brings to life the pictures on postcards of British Columbia. With the Canadian Rockies as its background, the landscapes’ beautiful mountain views allow you to enjoy multiple types of outdoor activities and enjoy the best of the natural environment. Located just to the east of Vancouver, Burnaby is the third-largest city in British Columbia by population and is buzzing with a growing culinary scene, various nightlife options and a vivid art and culture scene. The city’s parks and multiple options for hikes make it a family-friendly option for visitors, with access to Vancouver just a short train ride away. Keep reading to find the best things to do in Burnaby on your next visit.
1. Go back in time at Burnaby Village Museum
An open-air museum in the centre of town is the Burnaby Village Museum, located at Deer Lake Park. Spanning 10 acres (4 hectares), the museum is a reconstruction of a 1920 village, which contains 31 full-scale buildings. Experience the rich music, culture and architecture throughout the museum to appreciate what life and trade were like in Burnaby.
Burnaby Village Museum
Address: 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby, BC V5G 3T6
Website: Burnaby Village Museum
Opening hours: 11am - 4.30pm (daily)
Price: Free entry
2. Explore contemporary and historical art at the Burnaby Art Gallery
The Burnaby Art Gallery has an interesting curation of art pieces, exhibiting local, regional, national and international artists throughout its galleries. The space provides a venue for art workshops and educational programmes for children, adults and seniors, making it a great place to spend your afternoon in the city.
Burnaby Art Gallery
Address: 6344 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby, BC V5G 2J3
Website: Burnaby Art Gallery
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 4.30pm; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & statutory holidays)
Price: 5 USD
3. Satisfy your shopaholic soul at the Metropolis at Metrotown
Shopping lovers rejoice as the Metropolis at Metrotown provides a vast selection of local and international brand names across its three-storey complex in Metrotown, Burnaby. You will be able to fulfil any fashion, beauty and lifestyle need here; catch a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants or just relax with a cup of coffee while the rest of your clan does their own shopping.
Metropolis at Metrotown
Address: 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 4N2, Canada
Website: Metropolis at Metrotown
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
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4. Go bird watching at the glacial Burnaby Lake
The Burnaby Lake was created by a glacier 12,000 years ago and is considered to be renowned wildlife sanctuary for birdwatchers, with the added advantage of being conveniently located within the city limits. A great place to regularly spot great blue herons, bald eagles, belted kingfishers, osprey and even rarer birds such as the small green-backed heron, do not forget your camera during your visit to the lake to capture these magnificent creatures. Choose to canoe or kayak through the lake to get first-rate viewings of beavers, ducks and turtles as well as walk to the viewing tower for optimal views and chances to spots Canada’s most famous birds.
Burnaby Lake
Address: 4519 Piper Avenue, Burnaby, BC V3N 4G7
Website: Burnaby Lake
5. Let your kids ride a steam train at The Burnaby Central Railway
Take a step back in time and ride a steam train, particularly exciting for children to experience. The Burnaby Central Railway is dedicated to preserving Canada’s railway heritage. The recreational, miniature, passenger-carrying railway is a delight for children and provides education and entertainment on any visit.
The Burnaby Central Railway
Address: Burnaby Central Railway, Confederation Park, 120 North Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby BC, V5C 6K1
Website: The Burnaby Central Railway
Opening hours: Site open from Easter to Thanksgiving: Satutory holidays & Sat - Sun: 10.55am - 5pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
Price: 4 USD onwards
6. Discover multi-faceted Central Park
Canada’s Central Park is located on the Vancouver–Burnaby border and can be accessed by SkyTrain from the Patterson station. The park hosts tennis courts, lawn bowling, picnic areas and walking trials amongst its many facilities. Entertainment options are endless, no matter the season. A fitness circuit, perimeter trail and outdoor swimming pool will have adrenaline and sports junkies satisfied, while the children’s playground, duck ponds, lawn bowling facility and the multiple picnic areas preserve the relaxation and peaceful atmosphere of the park.
Central Park
Address: Burnaby, BC V5S 3R2, Canada
Website: Central Park
Price: Free
7. Go skiing on Grouse Mountain
If you are lucky enough to experience winter in British Columbia, be sure to take advantage of the premier mountain location for skiing and snow activities, located a short 20 minutes drive from Burnaby. Winter activities range from the adventurous ziplining, snowboarding, and tree canopy walks for kids to the educational talks learning about wind turbines and their role in energy generation or learning about Grizzly Bears and bear conservation from the wildlife rangers.
Grouse Mountain
Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9
Website: Grouse Mountain
Opening hours: 9am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 45 USD onwards
8. Explore the picturesque campus of Simon Fraser University
The main campus of the Simon Fraser University on Burnaby Mountain is set at an elevation of over 300 metres (984 feet) and overlooks the Burrard inlet to the north. With buildings of architectural value and three different art galleries, the public university’s campus makes for an ideal location for an evening walk.
Simon Fraser University
Address: 8888 University Dr, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6
Website: Simon Fraser University
9. Pamper your taste buds at the Burnaby Heights
The Heights, as the prestigious residential neighbourhood is often referred to, is located in North Burnaby with Boundary Road to the west, Gamma Avenue to the east and Hastings Street to the south. Explore the area for local boutiques and artisan shops to keep your shopping bug in check. Take dining breaks frequently as the area is well known for its culinary diversity and options, allowing you to choose from Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, French and more.
Burnaby Heights
Address: Hastings Street from Boundary Road to Gamma Avenue
Website: Burnaby Heights
10. Soak in the spectacular view of the Burnaby Mountain
The views from Burnaby Mountain are nothing short of spectacular. An ideal location for a picnic as you watch the sunset, Burnaby Mountain towers over the inlet and the city, features natural elements along with recreational features for children, making it the ideal location to spend an evening with family and friends. There are cycling and hiking trails for the more active members of the group and routes can be customised depending on how long you want to spend outdoors.
Burnaby Mountain
Address: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Website: Burnaby Mountain
11. Play golf with a view at the Burnaby Mountain Golf Course
Set across 5,800-6,400 yards (5303.52 - 5852.16 meters) of sprawling green terrain, the Burnaby Mountain Golf Course is a highly rated course to play on for both professional and recreational players. The course has been noted for its impressive facilities including a state-of-the-art heated, lighted 60-stall driving range which comes fully equipped with practice mats and range balls. The driving range makes the ideal space for teaching, perfecting shots and the frequently held instructional programs. Be sure to relax at the charming Burnaby Mountain Clubhouse after your time on the green.
Burnaby Mountain Golf Course
Address: 7600 Halifax St, Burnaby, BC V5A 4M8, Canada
Website: Burnaby Mountain Golf Course
Opening hours: Tue & Thu: 9am - 8:45pm; Mon, Wed, Fri - Sun: 6am - 8.45pm (daily)
Price: 13 USD onwards
12. Watch the sunset over Burrard Inlet in Barnet Marine Park
Visit Barnet Marine Park for a swimming beach, a trail and the perfect vantage point to watch the sunset over Burrard Inlet, the shallow-sided coastal fjord. The Burrard Inlet’s history, sounds and smells permeate through Barnet Marine Park and the park’s picnic sites and off-leash areas make for ideal family days and dog owners can rejoice as the dogs can run free in the area.
Barnet Marine Park
Address: 8181 Barnet Road, Burnaby, BC V5A 3G8
Website: Barnet Marine Park
13. Visit the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre
The Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre offers exhibitions, workshops and educational programs of Japanese culture and heritage, as well as related to Japanese-Canadian shared history and ties. Be sure to look at the Museum’s website to find the latest offerings of public programs, exhibits, services, publications, and special events that take place. On your visit, do not miss the Japanese Canadian garden which makes for serene and peaceful surroundings at the museum and centre.
Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre
Address: 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby BC V5E 4M7
Website: Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9.30am - 5pm; program hours: 10am - 9.30pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
14. Explore the Deer Lake Park
The ideal space for sports, fitness and outdoor activities, Deer Lake Park offers opportunities to go kayaking, canoeing or paddle-boating in a beautiful natural environment. The park features the Burnaby Art Gallery, Shadbolt Centre for the Arts and Burnaby Village Museum, all of which are highlights on our list of things to do in Burnaby. It also features walking trails and lake views.
Deer Lake Park
Address: 6450 Deer Lake Dr, Burnaby, BC V5E 2L8, Canada
Website: Deer Lake Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
15. Experience live action at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts
From a live theatre show or musical representation, the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts presents the best of British Columbia’s performing arts, theatre and music within its seasonal presentations. From family-friendly musical performances to workshops and Summer Arts Programs, the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts will be sure to push your creative boundaries and open your eyes to new artists and their artistic environment.
Shadbolt Centre for the Arts
Address: 6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby, BC V5G 2J3
Website: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 12pm - 5pm; Sat: 12pm - 4pm; (closed on Sun & Mon)
16. Educate and rejuvenate at the Burnaby Public Library
Offering thousands of books, movies and music across their branches, reading and researching at the Burnaby Public Library is a great way to spend an afternoon indoors, perhaps when the weather does not cooperate and you need a rainy day solution. A multitude of events and programs take place, while the library’s recommendations for the latest fiction are just some of the highlights to encourage kids, teenagers and seniors alike to take up more reading.
Burnaby Public Library
Address: Branches in Bob Prittie Metrotown, Cameron, McGill and Tommy Douglas
Website: Burnaby Public Library
Beautiful Burnaby: a must-visit on any itinerary
Catering to city lovers and nature enthusiasts alike, the city of Burnaby is a highlight of British Columbia. With options to stroll through parks, art galleries and shopping malls, the city has a variety of offerings, making it an essential part of any visit to Canada’s West Coast.
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