Burnaby

Canada

Burnaby is a suburb of Vancouver. It was incorporated in 1892 and achieved City status in 1992. In the first 30 to 40 years after its incorporation, the growth of Burnaby was influenced by its location between expanding urban centres of Vancouver and New Westminster. It first served as a rural agricultural area supplying nearby markets. Later, it served as an important transportation corridor between Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and the Interior of the Province.

  • Burnaby Central Railway, 120 Willingdon Ave (in Confederation Park) (from Hastings St, head north on Willingdon to Penzance — access and parking is from Penzance Dr, +1 604-291-0922. Sa-Su 11AM-5PM Easter through Canadian Thanksgiving. A great activity if you have kids or are into trains. Ride a miniature train on a two mile journey through the forest, over trestles and into tunnels. Total time is 10-15 minutes. There's also an outdoor model railroad that includes replicas of real rolling stock and engines (Canadian Pacific and Burlington Northern), as well as Thomas the Tank Engine. $3.50 (children under 3 are free) per train ride; concession prices are $1 for most drinks, $2 for a hot dog.
  • Burnaby Lake Park, end of Piper Ave. Burnaby's largest lake, a great place to see wild birds.The park has several entrances and parking lots and provides a nice loop trail around the park. There is a seasonal nature center at the Piper Ave entrance and you can often see beaver and muskrat from the Piper Spit. There is a dog off leash park at near by Warner Loat park.
  • Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, North of Burnaby (Take the Burnaby Mtn Pkw off Hastings, or the 95 B-Line bus to SFU.. Enjoy the mountain, water and spectacular views of Greater Vancouver from this green jewel. See the resplendent Rose Gardens, and the collection of Ainu totem pole carvings named the 'Playground of the Gods', representing the goodwill between Burnaby and its sister city Kushiro. Its known as a mountain biking destination, but you can also find many hiking, and walking trails, picnic areas and a children's playground. All trails are labeled with distances, approximate time, and difficulty, so its easy to follow a hike that suits time available/ability. See this trail map of the area.
  • Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel, 6501 Deer Lake Ave, +1 604 293-6515. May-early Sept: Tu-Su 11AM-4:30PM, late Nov-Dec: Tu-Su Noon-5PM. Discover Burnaby urban heritage at an authentic turn of the century town and rekindle romance on the restored vintage 1912 carousel. It is staffed by people dressed in period clothes. You can visit the common houses or the many shops, including the Blacksmith and the Chinese Herbalist. It is best to go on the weekend since many of the staff are volunteers and the "town" is somewhat emptier during the week. Saturdays are best. $6-12 (child/adult), carousel $2 per ride.
  • Capitol Hill Reservoir Park, North Hythe Ave at Dundas St, Capitol Hill. Amazing views of Vancouver, Burrard Inlet, the Lions Gate Bridge and the North Shore Mountains. Best sunset viewing spot in town.
  • Central Park. A 90 hectare urban park oasis that features an award-winning children's playground, pitch and putt golf, and a couple of small ponds shared by ducks and remote-controlled boats.
  • Deer Lake Park, Deer Lake Ave (parking is available off of Deer Lake Ave and Sperling Ave. Burnaby's hidden gem, an almost circular lake in the middle of the city, offering birdspotting opportunities, great views of Metrotown and miles of shoreline walking. Canoe and kayak rentals are also available. The park includes the Burnaby Art Gallery and Century Gardens that exhibit contemporary and historical artwork in a heritage house.
  • Simon Fraser University, On top of Burnaby mountain (Take the 95B Line to either of the last two stops. SFU's main campus is notable for being one of the few examples of brutalist architecture that is actually visually appealing. Discover the Simon Fraser Gallery, and view Northwest Coast Indian artifacts at the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. Take a look at the new residential community, UniverCity, just east of the university, that is being modeled as a sustainable community. Also a good spot to start and end hikes around Burnaby mountain.
  • Barnet Marine Park is a north-facing shoreline linear park that is a very popular beach destination in the summer. The western end of the park is a dog off leash area (do NOT set up your picnic in this part of the park, you will be invaded by off-leash labradors who will eat your sandwiches).

Burnaby Central Railway, 120 Willingdon Ave (in Confederation Park) (from Hastings St, head north on Willingdon to Penzance — access and parking is from Penzance Dr, +1 604-291-0922. Sa-Su 11AM-5PM Easter through Canadian Thanksgiving. A great activity if you have kids or are into trains. Ride a miniature train on a two mile journey through the forest, over trestles and into tunnels. Total time is 10-15 minutes. There's also an outdoor model railroad that includes replicas of real rolling stock and engines (Canadian Pacific and Burlington Northern), as well as Thomas the Tank Engine. $3.50 (children under 3 are free) per train ride; concession prices are $1 for most drinks, $2 for a hot dog.

Burnaby Lake Park, end of Piper Ave. Burnaby's largest lake, a great place to see wild birds.The park has several entrances and parking lots and provides a nice loop trail around the park. There is a seasonal nature center at the Piper Ave entrance and you can often see beaver and muskrat from the Piper Spit. There is a dog off leash park at near by Warner Loat park.

Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, North of Burnaby (Take the Burnaby Mtn Pkw off Hastings, or the 95 B-Line bus to SFU.. Enjoy the mountain, water and spectacular views of Greater Vancouver from this green jewel. See the resplendent Rose Gardens, and the collection of Ainu totem pole carvings named the 'Playground of the Gods', representing the goodwill between Burnaby and its sister city [[Kushiro]]. Its known as a mountain biking destination, but you can also find many hiking, and walking trails, picnic areas and a children's playground. All trails are labeled with distances, approximate time, and difficulty, so its easy to follow a hike that suits time available/ability. See this trail map of the area.

Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel, 6501 Deer Lake Ave, +1 604 293-6515. May-early Sept: Tu-Su 11AM-4:30PM, late Nov-Dec: Tu-Su Noon-5PM. Discover Burnaby urban heritage at an authentic turn of the century town and rekindle romance on the restored vintage 1912 carousel. It is staffed by people dressed in period clothes. You can visit the common houses or the many shops, including the Blacksmith and the Chinese Herbalist. It is best to go on the weekend since many of the staff are volunteers and the "town" is somewhat emptier during the week. Saturdays are best. $6-12 (child/adult), carousel $2 per ride.

Capitol Hill Reservoir Park, North Hythe Ave at Dundas St, Capitol Hill. Amazing views of Vancouver, Burrard Inlet, the Lions Gate Bridge and the North Shore Mountains. Best sunset viewing spot in town.

Central Park. A 90 hectare urban park oasis that features an award-winning children's playground, pitch and putt golf, and a couple of small ponds shared by ducks and remote-controlled boats.

Deer Lake Park, Deer Lake Ave (parking is available off of Deer Lake Ave and Sperling Ave. Burnaby's hidden gem, an almost circular lake in the middle of the city, offering birdspotting opportunities, great views of Metrotown and miles of shoreline walking. Canoe and kayak rentals are also available. The park includes the Burnaby Art Gallery and Century Gardens that exhibit contemporary and historical artwork in a heritage house.

Simon Fraser University, On top of Burnaby mountain (Take the 95B Line to either of the last two stops. SFU's main campus is notable for being one of the few examples of [[w:brutalism|brutalist]] architecture that is actually visually appealing. Discover the Simon Fraser Gallery, and view Northwest Coast Indian artifacts at the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. Take a look at the new residential community, UniverCity, just east of the university, that is being modeled as a sustainable community. Also a good spot to start and end hikes around Burnaby mountain.

Swangard Stadium, 3883 Imperial St (Boundary Rd & Kingsway, +1 604 435-7121 (events). Located in picturesque Central Park, Swangard Stadium is home to the BC High School Championships and the former home of the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Hiking and Mountain Biking. At the numerous trails around and on Burnaby Mountain. Also see the bike skills park at the base.

  • Shopping Malls— Burnaby has large modern malls, including Metropolis at Metrotown, Lougheed Mall and Brentwood Mall. Metropolis is the second largest Western Canadian mall, behind West Edmonton Mall.
  • Crystal Mall. — An Asian mall with mostly Chinese merchants. Crystal Mall is the largest mixed purpose mall in Canada with stores, public market, professional health and education services, Hilton Hotel and residential apartment suites. It is located a few minutes walk Northwest of Metrotown.
  • Hastings Street. — For those who enjoy the traditional street front shopping with some local flavour, includes an enticing mix of fine dining, cafes and specialty shops. Look for delis selling delicious cheeses, meats, and baked goods.

Shopping Malls— Burnaby has large modern malls, including Metropolis at Metrotown, Lougheed Mall and Brentwood Mall. Metropolis is the second largest Western Canadian mall, behind West Edmonton Mall.

Crystal Mall. — An Asian mall with mostly Chinese merchants. Crystal Mall is the largest mixed purpose mall in Canada with stores, public market, professional health and education services, Hilton Hotel and residential apartment suites. It is located a few minutes walk Northwest of Metrotown.

Hastings Street. — For those who enjoy the traditional street front shopping with some local flavour, includes an enticing mix of fine dining, cafes and specialty shops. Look for delis selling delicious cheeses, meats, and baked goods.

  • Horizons Restaurant, 100 Centennial Way, +1 604 299-1155. Nestled in beautiful Burnaby Mountain Park, Horizons overlooks the bright city lights below. Specializing in steaks and seafood grilled over an open flame. It is reasonably common to find coupons for this restaurant in the Georgia Straight.
  • Hart House on Deer Lake, 6664 Deer Lake Avenue, +1 604 298-4278. An idyllic lakefront heritage estate, Hart House invites you to retreat from the city pace and enjoy the best in food and wine. Renowned for its culinary excellence, tranquil setting, and friendly service.
  • Anton's Pasta, 4260 Hastings Street, +1 604 299-6636. Another crowd favourite. They serve huge dishes of pasta for around $14.
  • Bombay Bel, Hastings Street next to Anton's Pasta. A newer Indian restaurant serving delicious Indian food for about $11–15 a plate.
  • Tom Yum Thai, 4010 East Hastings Street, +1 604-677-1489. A new Thai restaurant serving excellent food at low prices but in an unappealing decor.
  • Delis, bakeries, and cafes are located all along the Burnaby Heights area (Hastings Street, around Willington and Gilmore). There is a deli/bakery/cafe next to Anton's that is a neighbourhood favourite.
  • Diamond Alumni Centre, +1 778 782-4794. SFU Burnaby Mtn. Great food served in a room with an amazing view. Only open for lunch and reservations are recommended. Great prices, partly because it's university subsidized.
  • Saffron, +1 604 436-5559. Suite 5, 4300 Kingsway. An Indian restaurant with a contemporary decor, near Metrotown. Excellent Indian food at about $11–15 a plate.
  • X-site Bar and Grill, 4625 Hastings St, +1 604-298-7483. A favorite of SFU students. Known for cheap food and drinks and good specials throughout the week.
  • The Pear Tree Restaurant, 4120 Hastings Street, North Burnaby (just east of Boundary Rd, +1 604 299-2772. The only restaurant east of Vancouver repeatedly included in the top 10 finest city restaurants. Top reviews over the past decade thanks to the exceptional Continental cuisine offered by the owner and chef Scott Jaeger who represented Canada at international culinary competitions and by his team.
  • Cockney Kings Fish & Chips, 6574 E Hastings Street, +1 604 291-1323. Mo-Th 11am-8pm, F 11am-9pm, Sa 11am-8pm, Su 12pm-8pm. A favourite amongst the locals and voted best in town for some 9 years running, Cockney Kings has been recognized in The British Columbian newspaper and The Georgia Straight as one of the best fish & ship shops in the province. Friendly staff and polite service, and they even wrap their take out in newspaper, just like the old days in England! All you can eat fish & chips is available Monday through Wednesday for only $9.50. You might even see singer Michael Bublé or some Vancouver Canucks alumni, who drop in from time to time to get their fix. $10+.

Horizons Restaurant, 100 Centennial Way, +1 604 299-1155. Nestled in beautiful Burnaby Mountain Park, Horizons overlooks the bright city lights below. Specializing in steaks and seafood grilled over an open flame. It is reasonably common to find coupons for this restaurant in the Georgia Straight.

Hart House on Deer Lake, 6664 Deer Lake Avenue, +1 604 298-4278. An idyllic lakefront heritage estate, Hart House invites you to retreat from the city pace and enjoy the best in food and wine. Renowned for its culinary excellence, tranquil setting, and friendly service.

Anton's Pasta, 4260 Hastings Street, +1 604 299-6636. Another crowd favourite. They serve huge dishes of pasta for around $14.

Bombay Bel, Hastings Street next to Anton's Pasta. A newer Indian restaurant serving delicious Indian food for about $11–15 a plate.

Tom Yum Thai, 4010 East Hastings Street, +1 604-677-1489. A new Thai restaurant serving excellent food at low prices but in an unappealing decor.

Delis, bakeries, and cafes are located all along the Burnaby Heights area (Hastings Street, around Willington and Gilmore). There is a deli/bakery/cafe next to Anton's that is a neighbourhood favourite.

Diamond Alumni Centre, +1 778 782-4794. SFU Burnaby Mtn. Great food served in a room with an amazing view. Only open for lunch and reservations are recommended. Great prices, partly because it's university subsidized.

Saffron, +1 604 436-5559. Suite 5, 4300 Kingsway. An Indian restaurant with a contemporary decor, near Metrotown. Excellent Indian food at about $11–15 a plate.

X-site Bar and Grill, 4625 Hastings St, +1 604-298-7483. A favorite of SFU students. Known for cheap food and drinks and good specials throughout the week.

The Pear Tree Restaurant, 4120 Hastings Street, North Burnaby (just east of Boundary Rd, +1 604 299-2772. The only restaurant east of Vancouver repeatedly included in the top 10 finest city restaurants. Top reviews over the past decade thanks to the exceptional Continental cuisine offered by the owner and chef Scott Jaeger who represented Canada at international culinary competitions and by his team.

Cockney Kings Fish & Chips, 6574 E Hastings Street, +1 604 291-1323. Mo-Th 11am-8pm, F 11am-9pm, Sa 11am-8pm, Su 12pm-8pm. A favourite amongst the locals and voted best in town for some 9 years running, Cockney Kings has been recognized in The British Columbian newspaper and The Georgia Straight as one of the best fish & ship shops in the province. Friendly staff and polite service, and they even wrap their take out in newspaper, just like the old days in England! All you can eat fish & chips is available Monday through Wednesday for only $9.50. You might even see singer Michael Bublé or some Vancouver Canucks alumni, who drop in from time to time to get their fix. $10+.

  • Hop and Vine, 1601 Burnwood Drive, +1 604 421-1092. Serving great pub food, some of the most tasty burgers in pizza in town, while the beer selection could be better, the outdoor patio is perfect for a drink during summer.
  • Keg Steakhouse and Bar, 2656 Eastbrook Pky, +1 604 294-4626. Great place to enjoy quality steaks amongst good company. Decorated in tasteful, darker tones, it's an ideal place to enjoy an intimate dinner.

Hop and Vine, 1601 Burnwood Drive, +1 604 421-1092. Serving great pub food, some of the most tasty burgers in pizza in town, while the beer selection could be better, the outdoor patio is perfect for a drink during summer.

Keg Steakhouse and Bar, 2656 Eastbrook Pky, +1 604 294-4626. Great place to enjoy quality steaks amongst good company. Decorated in tasteful, darker tones, it's an ideal place to enjoy an intimate dinner.

Local semi-weekly newspapers are the Burnaby Now and the Burnaby News Leader.

Burnaby is well located if you want to move onto to other spots in Greater Vancouver. Nearby destinations include:

  • Hiking, skiing and outdoor opportunities abound in the North Shore, 30 minutes away on Highway 1.
  • Visit a Buddhist temple or see the historic village of Steveston in Richmond.
  • White Rock, with its long stretch of beach, is 45 minutes south near the U.S. border.