Burnaby - Burnaby

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.

Get in

Metropolis at Metrotown

Burnaby is well integrated with nearby municipalities. It is easily accessible by car and Translink, the regional transit system, provides bus and Skytrain service to Burnaby. Many locations provide free parking.

By public transit

Two Skytrain lines pass through Burnaby. The Expo line connects the city to downtown Vancouver, New Westminster and Surrey, while the Millennium line connects the northern part of the city with East Van to the west and Coquitlam and Port Moody to the east. The approximate travel time from downtown Vancouver to Metrotown (central Burnaby) on Skytrain is 20 minutes.

Many buses connect Burnaby with Vancouver and its suburbs. Some useful bus routes for getting into Burnaby from Vancouver are:

  • #19 - runs between downtown Vancouver and Metrotown Mall
  • #130 - runs between downtown Vancouver and Brentwood Mall along Hastings St
  • #R5 Hastings St - express bus service connects downtown Vancouver and Simon Fraser University via Hastings St (services Burnaby Heights area)

Bus fare to Burnaby is $3 (July 2019). Skytrain fare is $3 or $4.25 on weekdays (depending on whether you are travelling one or two zones) and $3 on weekends and evenings after 6:30PM. Check the Translink website for current route and fare information.

By car

Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada highway) is the main thoroughfare in and out of the city. Kingsway, Hastings St and Broadway provide further access from Vancouver, while the Lougheed Highway is main arterial road from Coquitlam and otherpoints east.

Get around

Map of Burnaby

The Millennium line Skytrain loops around Burnaby with plenty of stops, but unless you're looking to get to a shopping mall, it will not provide direct access to the city's attractions. It can be used with the buses to get where you want to go, although it will rarely be the fastest way. Fares for public transit within Burnaby are $3.

See

  • 1 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 3rd weekend in October. 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. (updated Aug 2016)
  • Burnaby Lake Park, end of Piper Ave. Burnaby's largest lake, a great place to see wild birds. (updated Apr 2018)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.
The City of Lougheed
  • 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. It's 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 it's easy to follow a hike that suits time available/ability. See this trail map of the area. 
  • 2 Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel (Heritage Village), 6501 Deer Lake Ave, ☏ 1 604 293-6515. May-early Sep: 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. 
  • 3 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).

Do

  • 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. On the many trails around and on Burnaby Mountain. Also see the bike skills park at the base. (updated Mar 2018)

Learn

  • Simon Fraser University (or SFU) is located in north Burnaby atop Burnaby Mountain. SFU was constructed in the 1960s, and while some have compared it to a "concrete jungle," most of the campus buildings were designed by renowned British Columbian architect Arthur Erickson, who also designed the Museum of Anthropology and the Walter Koerner Library at UBC. The university offers a variety of degree programs in the arts, sciences, business and education.
  • The British Columbia Institute of Technology, or BCIT, is considered one of the best technical colleges in Western Canada. It is known for its proactive approach, taking advice from local businesses and industry when designing its programs. The college specializes in technology and trades career preparation (ranging from computer/network administration, project management, marketing, welding, airplane and marine repair, plus others), but also offers a number of evening courses and part-time options.

Buy

  • 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 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. 

Eat

  • 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 found 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 favourite 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. M-Th 11AM-8PM, F 11AM-9PM, Sa 11AM-8PM, Su noon-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. From $10. 

Drink

  • 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. 

Sleep

  • Accent Inn, 3777 Henning Drive. A 3½-star hotel that features hundreds of hanging flower baskets, a fitness room, as well as a jacuzzi and sauna. All rooms have kitchenettes, private baths, AC and the beds feature the highest standard of mattress available in Canada. Wireless internet also available. 
  • Hilton Vancouver, 6083 McKay Avenue, ☏ 1 604-438-1200. Choose from a mountain or a city view. The hotel has a 16,000-sq-ft convention centre; fitness facility, and pool. 
  • Executive Hotel Burnaby, 4201 Lougheed Hwy, toll-free: 1-800-590-3932. Deluxe suites are extremely comfortable, offering spacious living areas, jacuzzi bathtubs, fridge, coffee maker, and microwave. Service is attentive and friendly. $96-384. 
  • Holiday Inn Express Midtown, 4405 Central Boulevard, toll-free: 1-877-323-1177. Children under 12 stay and eat free. 
  • Delta Burnaby Hotel and Conference Centre (Grand Villa Casino), 4331 Domimion St (Near Canada Way and Willingdon), ☏ 1 604-453-0750, ✉. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. $99-200. 
  • Best Western Plus Kings Inn, 5411 Kingsway, ☏ 1 604-438-1383. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. 

Cope

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

Go next

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.
Routes through Burnaby
Nanaimo ← Vancouver ← W BC-1 (TCH).svg E → New Westminster → Hope
END ← Vancouver ← W BC-7.svg E → Coquitlam → Hope
Vancouver City Centre ← Commercial Dr-Hastings Park ← W Expo Line E → New Westminster → Surrey
END ← Commercial Dr-Hastings Park, Vancouver ← W Millennium Line E → Port Moody → Coquitlam
This city travel guide to Burnaby is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page .