Burnaby Travel Guide
City City in British Columbia, near Vancouver
A short SkyTrain ride from Vancouver, Burnaby draws visitors for Burnaby Mountain’s forested trails and SFU’s lookout, Deer Lake’s art galleries and paddleboats, Metrotown’s vast shopping corridors, and a surprising cluster of craft breweries and international restaurants.
Why Visit Burnaby? #
Just east of Vancouver, Burnaby blends urban energy with leafy parks and cultural hubs that make it a handy base for exploring Metro Vancouver. Shop and dine around Metrotown, hike the trails and enjoy city views on Burnaby Mountain near Simon Fraser University, and catch performances at the Shadbolt Centre or the Nikkei National Museum. Food lovers find diverse Pan-Asian and Pacific Northwest flavors in neighborhood eateries, while fast transit links keep downtown Vancouver minutes away.
Who's Burnaby For?
Burnaby is very family-friendly: large green spaces like Deer Lake Park and Central Park, kid-focused exhibits at Burnaby Village Museum, and the big Metropolis at Metrotown mall with affordable dining. Easy SkyTrain links to Vancouver make day trips painless.
Great for green escapes - Burnaby Mountain Park (SFU viewpoints), Deer Lake’s trails and paddling, and the Burnaby Lake Regional Nature Reserve offer easy urban nature. Birdwatching and short hikes are common, all under a 30-45 minute transit ride from downtown Vancouver.
A diverse dining scene along Kingsway, the Heights and around Metrotown offers affordable international eats and suburban gems. You’ll find solid Vietnamese, Korean and Punjabi spots, plus new cafés in Brentwood and Edmonds for brunch and craft coffee.
Quieter than central Vancouver, Burnaby has date-worthy spots: lakeside walks at Deer Lake, intimate dinners near Brentwood and cozy cafes in the Heights. Affordable mid-range restaurants make for low-stress nights out without the downtown crowds.
Decent for remote work if you want suburban calm: cafés with wifi around Brentwood and coworking options in Metrotown and Brentwood Town Centre. Rents are high compared with smaller cities but cheaper than central Vancouver.
Good regional business base with office clusters in Brentwood and near Metrotown, easy SkyTrain access to Vancouver’s downtown, and a range of mid-priced hotels used by business travelers. Convenient for meetings tied to Greater Vancouver.
Top Things to Do in Burnaby
All Attractions ›
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- Burnaby Village Museum - Open air 1920s village with costumed interpreters, heritage buildings, and seasonal streetcar rides.
- Deer Lake Park - Lakeside trails, public art, and paddling; peaceful urban green space close to downtown.
- Central Park - Large evergreen park with duck ponds, pitch-and-putt, and straightforward jogging paths.
- Simon Fraser University (Burnaby campus) - Perched campus offering sweeping North Shore and inlet views plus wooded walking trails.
- Metropolis at Metrotown - British Columbia's largest mall with extensive shops, food courts, and easy transit access.
- Burnaby Lake Regional Nature Park - Extensive boardwalks and wildlife viewing; excellent birdwatching and canoe launches near the city.
- Byrne Creek Ravine Park - Secluded urban ravine with shaded trails, seasonal streams, and quiet neighbourhood access.
- Shadbolt Centre for the Arts - Community arts hub presenting theatre, music, and classes in intimate performance spaces.
- Bonsor Recreation Complex - Large community centre with pools, fitness facilities, and a busy drop-in schedule.
- The Amazing Brentwood - Open air shopping district with restaurants, terraces, and a rising high-rise skyline.
- Stanley Park (Vancouver) - Vast waterfront park with seawall cycling, Totem Poles, beaches, and Aquarium nearby.
- Capilano Suspension Bridge Park - Suspension bridge, treetop walkways, and interpretive trails across a deep canyon.
- Grouse Mountain - Short gondola ride to alpine trails, wildlife refuge, and seasonal mountain shows.
- Sea to Sky Gondola (Squamish) - Summit viewpoints, cliffside trails, and picnic spots with Howe Sound panoramas.
- Bowen Island - Quaint island reached by short ferry, offering hiking, kayaking, and artisan shops.
Where to Go in Burnaby #
Metrotown
The commercial heart of Burnaby where the SkyTrain drops you into Metropolis mall, dense apartment towers and quick transit links to Vancouver. It’s practical: big shopping, chain restaurants and a large park a short walk away-good if you want convenience and lots of transit options.
Top Spots
- Metropolis at Metrotown - BC’s biggest mall with every chain store and food court options.
- Central Park - big, old-growth park with trails, ponds and a duck-filled pitch-and-putt.
- Crystal Mall - Asian-focused shopping and casual eateries next to Metrotown SkyTrain.
Brentwood
A rapidly changing neighborhood centered on the Brentwood SkyTrain station; think new glass towers, fresh malls and coffee shops. It’s quieter than Metrotown but growing fast-handy for families and people who want newer development with easy transit to downtown Vancouver.
Top Spots
- The Amazing Brentwood - new mixed-use complex with shops, cinemas and restaurants.
- Brentwood Town Centre - older mall and transit hub that’s being redeveloped.
- Brentwood Park - green space tucked between highrises.
Deer Lake
Deer Lake is the cultural and leafy side of Burnaby: museums, arts centre and big parkland around a peaceful lake. It’s where locals go for outdoor concerts, easy walking trails and a slower pace-great if you want green space without leaving the city.
Top Spots
- Burnaby Village Museum - heritage buildings and costumed interpreters on summer weekends.
- Shadbolt Centre for the Arts - local theatre, galleries and community productions.
- Deer Lake Park - lakeside trails, picnic spots and concert lawns.
Burnaby Heights
A small, friendly neighbourhood along Hastings with independent shops, coffee places and weekend farmers’ energy. It feels like a proper local high street-good for strolling, grabbing a pastry and meeting locals away from the chain-store feel of the larger centres.
Top Spots
- Hastings Street shopping strip - independent shops, bakeries and neighbourhood cafés.
- Heights Merchants area - small boutiques and regular community events.
- Local bistros and pubs - handful of well-regarded independent restaurants.
Plan Your Visit to Burnaby #
Best Time to Visit Burnaby #
The best time to visit Burnaby is late spring through early fall (May-September) when rain eases and temperatures are pleasant for hiking, lakeside activities, and neighbourhood exploration. Winters are mild but wet, so plan indoor options if visiting November-March.
Best Time to Visit Burnaby #
Burnaby's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 23°C. Heavy rainfall (2042 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (281 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (194 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (183 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (161 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (202 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (329 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (265 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Burnaby
Burnaby is part of Metro Vancouver and is most easily reached via Vancouver International Airport (YVR) or by rail/bus into Vancouver's Pacific Central Station followed by a short SkyTrain or bus ride. The SkyTrain Expo and Millennium lines provide fast, frequent links from downtown Vancouver into Burnaby's main centres (Metrotown, Brentwood, Lougheed).
Vancouver International Airport (YVR): YVR is the main airport serving Burnaby and Greater Vancouver, located on Sea Island just south of downtown Vancouver. Canada Line SkyTrain runs from YVR to downtown Vancouver (Waterfront/Broadway-City Hall) in about 25 minutes; expect approximately CAD 9 (one-way, approximate including the airport add-on when applicable). Taxis to central Burnaby (e.g., Metrotown) take ~25-35 minutes depending on traffic and cost about CAD 35-50; ride‑hail (Uber/Lyft) fares are similar.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): Some travellers fly into Seattle and transfer overland to Metro Vancouver. The Amtrak Cascades service (Seattle King Street Station → Vancouver Pacific Central Station) takes about 4-4.5 hours and typically costs USD 30-70 one‑way (prices vary by advance purchase and service). From Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station you can take SkyTrain (Expo Line) or a taxi to Burnaby - SkyTrain to Metrotown is about 20-30 minutes.
Train: For intercity rail, Amtrak Cascades and some Via Rail/Amtrak combinations arrive at Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station (downtown Vancouver). From Pacific Central you can transfer to the Expo Line SkyTrain (Stadium-Chinatown or Waterfront via short connection) to reach Burnaby stations such as Commercial-Broadway, Metrotown, Brentwood Town Centre or Lougheed Town Centre; typical SkyTrain rides into central Burnaby are 10-25 minutes depending on the station. Commuter rail (West Coast Express) serves east Vancouver suburbs and stations further east; check schedules and fares as they are commuter-focused.
Bus: Intercity coaches (e.g., FlixBus, Quick Shuttle services) connect Vancouver with other BC cities and the U.S.; they arrive at downtown terminals (Burrard/Georgia stops or Pacific Central) from which you can take TransLink buses or SkyTrain into Burnaby. Within Metro Vancouver, TransLink bus routes serve every Burnaby neighbourhood - key corridors include routes that feed Expo/Millennium Line SkyTrain stations. Local bus single fares align with TransLink’s zone pricing (see TransLink for exact current fares) and typical travel times to/from downtown Vancouver are 20-40 minutes depending on route and traffic.
How to Get Around Burnaby
The easiest way to navigate Burnaby is to combine SkyTrain for medium‑distance trips with local TransLink buses for last‑mile coverage; SkyTrain gets you quickly between town centres and into Vancouver. For late-night or door‑to‑door travel use taxis/ride‑hail; cycling and walking work well inside Burnaby's main hubs but the city is hilly in places so plan accordingly.
- SkyTrain (Expo & Millennium Lines) (2.95-5.35 CAD) - The SkyTrain is the fastest and most reliable way to move between Burnaby and Vancouver. Key Burnaby stations include Metrotown, Patterson, Royal Oak, Brentwood Town Centre and Lougheed Town Centre; travel from Waterfront to Metrotown is about 10-12 minutes. Trains are frequent (every few minutes during peak times) and are best for avoiding road traffic - tap on/off with a Compass card for the lowest fares.
- West Coast Express (commuter rail) (6.50-10.50 CAD (one‑way, approximate)) - West Coast Express runs weekday peak-direction commuter services between downtown Vancouver and communities east of Burnaby (Port Moody, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge). It's commuter-focused (limited departures) and useful if you're coming from those suburbs; Park & Ride and timed bus connections are available at many stations. Tickets are distance-based and pricier than SkyTrain but comfortable for longer commutes.
- TransLink Buses (2.95-5.35 CAD) - TransLink's local buses cover Burnaby comprehensively, feeding SkyTrain stations and serving neighbourhoods off the rapid-transit lines. Frequent trunk routes run along major corridors (e.g., Kingsway, Hastings, Boundary), but some trips in outer areas can be slow in peak traffic. Use the exact route numbers and real-time apps to plan; fares match SkyTrain zone pricing and you can transfer between buses and SkyTrain on a single paid fare window.
- Taxis & Ride‑hailing (Uber/Lyft) (10-50+ CAD) - Taxis and app-based ride‑hail are convenient for door‑to‑door trips, late nights, or when carrying luggage. Short trips inside Burnaby typically cost CAD 10-25; rides to downtown Vancouver or to/from YVR are higher and depend on traffic. Expect surge pricing during peak hours and events - compare with SkyTrain for cost/time tradeoffs.
- Cycling (Varies (bike share or rentals ~CAD 3-20 per hour)) - Burnaby has a mix of separated bike lanes, quieter residential streets, and multi-use paths (e.g., along the Central Valley Greenway) that make cycling a practical option for shorter trips and commuting. Hills can be steep in parts (especially toward Capitol Hill and Burnaby Mountain), so an e-bike helps; secure bike parking is available at many SkyTrain stations. Wear a helmet and be prepared for mixed traffic conditions on some arterial roads.
- Walking - Burnaby's town centres - Metrotown, Brentwood, Lougheed - are compact and very walkable for short errands, dining, and shopping. Sidewalks and pedestrian crossings are generally good in commercial cores but less continuous in industrial or suburban fringes, so plan routes via town-centre corridors. Walking pairs well with SkyTrain - use transit for longer hops and walk the neighbourhoods on foot.
Where to Stay in Burnaby #
- Accent Inns Burnaby - Affordable rooms near Metrotown and SkyTrain access.
- Sandman Hotel Vancouver Metrotown - Comfortable rooms, on-site dining and parking.
- Hilton Vancouver Metrotown - Modern rooms, connected to Metropolis shopping.
- Coast Burnaby Hotel & Suites - Quiet location with breakfast and meeting rooms.
- Fairmont Pacific Rim (Vancouver) - Five-star waterfront rooms and fine dining.
- Pan Pacific Vancouver - Harbourfront location with spacious rooms and views.
- Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown - Central, full-service hotel with fitness centre.
- Accent Inns Burnaby - Easy access to SkyTrain and Metropolis mall.
- Hilton Vancouver Metrotown - Good location for first-time visitors to explore.
- Sandman Hotel Vancouver Metrotown - Family rooms and casual on-site dining available.
- Coast Burnaby Hotel & Suites - Spacious suites and easy mall access.
- Hilton Vancouver Metrotown - Reliable Wi‑Fi and business workspaces.
- Coast Burnaby Hotel & Suites - Good internet, desks, and meeting rooms.
Where to Eat in Burnaby #
Burnaby’s food scene is suburban West Coast: plentiful sushi, salmon-forward dishes and hearty comfort food clustered around Metrotown and Brentwood. This is a practical place to eat - family-run Asian restaurants, mall food courts and a handful of solid bistros keep things varied without pretension.
If you’re exploring, head to Metropolis at Metrotown and the surrounding plazas to sample everything from quick sushi and pho to Punjabi curries and classic BC burgers. Expect good produce, easy takeout and reliable neighbourhood joints rather than a skyscraper of fine dining.
- White Spot (Metropolis at Metrotown) - Classic BC burgers and Triple-O sauce.
- Burnaby Village Museum Tea Room - Heritage-style snacks and baked goods.
- Metrotown Food Court - Pacific Northwest sushi and seafood stalls.
- Shao Lin Noodle House - Szechuan noodles and spicy soups.
- Saffron Restaurant - Comforting Punjabi curries and biryanis.
- La Petite Cuillère - French-style bistro plates and pastries.
- Veggie Grill (Metrotown area) - Plant-forward bowls and burgers.
- Local Markets and Produce Stalls - Fresh BC berries and seasonal greens.
- Neighborhood Cafés - Tofu scrambles and hearty vegetarian sandwiches.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Burnaby's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Burnaby #
Burnaby’s night scene is low‑key compared with nearby Vancouver but perfectly serviceable: think dinner-and-drinks at the big mall hubs, late movies, and a handful of hotel bars and brewpubs. Most action centers on Metrotown and The Amazing Brentwood-you’ll find chains, gastropubs and a few craft-beer options rather than nightclub districts. Practical tip: many places close around 11-12am on weekdays, later on weekends; public transit (SkyTrain) runs late enough to get you back, but plan rides after bars close.
Best Bets
- Metropolis at Metrotown - Big shopping hub with bars, restaurants and a Cineplex VIP cinema.
- Cineplex Cinemas Metropolis VIP - Late films and upscale cinema seating for a quieter night out.
- The Amazing Brentwood - Newer mixed-use complex with restaurants, bars and outdoor patios.
- Brown's Socialhouse - Metrotown - Reliable, casual spot for cocktails and shared plates before hitting bars.
- Earls - Metrotown (Earls Kitchen + Bar) - Chain restaurant with a solid cocktail list and weekend buzz.
- The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Metrotown - Classic late-night steakhouse and bar popular with locals and visitors.
Shopping in Burnaby #
Burnaby is primarily a practical shopper’s city-large malls and neighbourhood strips matter more than boutique shopping. Metropolis at Metrotown is the region’s big, all-under-one-roof destination; Brentwood’s new outdoor centre draws trendier chains and cafes. For independent finds, head to the Burnaby Heights (Hastings Street) and the small shops around Burnaby Village Museum. Expect plentiful Asian groceries and specialty food stalls near Metrotown and Crystal Mall; bargaining isn’t common in mainstream stores, but independent market sellers may haggle lightly.
Best Bets
- Metropolis at Metrotown - Huge indoor mall with every major brand and many food options.
- The Amazing Brentwood - Modern outdoor shopping centre with fashion, dining and rooftop patios.
- Crystal Mall - Asian-focused mall with groceries, eateries and specialty small retailers.
- Burnaby Village Museum Gift Shop - Local crafts, heritage-themed souvenirs and seasonal market events.
- SFU Bookstore (Burnaby Mountain) - Campus bookstore with regional art, books and unique gift items.
- Burnaby Heights (Hastings Street) - Independent boutiques, cafes and antique shops along a lively strip.
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