Wedged between the Fraser River and the Burrard Inlet, Burnaby lies directly east of Vancouver. It was incorporated in 1892 and is now one of the largest cities in British Columbia. In addition to its universities, Burnaby is home to the state’s largest shopping mall and the headquarters of several high-tech companies.
Things to do in Burnaby
For insight into the local history, visit the open-air Burnaby Village Museum, which recreates the area in the 1920s. It comprises more than 30 heritage buildings that include a 1911 tram station and a 1920s barbershop, as well as a replica Chinese herbalist's shop. You can watch a silent movie in the Central Park Theatre or enjoy a ride on the antique C. W. Parker Carousel.
Japanese-Canadian history is preserved at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, which is also home to a tranquil Japanese garden. The centre regularly hosts cooking classes, art activities and martial arts, as well as Japanese language lessons. Coincide your visit with the Nikkei Matsuri, which features live entertainment, family-friendly activities and authentic Japanese cuisine.
Providing habitat for native wildlife is Burnaby Lake, which is surrounded by a park where you can go hiking, canoeing and horseback riding. During your visit, keep your eyes peeled for great blue herons, ospreys and bald eagles, with more than 200 different bird species visiting the lake throughout the year. Also within the park is a nature house and a butterfly garden.
Getting around Burnaby
Burnaby is around 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of Vancouver and 30 minutes from Vancouver International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Burnaby is served by the Expo and Millennium SkyTrain lines, as well as an extensive network of buses. More than 70 kilometres of bicycle paths traverse Burnaby.