Burnaby
· CA

Burnaby

Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Discover Burnaby: Vancouver's Vibrant Backyard Just across the water from Vancouver, Burnaby offers a vibrant blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. Don't be fooled by its proximity to its famous neighbour; Burnab…

#Suburban#Metro Vancouver#Simon Fraser University#Shopping#Parks
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Burnaby.

Top Hotels in Burnaby

Top Flights to Burnaby

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Burnaby.

Tours

Burnaby Mountain Park

A scenic park offering panoramic views of the city and hiking trails.

Shopping

Metropolis at Metrotown

The largest shopping mall in British Columbia.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers
Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Burnaby.

Currency
$ | CAD | Canadian Dollar
Population
The approximate estimated total population of Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada is '0.25 million'.
Languages
English, English, French
Average weather
Burnaby
Jan
rain
6°1°
Feb
rain
8°1°
Mar
cloud
11°3°
Apr
cloud
14°5°
May
cloud
18°8°
Jun
sun
21°11°
Jul
sun
24°13°
Aug
sun
24°13°
Sep
cloud
20°10°
Oct
rain
14°7°
Nov
rain
9°3°
Dec
rain
6°1°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Burnaby.

What people love

Burnaby, located in British Columbia, Canada, offers visitors a variety of attractions and activities to enjoy. Here are some pros of traveling to Burnaby:

  1. Nature and Parks: Burnaby is known for its abundant green spaces, parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore places like Burnaby Mountain, Central Park, and Deer Lake Park for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying nature.

  2. Shopping and Dining: Burnaby is home to several shopping malls, including Metropolis at Metrotown, one of the largest malls in Canada. Visitors can shop for a wide range of products and enjoy diverse dining options in the city.

  3. Cultural Attractions: Burnaby is rich in cultural attractions, such as the Burnaby Village Museum, showcasing the history of the region, and the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, offering various performances and exhibitions.

  4. Outdoor Activities: Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for activities like biking, kayaking, golfing, and skiing (in the nearby mountains during winter) in and around Burnaby.

  5. Convenient Location: Burnaby is situated close to Vancouver, making it easy for visitors to explore both cities and their attractions. The city is well-connected by public transportation, including SkyTrain, making it convenient to travel around.

Overall, Burnaby offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, shopping, dining, and outdoor activities, making it a great destination for travelers looking for a diverse and enjoyable vacation experience.

What to know

Traveling to Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, does have some potential cons that visitors should be aware of:

  1. Weather: Burnaby experiences a temperate coastal climate, which means it can be quite rainy, especially in the fall and winter months. This could affect outdoor activities and sightseeing.

  2. Traffic congestion: Burnaby is a busy city with significant traffic congestion, especially during rush hours. Navigating the city by car can be challenging, and parking may be limited in certain areas.

  3. Cost of living: British Columbia, in general, has a higher cost of living compared to other provinces in Canada. This could translate to higher prices for accommodations, dining, and activities in Burnaby.

  4. Crowds: Burnaby is a popular destination for both tourists and locals, especially during peak travel seasons. This could result in crowded attractions, restaurants, and public spaces.

  5. Air quality: Like many urban areas, Burnaby may have issues with air pollution, especially during certain times of the year. Visitors with respiratory issues may want to take this into consideration.

  6. Limited public transportation: While Burnaby does have public transportation options, such as buses and SkyTrain, the coverage may not be as extensive as in larger cities like Vancouver. This could make getting around the city more challenging for visitors.

These are some potential cons to consider when traveling to Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.

Burnaby is a city located in the province of British Columbia, Canada. It is part of the Greater Vancouver area and is situated to the east of Vancouver. Here is a detailed history of Burnaby, including significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Early History

  • Indigenous Peoples: The area that is now Burnaby has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The Coast Salish peoples, particularly the Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam Nations, have historical ties to the land.

19th Century

  • Establishment: Burnaby was named after Robert Burnaby, a private secretary to Colonel Richard Moody, who was the first Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. Robert Burnaby explored the area in 1859.

  • Development: The region began developing in the late 19th century. In 1891, Burnaby was officially incorporated as a district municipality.

20th Century

  • Urbanization: The early 20th century saw significant urbanization and development. The completion of the tram line in 1891 connected Burnaby to Vancouver, spurring residential growth.

  • World Wars: Burnaby played a role during the World Wars, with industries supporting the war efforts.

  • Post-War Development: After World War II, Burnaby experienced rapid suburban growth. The population increased, and infrastructure expanded to accommodate the growing community.

  • City Status: In 1992, Burnaby was officially designated as a city.

Significant Events

  • Metropolis at Metrotown: One of the largest shopping malls in Canada, Metropolis at Metrotown, opened in the early 1980s, becoming a significant economic and social hub.

  • Simon Fraser University: SFU, established in 1965 on Burnaby Mountain, is a major educational institution and has contributed to the cultural and intellectual development of the region.

Historical Figures

  • Robert Burnaby: The city’s namesake, he was instrumental in the early exploration and mapping of the area.
  • Michael J. Fox: The acclaimed actor grew up in Burnaby and his contributions to acting and Parkinson’s disease research are well recognized.

Important Landmarks

  • Burnaby Village Museum: This open-air museum represents a typical tram-stop community of the 1920s and includes heritage buildings and a vintage carousel.

  • Deer Lake Park: A cultural and recreational area that includes the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts and Burnaby Art Gallery.

  • Burnaby Mountain: Home to Simon Fraser University and offers scenic views of the city and surrounding areas.

  • Central Park: A large urban park that provides recreational facilities and natural settings.

Burnaby has grown from a rural area to a bustling urban center, playing a crucial role in the Greater Vancouver region's development. The city continues to be a vibrant and diverse community, balancing urban life with natural beauty.