12 Best Things to Do in Burnaby, BC

Summary of Top Attractions in Burnaby 2025:

Burnaby in British Columbia is Vancouver’s lesser-known next door neighbor. This ever-growing city is home to picturesque parks, family-friendly tourist attractions, and plenty of shopping opportunities.

Located east of Vancouver, within the Lower Mainland, Burnaby is British Columbia’s third largest city (after Vancouver and Surrey), with a population of approximately 223,000 people. The city takes its name from the merchant businessman Robert Burnaby, who explored the Burnaby Lake area in 1859.

Burnaby is easily reachable by transit from downtown Vancouver, taking only 15 minutes via the SkyTrain, which services most of the city through the Expo and Millennium lines.

Catch a Concert at Deer Lake Park

Home to more than 200 parks, Burnaby boasts that 25% of its land is designated as open space or parkland, making its ratio of parkland to residents one of the highest in North America. Deer Lake Park is one of the most renowned parks in the city. Visitors can enjoy scenic boardwalks around the lake for gentle walks and explore a cultural hub featuring the Burnaby Art Gallery, Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Burnaby Village Museum, and Hart House Restaurant. During the summer, a series of concerts are held here, where music lovers can enjoy picnics while big-name bands perform.

Take a Train Ride at Burnaby Central Railway

In 1929, a group of miniature railway enthusiasts formed a model engineering club, leading to the opening of a public track in 1975 at the Burnaby Village Museum. As the tracks expanded, Burnaby Parks assisted the club in relocating to an old municipal works yard. The current site opened in the early ’90s and operates between Easter and Thanksgiving during weekends and holidays. The Burnaby Central Railway offers rides on scale models of steam, diesel, and electric trains from around the world. Visitors can hop on for a scenic ride or explore the Garden Railway to view miniature trains on their tracks.

Discover Modernist Architecture at SFU

A visit to the Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Burnaby reveals architecture featured in various films, from “I, Robot” to “Catwoman.” The Brutalist Modernist style campus, designed by renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erikson, was established in the 1960s atop Burnaby Mountain. Visitors can also explore the Museum of Archeology and Ethnology for educational insights into artifacts from around the globe, particularly from British Columbia.

Eat Your Way Around Big Bend

Situated within Boundary Road to Fenwick Street and bounded by Marine Drive, Big Bend serves as the agricultural heart of Burnaby. The self-guided Big Bend Farm Trail allows visitors to sample fresh produce grown in the area, ranging from cranberries to zucchinis. For a map of participating farms and nurseries, visit the website.

Bask in Breathtaking Views at Burnaby Mountain

While smaller than Vancouver’s North Shore giants, Burnaby Mountain stands at 370 meters (1213 feet) tall, offering stunning views of surrounding mountains, Burrard Inlet, and the city of Vancouver. Whether cycling or hiking through the forested trails, visitors can also enjoy stunning sunsets by the Kamui Mintara (Playground of the Gods) sculptures. Created by Japanese artists Nuburi Toko and his son, Shusei, these wooden poles signify goodwill between Burnaby and its sister city, Kushiro, Japan. Seasonal attractions include the Centennial Rose Garden’s 900 fragrant bushes and summer eco-sculptures crafted from foliage.

Go Shopping in Metropolis at Metrotown

Metropolis at Metrotown is the largest mall in the Lower Mainland and among the largest in Canada. Home to 359 stores, the mall frequently hosts special events and art installations. It’s not uncommon for locals to visit solely for the culinary offerings, such as Uncle Tetsu’s Japanese Cheesecake, which often has a line of eager customers.

Learn about Japanese Canadian culture at Nikkei Place

Address

6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC V5E 4M7, Canada

Nikkei Place, which includes a Japanese Canadian cultural center, the Nikkei National Museum, a community center, and a Japanese Canadian garden, plays a significant role in local history. Visitors to the Museum can discover more about the Japanese Canadian experience and how it is recognized and preserved.

See a Show at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts

Address

6450 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby, BC V5G 2J3, Canada

The award-winning Shadbolt Centre for the Arts is notable for its innovative wood and stone design, which includes a natural 10,000-seat amphitheater for summer concerts held in Deer Lake Park.

Get Artsy at Burnaby Art Gallery

Address

6344 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby, BC V5G 2J3, Canada

Situated in a heritage home near Deer Lake Park, the Burnaby Art Gallery is the only gallery in Canada dedicated to works on paper. Featuring both contemporary and historic artworks, the gallery also offers public programs related to current exhibits, providing engaging activities for visitors, particularly younger audiences.

Play Golf With a View

Burnaby features two public golf courses: Burnaby Mountain Golf Course and Riverway Golf Course. Both offer 18 holes amidst beautiful scenery. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a leisurely game at the pitch and putt in Central Park.

Explore Central Park’s Urban Oasis

Founded in 1891, Central Park is just minutes from Metrotown, providing an urban oasis with 90 hectares of large Douglas fir, western hemlock, cedar, poplar, and maple groves. The park is well-known for its diverse range of sports and recreation facilities, featuring tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, horseshoe pitch, and a pitch-and-putt golf course.

Go Back in Time at Burnaby Village Museum

Address

6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby, BC V5G 3T6, Canada

Experience history in action at the Burnaby Village Museum, where streets transform into a 1920s tram-stop community filled with costumed townsfolk welcoming visitors to their homes, businesses, and shops. Interact with the blacksmith, witness the workings of the print shop, or visit the historic General Store. Highlights include the restored Interurban #1223 and the charming 1912 CW Parker Carousel, alongside picnic tables and concession options for visitors.