Overview
Burnaby is the third-largest city in British Columbia by population and sits immediately east of Vancouver, forming part of the Metro Vancouver regional district. Despite its urban density, Burnaby retains a surprising amount of green space — roughly one-third of its land is parkland — giving it a character that blends suburban livability with genuine outdoor opportunity.
The city is home to two major post-secondary institutions (Simon Fraser University and BCIT), a significant film and television production industry, and one of the largest shopping centres in Canada. Its residential neighbourhoods are ethnically diverse, and that diversity is reflected clearly in the local restaurant scene and community events.
Burnaby is rarely treated as a destination in its own right by international visitors, but travellers who look beyond its reputation as a Vancouver suburb will find quality museums, well-maintained parks, and a functioning city with its own distinct identity. It is a practical and often more affordable base for exploring the broader Metro Vancouver area.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Entry requirements for Canada depend on your nationality and travel document. For authoritative, up-to-date visa and entry information, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Do not rely on third-party summaries for visa decisions.
What to Pack
- Burnaby's weather is mild but wet outside of summer. A waterproof jacket is useful year-round.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended; many park trails and the SFU campus involve elevation changes.
- A reusable transit card (Compass Card) for the SkyTrain is worth picking up at any major station or on arrival at YVR.
Health and Insurance
British Columbia has a public healthcare system for residents, but visitors are not covered. Comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly advised. Verify your coverage before travel. Pharmacies are widely available throughout Burnaby.
Getting There
By Air
The closest airport is Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Richmond, approximately 25–35 minutes from central Burnaby by SkyTrain (Canada Line to Waterfront, then Expo Line east). Confirm current travel times with TransLink, as schedules vary.
By Train / SkyTrain
Burnaby is well-served by TransLink's Expo Line, with several stations including Metrotown, Joyce-Collingwood, and Production Way-University. This makes arriving from downtown Vancouver straightforward without a car.
By Bus
Greyhound and regional coach services connect Metro Vancouver to points across Canada and the US, though intercity bus options in BC have reduced in recent years. Verify current routes and operators before travel.
By Car
Burnaby is accessible via Highway 1 (Trans-Canada) and the Lougheed Highway. Driving from downtown Vancouver takes roughly 20–40 minutes depending on traffic. Parking availability and cost vary by neighbourhood; verify locally.
Getting Around
Public Transit
TransLink's SkyTrain Expo Line is the backbone of transit in Burnaby, connecting the city efficiently to Vancouver and Coquitlam. An extensive bus network fills in gaps not covered by rail. A reusable Compass Card is the most convenient way to pay fares; verify current fare prices at translink.ca or ticket machines.
Cycling
Burnaby has a growing cycling network, though some routes can be hilly — particularly near SFU and Burnaby Mountain. Bike-share options may be available; check current availability locally.
On Foot
Metrotown, Edmonds, and the Deer Lake area are walkable within their respective neighbourhoods. SFU's Burnaby Mountain campus requires either a dedicated bus (route 145 from Production Way-University SkyTrain) or a car; it is not practical to walk to from the SkyTrain.
By Car
A car is convenient for reaching Burnaby Mountain Park, Belcarra Regional Park, and some residential neighbourhoods, but is not required for the main attractions. Traffic on Kingsway and Canada Way can be congested during peak hours.
Things to See & Do
Parks and Nature
- Burnaby Mountain Park and Conservation Area – Surrounding the SFU campus, this park offers forested trails, totem poles by Musqueam artist Simon Charlie and Kwakwaka'wakw artist Ellen Neel (verify attribution locally), and panoramic views of the Lower Mainland and Indian Arm.
- Deer Lake Park – A popular urban park with a lake, walking trails, picnic areas, and direct access to the Burnaby Village Museum and the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts.
- Central Park (Burnaby) – A large forested park near Metrotown with a pitch-and-putt golf course, sports facilities, and walking paths.
Museums and Culture
- Burnaby Village Museum – An outdoor living-history museum recreating a 1920s BC village, including a restored carousel. Particularly popular in December for its seasonal lighting event. Verify current admission fees and hours at burnabyvillagemuseum.ca.
- Shadbolt Centre for the Arts – A community arts centre adjacent to Deer Lake offering gallery space, performances, and classes. Check their current programming before visiting.
- Simon Fraser University (SFU) Burnaby Campus – The brutalist concrete architecture by Arthur Erickson and Geoff Massey is considered a significant work of Canadian modernism. The campus is open to visitors and the SFU Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology is located here (verify current hours).
Entertainment
- Metrotown (Metropolis at Metrotown) – One of Canada's largest shopping and entertainment complexes, with a cinema multiplex and extensive dining options.
- Swangard Stadium – A community sports venue used for soccer and other events; check local listings for current programming.
Food & Drink
Burnaby's dining scene reflects its multicultural population. Kingsway — the diagonal corridor running between Vancouver and New Westminster through Burnaby — is particularly dense with Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and South Asian restaurants. The stretch around Metrotown and the Joyce-Collingwood area offers a wide range of price points.
What to Look For
- Vietnamese – Pho and bánh mì spots are plentiful, particularly along Kingsway. Quality varies; asking locals for current recommendations is worthwhile.
- Korean – The area around Metrotown has a notable concentration of Korean BBQ restaurants and Korean-style bakeries.
- Chinese and Dim Sum – Given the large Cantonese and Mandarin-speaking population, dim sum and Cantonese seafood restaurants are well represented.
- Grocery and Food Halls – T&T Supermarket (a major Asian grocery chain) has a location in Metrotown and is a useful stop for affordable prepared foods and snacks.
For craft beer, Burnaby has several local breweries; verify current locations and hours locally as the craft beer landscape shifts frequently. Alcohol is sold through BC Liquor Stores and private licensees; hours and availability vary.
Shopping
Metropolis at Metrotown is the dominant shopping destination in Burnaby and one of the largest malls in Canada by retail space. It includes department stores, international and Canadian retail chains, a large food court, and specialty shops. It is easily reached via the Metrotown SkyTrain station.
Crystal Mall, also near Metrotown, is a smaller indoor mall with a strong concentration of Asian-Canadian businesses, food stalls, and specialty grocery options — a more locally-oriented experience than the main Metrotown complex.
Beyond malls, Kingsway has independent retailers, bakeries, and specialty food shops. Big-box retail is concentrated along Lougheed Highway and Boundary Road. There is no single defined outdoor high-street shopping district comparable to what you might find in some other cities of similar size.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in Canada, dial 911 for police, fire, or ambulance.
Money
ATMs are widely available, particularly around SkyTrain stations and the Metrotown complex. Most businesses accept major credit and debit cards. Contactless payment is common. Tipping 15–20% is customary at sit-down restaurants and for taxi/rideshare services.
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafés, the Metrotown mall, and Burnaby Public Library branches. Mobile coverage from Canada's major carriers (Telus, Rogers, Bell) is reliable throughout the city. Visitors may want a local SIM or temporary data plan; verify options on arrival at YVR or in Metrotown.
Accessibility
SkyTrain stations and newer commercial buildings are generally accessible. Burnaby's hilly terrain (particularly near SFU) can present challenges for mobility-impaired visitors. Contact individual venues to confirm specific accessibility provisions.
Burnaby Public Library
The library has multiple branches and offers free public internet access. It can be a useful resource for printed local maps and community information.
Safety
Burnaby is generally considered a safe city. Routine urban precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, particularly late at night in less-trafficked areas, and secure valuables in your vehicle and accommodation.
The Metrotown area and some sections of Kingsway have seen property crime in recent years; this is consistent with patterns across Metro Vancouver's commercial corridors. Visitors should exercise normal vigilance but need not be alarmed.
For non-emergency police matters, contact the RCMP Burnaby detachment (verify contact details locally or at the City of Burnaby website). Pharmacies are accessible for minor medical needs, and urgent care and walk-in clinics operate in the city — verify current locations and hours locally, as these change.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Burnaby sits on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the həṃəṃ́əṃ (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Visitors are encouraged to learn about the ongoing presence and culture of these communities.
The city's population is highly diverse, with large communities of East and Southeast Asian heritage, South Asian heritage, and recent immigrants from many parts of the world. This diversity shapes everyday culture in Burnaby from food and religious institutions to community festivals and public art.
Burnaby hosts various annual community events, including those centred on cultural heritage and seasonal occasions. The Deer Lake area and the Shadbolt Centre serve as hubs for the performing and visual arts. SFU's campus also periodically hosts public lectures, exhibitions, and cultural programming — check their website for current events before visiting.
