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Overview
Burnaby Heights is a small, walkable neighbourhood in the northern part of Burnaby, British Columbia, sitting just east of Vancouver along Hastings Street. With a population of roughly 8,000, it functions more as a close-knit urban village than a standalone destination, but that is precisely part of its appeal for travellers who want an unhurried, local-feeling contrast to downtown Vancouver.
The neighbourhood's commercial heart is the stretch of Hastings Street sometimes called the "Heights," lined with independent bakeries, butchers, delis, coffee shops, and family-run restaurants that have anchored the community for decades. The Italian-Canadian heritage of the area is still visible in a handful of old-school bakeries and delicatessens.
Burnaby Heights is primarily residential — quiet tree-lined streets, modest mid-century bungalows, and a genuinely neighbourhood-oriented atmosphere. It is not a major tourist destination in the conventional sense, but it rewards travellers who enjoy authentic, everyday urban life and good food at reasonable prices.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Entry requirements for Canada depend on your nationality and method of travel. For accurate, up-to-date information, visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and check the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website before booking.
Climate
Burnaby Heights shares the mild oceanic climate of Metro Vancouver. Summers (June–August) are warm and relatively dry, with temperatures typically in the low-to-mid 20s°C. Winters are mild but grey and rainy, rarely dropping below freezing. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket for any visit outside the summer months.
What to Bring
- A reusable bag for the independent food shops along Hastings
- Cash and cards (most businesses accept both, but some small independents prefer cash — verify locally)
- Comfortable walking shoes; the Heights is best explored on foot
Getting There
Burnaby Heights is not served by a SkyTrain station directly, but it is well connected by public transit from Vancouver and across Burnaby.
From Downtown Vancouver
TransLink bus routes along Hastings Street connect central Vancouver to Burnaby Heights relatively quickly. The trip from downtown Vancouver to the Heights corridor can take roughly 20–30 minutes by bus depending on traffic and the specific stop. Verify current routes, fares, and schedules at the official TransLink website (translink.ca) before travelling.
By Car
Hastings Street is a major arterial road and driving from downtown Vancouver takes around 15–20 minutes in normal traffic. Street parking exists along the commercial strip; availability varies by time of day. Verify any parking signage carefully, as Burnaby parking regulations apply.
Nearest Airport
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the primary gateway for the region. From YVR, travellers can reach Burnaby Heights by SkyTrain (Canada Line to Waterfront, then bus transfer) or by taxi/rideshare. Journey time varies; verify transit options at translink.ca.
Getting Around
The commercial strip of Burnaby Heights along Hastings Street is compact and entirely walkable. Most visitors can cover the main shopping and dining stretch on foot within an hour or two.
For travel beyond the immediate neighbourhood — to Burnaby Mountain, Central Park, or into Vancouver — TransLink buses are the most practical option for those without a car. Cycling is feasible on some routes, and bike-share options from Vancouver's Mobi system may be available in parts of the area; verify current coverage at mobibikes.ca.
Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) operate throughout Metro Vancouver including Burnaby, and are a convenient option for evening travel or reaching destinations not well served by transit.
Things to See & Do
Explore the Hastings Street Strip
The main draw is simply walking the commercial stretch of Hastings Street through the Heights. Independent grocers, long-standing delis, butcher shops, Italian bakeries, and coffee houses give the area a distinctly neighbourhood feel that larger commercial districts lack. It is a good place to assemble a picnic or stock up on provisions.
Nearby Parks
Willingdon Heights Park and several smaller green spaces are within easy walking distance and offer a quiet place to sit. For more substantial green space, Confederation Park — with sports fields, a community centre, and pleasant walking paths — is close to the neighbourhood boundary.
Day Trips From the Heights
Burnaby Heights works well as a base or a stop within a broader Burnaby itinerary. Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, the Burnaby Village Museum (an outdoor heritage museum — confirm hours and admission at burnabyvillagemuseum.ca), and Deer Lake Park are all reachable by transit or car within 15–25 minutes.
Food & Drink
Food is genuinely the main reason to visit Burnaby Heights. The neighbourhood has built a quiet reputation for quality, independent food businesses that serve residents rather than tourists, which generally means better value and authenticity.
What to Look For
- Italian and European bakeries and delis: A legacy of the area's Italian-Canadian community; look for fresh bread, cured meats, and pastries along the Hastings strip.
- Independent coffee shops: Several neighbourhood cafés offer a relaxed, non-chain atmosphere.
- Casual dining: The Heights has a range of casual restaurants covering various cuisines reflecting the multicultural character of Metro Vancouver.
Specific business names, hours, and prices change over time — explore the strip on arrival and ask locals for current recommendations. Online review platforms and Google Maps can help identify what is currently open and well regarded before your visit.
Practical Notes
The neighbourhood is not known for fine dining or upscale cocktail bars. If that is a priority for your trip, downtown Vancouver or nearby Commercial Drive in East Vancouver will offer more options.
Shopping
Shopping in Burnaby Heights is centred on independent, everyday retail rather than boutiques or souvenir shops. The Hastings Street corridor includes specialty food shops, a few independent hardware and household goods stores, and small service businesses that reflect the neighbourhood's working residential character.
Travellers looking for gifts or edible souvenirs will find the best options in the food shops — packaged baked goods, specialty Italian grocery items, and locally made provisions. For mainstream retail, nearby Brentwood Town Centre or destinations in Vancouver proper offer significantly more choice.
Practical Information
Money
Canada's currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). ATMs are available along the Hastings Street strip. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Metro Vancouver, including contactless payment. Some smaller independent shops may prefer cash — verify locally.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage across Metro Vancouver, including Burnaby Heights, is generally strong with all major Canadian carriers. Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafés.
Emergency Services
In any emergency in Canada, dial 911 for police, fire, or ambulance. For non-emergency police matters in Burnaby, contact the RCMP Burnaby Detachment — verify the current non-emergency number before travel.
Useful Resources
- TransLink (transit): translink.ca
- City of Burnaby: burnaby.ca
- Tourism Vancouver (broader regional visitor information): tourismvancouver.com
Safety
Burnaby Heights is a stable, family-oriented residential neighbourhood and is generally considered safe for visitors. Standard urban precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, secure valuables, and avoid leaving items visible in parked vehicles.
Like other parts of the Hastings Street corridor in the broader region, you may encounter individuals experiencing homelessness or substance-related issues, particularly moving toward the western end of Hastings closer to Vancouver. This is rarely a safety concern for visitors but is worth noting for those unfamiliar with the area.
For the most current local safety information, consult the Burnaby RCMP website or ask your accommodation host.
