Overview
Metrotown is a dense, transit-oriented neighbourhood in Burnaby, British Columbia, sitting roughly at the geographic centre of Metro Vancouver. Its name doubles as that of a SkyTrain station on the Expo Line, making it one of the most accessible urban nodes in the region. The area grew rapidly around the Metropolis at Metrotown mall — consistently ranked among the largest shopping centres in Canada — and has since evolved into a high-rise residential and commercial district that feels distinctly different from the leafier suburbs surrounding it.
The neighbourhood is practical rather than picturesque. Visitors come primarily for shopping, affordable dining, and convenient transit connections rather than for heritage attractions or natural scenery. That said, the mix of cultures reflected in the food options, grocery stores, and community spaces gives Metrotown a genuine, lived-in character that rewards curious travellers willing to look beyond the mall.
Burnaby as a whole is a City of 250,000-plus residents that borders Vancouver to the east and shares its rain-shadow climate. Metrotown functions as Burnaby's de facto commercial downtown, hosting city services, community facilities, and a growing arts presence alongside its retail core.
Before You Go
Entry and Visas
Canada has specific entry requirements that vary by nationality. For up-to-date visa and eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) information, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website before booking.
Health and Insurance
British Columbia has an excellent public healthcare system, but it does not cover international visitors. Travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Pharmacies are plentiful in and around the Metropolis mall if you need minor supplies.
What to Pack
- Rain gear year-round. Burnaby averages around 1,500 mm of precipitation annually, much of it falling as light rain from October through April.
- Layered clothing works well; temperatures rarely drop below −5 °C in winter or exceed 30 °C in summer.
- A reusable bag is useful — British Columbia charges a fee for single-use plastic bags at retail.
Getting There
By SkyTrain
The easiest way to reach Metrotown from downtown Vancouver or Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the Expo Line SkyTrain. The Metrotown station sits directly below the Metropolis mall. From downtown Vancouver the journey takes roughly 20 minutes; from YVR (via the Canada Line connecting at Commercial–Broadway) allow around 40–50 minutes. Verify current fares and schedules with TransLink (translink.ca).
By Bus
Multiple TransLink bus routes serve the Metrotown exchange adjacent to the SkyTrain station, connecting surrounding Burnaby neighbourhoods and municipalities. The exchange is one of the busiest surface bus hubs in the region.
By Car
Metrotown is accessible from Highway 1 (Trans-Canada) via several exits. Parking is available in the Metropolis at Metrotown parkade and at surrounding municipal lots; the area experiences heavy congestion on weekends and holidays. Street parking in the immediate retail core is limited.
By Taxi or Rideshare
Rideshare services including Uber and Lyft operate in Metro Vancouver and serve Metrotown. Drop-off points near the mall entrances are clearly marked.
Getting Around
Metrotown's core is compact enough to cover on foot. The Metropolis mall, adjacent big-box stores, and the SkyTrain station are all within a few minutes' walk of each other. Burnaby's street grid extends into residential areas that are easy to navigate on foot or by bike.
The Mobi bike-share network (operated in Metro Vancouver) has limited coverage in Burnaby; verify current docking station locations on the Mobi website. The broader Burnaby area is better explored by bus or SkyTrain if you plan to visit Central Park, Deer Lake, or Burnaby Mountain.
For destinations across Metro Vancouver — Richmond, New Westminster, Coquitlam, or downtown Vancouver — the SkyTrain Expo Line and connecting routes make car-free travel genuinely practical.
Things to See & Do
Metropolis at Metrotown
The mall itself is a destination for many visitors. With well over 400 stores and services spread across multiple levels, it includes major Canadian and international retailers, a large food court, a cinema multiplex, and a grocery anchor. Even travellers not focused on shopping may find it a useful, weatherproof base.
Central Park Burnaby
A short bus or walk south of Metrotown, Central Park is a 90-hectare green space with walking and running trails, a pitch-and-putt golf course, tennis courts, an outdoor pool (seasonal — verify hours locally), and mature forest that feels surprisingly removed from the surrounding urban density. It is one of the most accessible large parks in Metro Vancouver.
Bonsor Recreation Complex
Located immediately adjacent to the Metrotown SkyTrain station, the Bonsor Recreation Complex is a City of Burnaby facility offering an indoor pool, fitness centre, ice rink (seasonal), and program spaces. Day passes are available; confirm current fees and hours on the City of Burnaby website.
Deer Lake Park and Burnaby Village Museum
A 15–20 minute bus ride northwest of Metrotown, Deer Lake Park offers lakeside walking, picnic areas, and the Burnaby Village Museum — a living history site depicting early 20th-century BC life. The Shadbolt Centre for the Arts nearby hosts rotating exhibitions and performances. Verify admission and seasonal hours with the City of Burnaby before visiting.
Exploring the Neighbourhood
The residential streets east and south of the mall have seen dramatic transformation in recent years. Walking the area reveals the tension between older low-rise housing and new high-rise development — an ongoing story of urban densification playing out in real time.
Food & Drink
Metrotown's dining scene is shaped by Burnaby's highly diverse population, with a particularly strong East and Southeast Asian culinary presence. The Metropolis food court is one of the largest in Canada and offers a genuine cross-section of cuisines at accessible price points.
What to Look For
- East Asian cuisine: Cantonese dim sum, Hong Kong-style cafés (cha chaan teng), Japanese ramen and sushi, Korean BBQ, and Taiwanese bubble tea shops are all well represented along Kingsway and in the surrounding blocks.
- South and Southeast Asian options: Several restaurants along Kingsway serve Indian, Sri Lankan, and Vietnamese cuisines.
- Grocery shopping: T&T Supermarket (inside Metropolis) is one of the best pan-Asian supermarkets in Canada and is worth a visit even if you are not self-catering.
Kingsway Corridor
Kingsway, the diagonal arterial road passing through Metrotown, is lined with independent restaurants, bakeries, and cafés that collectively reflect Burnaby's multicultural character. It rewards slow exploration on foot or by bus.
Alcohol
British Columbia has government and private liquor stores; a BC Liquor Store is located within the Metropolis mall area. The legal drinking age in BC is 19.
Shopping
Shopping is the primary draw for most visitors to Metrotown. Metropolis at Metrotown anchors the area with a broad retail mix including Canadian chains (Hudson's Bay, Simons, Sport Chek, Indigo), international fast fashion brands, electronics, and a substantial food and pharmacy offer.
Beyond the mall, a ring of big-box and specialty retailers occupies the surrounding blocks — including home goods, electronics, and auto-related stores. Several Asian supermarkets and specialty grocery stores in the area offer ingredients and products that are difficult to find elsewhere in Metro Vancouver.
Note that British Columbia's PST (Provincial Sales Tax) of 7% applies to most retail purchases in addition to the 5% federal GST, for a combined tax of 12% on most goods. Groceries (basic food items) are generally GST/PST exempt; verify with the Canada Revenue Agency or your retailer for specifics.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs are plentiful inside and around Metropolis. Most businesses accept major credit and debit cards; contactless payment is widely supported. Cash is less commonly needed but still accepted everywhere.
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is available inside Metropolis at Metrotown. Canadian mobile carriers have excellent LTE/5G coverage throughout the area. Short-term SIM cards can be purchased at carrier stores inside the mall.
Emergency Numbers
- Emergency (police, fire, ambulance): 911
- Non-emergency police (Burnaby RCMP): Verify the current number on the Burnaby RCMP detachment website
Useful Contacts
- TransLink trip planning: translink.ca
- City of Burnaby parks and recreation: burnaby.ca
- BC211: Dial 2-1-1 for community and social services information across BC
Accessibility
The Metrotown SkyTrain station and Metropolis mall are generally well equipped for mobility-impaired visitors, with elevators, accessible washrooms, and level retail floors. Verify specific facility details locally.
Safety
Metrotown and the surrounding Burnaby area are generally safe and busy urban environments. The mall and SkyTrain station see high foot traffic throughout the day, which contributes to a sense of activity and oversight.
As with any transit hub in a large metropolitan area, be mindful of personal belongings, particularly on busy transit platforms and in crowded food courts. The blocks immediately east of the mall along Kingsway can feel quieter at night; standard urban awareness applies.
Burnaby is policed by the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police). In any emergency, dial 911.
