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Burnaby is a suburb of Vancouver. It was incorporated in 1892 and achieved City status in 1992. In the first 30 to 40 years after its incorporation, the growth of Burnaby was influenced by its location between expanding urban centres of Vancouver and New Westminster. It first served as a rural agricultural area supplying nearby markets. Later, it served as an important transportation corridor between Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and the Interior of the Province.
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This a north-facing shoreline linear park that is a very popular beach destination in the summer. The western end of the park is a dog off leash area (do not set up your picnic in this part of the park, you will be invaded by off-leash labradors who will eat your sandwiches).
A great activity if you have kids or are into trains. Ride a miniature train on a two mile journey through the forest, over trestles and into tunnels. Total time is 10-15 minutes. There's also an outdoor model railroad that includes replicas of real rolling stock and engines (Canadian Pacific and Burlington Northern), as well as Thomas the Tank Engine.
Burnaby's largest lake, a great place to see wild birds. The park has several entrances and parking lots and provides a nice loop trail around the park. There is a seasonal nature center at the Piper Ave entrance and you can often see beaver and muskrat from the Piper Spit. There is a dog off leash park at near by Warner Loat park.
Enjoy the mountain, water and spectacular views of Greater Vancouver from this green jewel. See the resplendent Rose Gardens, and the collection of Ainu totem pole carvings named the 'Playground of the Gods', representing the goodwill between Burnaby and its sister city Kushiro. It's known as a mountain biking destination, but you can also find many hiking, and walking trails, picnic areas and a children's playground. All trails are labeled with distances, approximate time, and difficulty, so it's easy to follow a hike that suits time available/ability. See this trail map of the area.
Amazing views of Vancouver, Burrard Inlet, the Lions Gate Bridge and the North Shore Mountains. Best sunset viewing spot in town.
A 90-hectare urban park oasis that features an award-winning children's playground, pitch and putt golf, and a couple of small ponds shared by ducks and remote-controlled boats.
Heritage Village
Discover Burnaby urban heritage at an authentic turn of the century town and rekindle romance on the restored vintage 1912 carousel. It is staffed by people dressed in period clothes. You can visit the common houses or the many shops, including the Blacksmith and the Chinese Herbalist. There is also a preserved interurban streetcar retired in the 1950s. It is best to go on the weekend since many of the staff are volunteers and the "town" is somewhat emptier during the week. Saturdays are best.
Burnaby's hidden gem, an almost circular lake in the middle of the city, offering birdspotting opportunities, great views of Metrotown and miles of shoreline walking. Canoe and kayak rentals are also available (see listing under Do).
Exhibits contemporary and historical artwork inside a heritage house.
Offers various programs, theatre performances and festivals.
See entry under "Learn" for further details. While there, take a look at the new residential community, UniverCity, just east of the university, that is being modeled as a sustainable community. Also a good spot to start and end hikes around Burnaby mountain.
Located in picturesque Central Park, Swangard Stadium is home to the BC High School Championships and the former home of the Vancouver Whitecaps.
On the many trails around and on Burnaby Mountain. Also see the bike skills park at the base.
They serve huge dishes of pasta for around $14.
Delis, bakeries, and cafes are found along the Burnaby Heights area. There is a deli/bakery/cafe next to Anton's that is a neighbourhood favourite.
A favourite amongst the locals and voted best in town for some 9 years running, Cockney Kings has been recognized in The British Columbian newspaper and The Georgia Straight as one of the best fish & ship shops in the province. Friendly staff and polite service, and they even wrap their take out in newspaper, just like the old days in England! All you can eat fish & chips is available Monday through Wednesday for only $9.50. You might even see singer Michael Bublé or some Vancouver Canucks alumni, who drop in from time to time to get their fix.
SFU Burnaby Mtn. Only open for lunch and reservations are recommended. Great prices, partly because it's university subsidized.
An Indian restaurant with a contemporary decor, near Metrotown. Excellent Indian food at about $11–15 a plate.
A Thai restaurant serving excellent food at low prices but in an unappealing decor.
A favourite of SFU students. Known for cheap food and drinks and good specials throughout the week.
Serving great pub food, some of the most tasty burgers in pizza in town, while the beer selection could be better, the outdoor patio is perfect for a drink during summer.
Great place to enjoy quality steaks amongst good company. Decorated in tasteful, darker tones, it's an ideal place to enjoy an intimate dinner.
A 3½-star hotel that features hundreds of hanging flower baskets, a fitness room, as well as a jacuzzi and sauna. All rooms have kitchenettes, private baths, AC and the beds feature the highest standard of mattress available in Canada. Wireless internet also available.
Grand Villa Casino
Deluxe suites are extremely comfortable, offering spacious living areas, jacuzzi bathtubs, fridge, coffee maker, and microwave. Service is attentive and friendly.
Choose from a mountain or a city view. The hotel has a 16,000-sq-ft convention centre; fitness facility, and pool.
Children under 12 stay and eat free.
Brentwood Town Centre / Brentwood Mall
A large retail mall toward the north-west of the city.
An Asian mall with mostly Chinese merchants. Crystal Mall is the largest mixed purpose mall in Canada with stores, public market, professional health and education services, Hilton Hotel and residential apartment suites.
For those who enjoy the traditional street front shopping with some local flavour, includes an enticing mix of fine dining, cafes and specialty shops. Look for delis selling delicious cheeses, meats, and baked goods.
Lougheed Mall
Just west of the Burnaby-Coquitlam municipal border, the mall and surrounding buildings are a significant retail area. The mall features over 170 stores including a large drug store (London Drugs), a Bay, Wal-Mart, and Safeway, as well as a large food court.
Metropolis is the second largest Western Canadian mall, behind West Edmonton Mall. Areas to the north and west of the mall are also major retail areas.
By car
Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) is the main thoroughfare in and out of the city.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Vancouver · International · YVR
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