Complete Travel Guide to Burnaby, Canada

Burnaby Burnaby is a city in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, Canada. Located in the centre of the Burrard Peninsula, it neighbours the City of Vancouver to the west, the District of North Vancouver across the confluence of the Burrard Inlet with its Indian Arm to the north, Port Moody and Coquitlam to the east, New Westminster and Surrey across the Fraser River to the southeast, and Richmond on Lulu Island to the southwest. It has a population of 249,125 as of the 2021 census. Positioned at coordinates 49.26636°N, -122.95263°E, Burnaby occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Burnaby place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 370.0 meters above sea level, Burnaby benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of Burnaby creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 249125 residents, Burnaby maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Burnaby represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Burnaby reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout Canada, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of British Columbia province, Burnaby contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines Canada's regional character. The role of Burnaby in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Burnaby discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of Canada while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of Burnaby

History #Pre-colonial (before 1850) Early inhabitants were the Halkomelem\- and Squamish-speaking Coast Salish Nations Local landmarks such as Burnaby Mountain, Deer Lake, and Brunette River feature prominently in Indigenous history passed down through oral traditions.

The northern shorelines of Burnaby, along the second narrows of Burrard Inlet was the site of an ancient battle between the attacking Lekwiltok and the defending Musqueam according to Chief Charlie Qiyəplenəxw The Coast Salish people living in BC and Washington state numbered more than 100,000 people, a level of population density supported by agriculture in other geographies.

Techniques to preserve and store surplus food sustained a hierarchical society Burnaby's marshlands along its rivers and lakes were cranberry harvesting areas for numerous villages, some numbering over 1,000 residents Indigenous people travelled through Burnaby to reach the mouth of Brunette and Fraser River for the bountiful fishing seasons, eulachon in the spring and sockeye salmon in the late summer.

Early European explorers and fur traders introduced diseases that decimated the Indigenous population This false appearance of Burnaby as a vast open space, along with traditional Indigenous farming techniques which did not permanently alter the landscape, meant Indigenous land in Burnaby was mislabelled as terra nullius.

#Incorporation (1850–1990) The Fraser Canyon Gold Rush of 1858, the first of many gold rushes in British Columbia, brought over 30,000 fortune seekers, including many American miners The fear of an impending annexation by the United States led to the creation of the Colony of British Columbia in 1858 and the establishment of New Westminster as its capital.

Settlers in Burnaby acquired land through a process called pre-emption which allowed people to claim a piece of land by clearing forests and building houses Indigenous people were excluded from pre-emption Royal Engineers dispossessed land from Indigenous people with the assistance of military force including the original routes of North Road, Kingsway, Canada Way, and Marine Drive.

Logging permits given to settlers destroyed the forests of southern Burnaby which had provided vital sustenance for Indigenous people The City of Burnaby is named after Burnaby Lake, in turn named after Robert Burnaby, who was a Freemason, explorer, and legislator.

He was previously private secretary to Colonel Richard Moody, the first land commissioner for the Colony of British of Columbia In 1859, Burnaby surveyed a freshwater lake in the city's geographic centre Moody named it Burnaby Lake Burnaby was established in 1891 and incorporated a year later in 1892.

In the same year, the interurban tram connecting Vancouver, Burnaby, and New Westminster began construction #Recent The expanding urban centres of Vancouver and New Westminster influenced the growth of Burnaby It developed as an agricultural area supp.

The historical trajectory of Burnaby demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in Burnaby reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in Burnaby remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

Geography and land use Central Burnaby, Capitol Hill and the North Shore mountains, as seen from Deer Lake Park Burnaby occupies 96. The mountainous terrain surrounding Burnaby creates unique microclimates and provides natural resources that have sustained local communities throughout history. 6 square kilometres (37. 3 sq mi) and is located at the geographic centre of the Metro Vancouver Regional District. The city has four areas of urban density known as "town centres": Lougheed, Edmonds, Metrotown, and Brentwood. The city's governmental and cultural precincts are located in Burnaby's Deer Lake area. Situated between the city of Vancouver on the west and Port Moody, Coquitlam, and New Westminster on the east, Burnaby is bounded by Burrard Inlet and the Fraser River on the north and south, respectively. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Burnaby, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. Burnaby, Vancouver and New Westminster collectively occupy the major portion of the Burrard Peninsula. The elevation of Burnaby ranges from sea level to a maximum of 370 metres (1,214 ft) atop Burnaby Mountain. The mountainous terrain surrounding Burnaby creates unique microclimates and provides natural resources that have sustained local communities throughout history. Due to its elevation, the city of Burnaby typically has more snowfall during the winter months than nearby Vancouver or Richmond. Overall, the physical landscape of Burnaby is one of hills, ridges, valleys and an alluvial plain. The valley location of Burnaby provides fertile agricultural land and strategic advantages for trade and communication. Burnaby is home to many industrial and commercial firms. British Columbia's largest (and Canada's second largest) commercial shopping mall, Metropolis at Metrotown, is located in Burnaby, as well as malls in Brentwood and Lougheed town centres. Still, Burnaby's ratio of park land to residents is one of the highest in North America. It also maintains some agricultural land, particularly along the Fraser foreshore flats in the Big Bend neighbourhood along its southern perimeter. #Parks, rivers, and lakes Major parklands and waterways in Burnaby include Central Park, Robert Burnaby Park, Kensington Park, Burnaby Mountain, Still Creek, the Brunette River, Burnaby Lake, Deer Lake, Squint Lake, and Barnet Marine Park. The mountainous terrain surrounding Burnaby creates unique microclimates and provides natural resources that have sustained local communities throughout history. #Climate Burnaby's Simon Fraser University weather station is located 365 metres (1,198 ft) above sea level on Burnaby Mountain. The mountainous terrain surrounding Burnaby creates unique microclimates and provides natural resources that have sustained local communities throughout history. Therefore, climate records are cooler and wetter, with more snowfall, as compared to the rest of the city. Burnaby has an oceanic climate (Cfb) with mild, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. Climate data for Burnaby (Simon Fraser University) 1981–2010 at 365 metres Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 16. 1) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 5. 9) Daily mean °C (°F) 3. 3) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 1.

The topographic characteristics of Burnaby result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the Burnaby region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Burnaby area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in Burnaby has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Burnaby demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Burnaby create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

#Climate Burnaby’s Simon Fraser University weather station is located 365 metres (1,198 ft) above sea level on Burnaby Mountain. Therefore, climate records are cooler and wetter, with more snowfall, as compared to the rest of the city. Burnaby has an oceanic climate (Cfb) with mild, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. Climate data for Burnaby (Simon Fraser University) 1981–2010 at 365 metres Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 16. 1) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 5. 9) Daily mean °C (°F) 3. 3) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 1. 7) Record low °C (°F) −13. 0) −14 (7) −8 (18) −3. 6) −7 (19) −14 (7) −19. 9) Average precipitation mm (inches) 280. Rainfall patterns in Burnaby determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 13) Average rainfall mm (inches) 256. 62) Average snowfall cm (inches) 24. 2) Average precipitation days (≥ 0. Rainfall patterns in Burnaby determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 1 Average rainy days (≥ 0. 4 Average snowy days (≥ 0. 5 Source: Environment Canada 1. “Burnaby, British Columbia”. Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. October 31, 2011. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved February 17, 2015.

The climatic regime of Burnaby reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Burnaby create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in Burnaby determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in Burnaby create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Burnaby demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to Burnaby include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Demographics Population historyYearPop. The demographic composition of Burnaby reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. ±% 192112,883— 193125,564+98. 4% 194130,328+18. 6% 195158,376+92. 5% 195683,745+43. 5% 1961100,157+19. 6% 1966112,036+11. 9% 1971125,660+12. 2% 1976131,599+4. 7% 1981136,494+3. 7% 1986145,161+6. 3% 1991158,858+9. 4% 1996179,209+12. 8% 2001193,954+8. 2% 2006202,799+4. 6% 2011223,218+10. 1% 2016232,755+4. 3% 2021249,125+7. 0% Source: Statistics Canada In the 2021 Canadian census conducted by Statistics Canada, Burnaby had a population of 249,125 living in 101,136 of its 107,046 total private dwellings, an increase of 7% from its 2016 population of 232,755. The demographic composition of Burnaby reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. With a land area of 90. 97 sq mi), it had a population density of 2,750. The demographic composition of Burnaby reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 1/sq mi) in 2021. In 2016, the median age is 40. 3 years old, slightly younger than the British Columbia median of 43. #Ethnicity Burnaby has diverse ethnic and immigrant communities. For example, North Burnaby near Hastings Street has long been home to many Italian restaurants and recreational bocce games. Metrotown’s high-rise condominium towers in the south have been fuelled in part by arrivals from China (Hong Kong and Macau) during the 1990s, Taiwan, and South Korea [citation needed]. According to the 2021 census, ethnic Chinese make up the largest ethnic group of Burnaby with 33. 3% while Europeans make up a close 2nd with 30. Further information: Demographics of Metro Vancouver § Historic trends Panethnic groups in Burnaby (2001–2021) Panethnic group 2021 2016 2011 2006 2001 Pop. % East Asian[a] 94,895 38. 88% European[b] 74,860 30. 73% South Asian 23,155 9. 82% Southeast Asian[c] 20,560 8. 16% Middle Eastern[d] 8,975 3. 87% Latin American 6,155 2. 58% African 4,985 2. 3% Indigenous 4,175 1. 64% Other/multiracial[e] 7,965 3. 03% Total responses 245,725 98. 67% Total population 249,125 100% 232,755 100% 223,218 100% 202,799 100% 193,954 100% Note: Totals greater than 100% due to multiple origin responses #Language According to the 2006 census, 54% of Burnaby residents have a mother tongue that is neither English nor French. The demographic composition of Burnaby reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. The 2016 census found that English was spoken as the mother tongue of 41. 33 percent of the population. The demographic composition of Burnaby reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. The next three most common languages were Mandarin (14. Linguistic diversity in Burnaby demonstrates the region’s role as a crossroads of cultural interaction and historical influence. 53 percent), Cantonese (12. 32 percent) and Tagalog (3.

Arts and culture Burnaby is home to multiple museums highlighting the diverse history and culture of the city. Burnaby Village Museum is a 4. 0-hectare (10-acre) open- air museum preserving a 1920s Canadian village. The Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, which includes a Japanese garden, opened in 2000 to promote awareness and understanding of Japanese Canadian culture. The Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology and SFU Galleries are located within the Simon Fraser University campus at the top of Burnaby Mountain. Burnaby Public Library was first established in 1954. It currently has four locations throughout the city, including the Bobbie Prittie Metrotown, McGill, Tommy Douglas and Cameron branches in each of the four town centres. The library system holds over three million items in circulation, with more than 5,000 visitors per day. Many cultural facilities are located in or around Deer Lake Park, including the Burnaby Art Gallery, Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, and the Burnaby Village Museum. Fox Theatre, a community theatre that seats 613, with 11 wheelchair spaces, is situated within Burnaby South Secondary School.

The cultural landscape of Burnaby represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in Burnaby reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in Burnaby continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in Burnaby provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in Burnaby demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Burnaby provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

Industry and economy Metrotown at sunset, as seen from Lochdale See also: List of companies in Burnaby The city features major commercial town centres, high-density residential areas, two rapid transit lines, technology research, business parks, film studios such as The Bridge Studios, and TV stations such as Global TV. Metrotown at sunset, as seen from northwest Parkcrest (just south of Hastings Street) Major technology firms such as Ballard Power Systems (fuel cell), D-Wave Systems (quantum computing), Clio (legal tech), Creo (imaging), and Electronic Arts Canada (studio) have their headquarters in Burnaby. Metropolis mall located in the Metrotown neighbourhood, the downtown area of Burnaby, is the largest mall in British Columbia with West Vancouver's Park Royal in second place. It is the second largest in Canada behind the first- place West Edmonton Mall in Alberta. Metropolis was the second most visited mall in Canada in 2017 and third most visited in 2018. Heavy industry companies including Chevron Corporation and Petro-Canada petroleum refines oil on the shores of Burrard Inlet. Auctioneers, Pacific Blue Cross and Nokia have significant facilities in Burnaby. Other firms with operations based in Burnaby include Canada Wide Media, Doteasy, Telus Communications, Teradici, Mercedes-Benz Fuel Cell, HSBC Group Systems Development Centre, and TransLink. eBay ceased local operations in 2009. "Metrotown Downtown Plan". _City of Burnaby_. Archived from the original on September 25, 2019. Retrieved September 25, 2019. Van Santvoort, Albert. "This Burnaby mall is now the third-busiest in Canada – despite its size". Archived from the original on September 25, 2019. Retrieved September 25, 2019. Penner, Derrick (May 5, 2009). "eBay to close Burnaby facility; about 700 jobs lost". Archived from the original on May 9, 2009. Retrieved July 27, 2010.

The economic structure of Burnaby reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in Burnaby often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in Burnaby serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in Burnaby demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in Burnaby has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Burnaby focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

Transportation Trans Canada highway in Burnaby The SkyTrain Operations Controls Centre 1, built in the 1980s, is responsible for the maintenance and operations of both the region’s Expo Line and Millennium Line. In 2021, construction began on a $110 million Operations Controls Centre 2 to accommodate growing transit ridership. The Expo Line, completed in 1986, crosses the south along Kingsway. The Millennium Line, completed in 2002, follows Lougheed Highway. The SkyTrain has encouraged closer connections to New Westminster, Vancouver, and Surrey, as well as dense urban development at Lougheed Town Centre on the city’s eastern border, at Brentwood Town Centre in the centre-west, Edmonds–Highgate in the southeast and, most notably, at Metrotown in the south. Major north–south streets crossing the city include Boundary Road, Willingdon Avenue, Royal Oak Avenue, Kensington Avenue, Sperling Avenue, Gaglardi Way, Cariboo Road, and North Road. East–west routes linking Burnaby’s neighbouring cities to each other include Hastings Street, Barnet Highway, the Lougheed Highway, Kingsway (which follows the old horse trail between Vancouver and New Westminster), Canada Way and Marine Drive/Marine Way. Douglas Road, which used to cross the city from northwest to southeast, has largely been absorbed by the Trans-Canada Highway and Canada Way. Since the 1990s, more than 70 kilometres (43 mi) of bike routes and urban trails have been laid in Burnaby. The city is served by Metro Vancouver’s bus system, run by the Coast Mountain Bus Company, a division of TransLink, the region’s transportation authority. The 49 bus route, connecting Metrotown and the University of British Columbia, is the second most boarded bus route after route 99, which is the busiest bus route in North America. Burnaby is also served by the R5 Hastings St RapidBus. The 2050 Burnaby Transportation Plan, adopted in December 2021, outlines three targets: to reduce traffic fatalities to zero, to increase public transit and active transportation to 75 percent of all trips, and to reduce vehicle emissions by 100 percent. “TransLink to proceed with new $110 million SkyTrain control centre | Urbanized”. Archived from the original on June 13, 2022. Retrieved June 13, 2022. “Walking, Hiking & Biking | City of Burnaby”. Archived from the original on June 13, 2022. Retrieved June 13, 2022. “Top-10 bus routes you rode the most in 2021”. Archived from the original on June 30, 2022. Retrieved June 13, 2022. “99 B-line cyclist highlights congestion on North America’s busiest bus route – BC | Globalnews. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved June 13, 2022. Archived from the original on November 27, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2020. “Transportation Plan | City of Burnaby”. Archived from the original on.

Transportation infrastructure serving Burnaby reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout Canada. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Burnaby.

Regional connectivity from Burnaby provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Educational Institutions and Learning Opportunities

Education Burnaby Central Secondary School, one of Burnaby’s eight public secondary schools #Public education Over 24,000 students - across the 41 elementary schools and 8 secondary schools - are managed by School District 41 in Burnaby. It operates a community and adult education department, an international students program, and a French immersion program. The British Columbia School for the Deaf is located on the same grounds of the Burnaby South Secondary School. #Higher education Simon Fraser University’s main campus, with more than 30,000 students and 950 staff, is located atop Burnaby Mountain. In Maclean’s 2020 rankings, the university placed first in their comprehensive university category, and ninth in their reputation ranking for Canadian universities. British Columbia Institute of Technology’s main campus in Burnaby, home to more than 49,000 full-time and part-time students, was established in 1964. A new $78 million, net-zero emission Health Science Centre, expected to open in late 2021, will accommodate 7,000 students. 1. “French Immersion – Burnaby Schools – School District 41, Burnaby, BC, Canada”. Burnaby Schools. Archived from the original on June 14, 2022. Retrieved June 13, 2022. 2. Maclean’s (October 3, 2019). “Canada’s best universities by reputation: Rankings 2020”. Maclean’s. Archived from the original on February 18, 2020. Retrieved February 19, 2020. 3. Chan, Kenneth. “Construction begins on BCIT’s new $78-million Health Sciences Centre”. DailyHive. Archived from the original on December 5, 2019. Retrieved January 6, 2020.

Educational institutions in Burnaby serve as important centers of learning and cultural preservation that contribute to community development while maintaining connections to traditional knowledge systems and contemporary educational standards.

Planning Your Visit to Burnaby

Successful visits to Burnaby require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in Burnaby often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting Burnaby include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting Burnaby extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.