Less than half an hour from Vancouver's bustling downtown core, Burnaby is a picturesque alternative to big city living, while remaining conveniently located within easy reach of Vancouver's urban amenities. The city of Burnaby is easily navigated by Metro Vancouver's SkyTrain network and a wide-reaching network of buses, and the city is also very cyclist-friendly.
Burnaby provides plenty of entertainment for lovers of art and culture. The Burnaby Art Gallery is home to works from local and nationally recognized artists and the Deer Lake Gallery features a variety of works from artists in the Metro Vancouver area. For a more historical day out, try Burnaby Village Museum, which gives visitors a peek at life in Burnaby in the 1920s. The National Nikkei Museum and Heritage Centre is a great place to take in Japanese-Canadian history or check out the Simon Fraser University Museum of Archeology and Ethnology where you can learn more about Canada's First Nations people.
Named for the Burnaby-born famed actor, the Michael J. Fox Theatre hosts drama, dance, and musical performances throughout the year. The Shadbolt Centre for the Arts to is also a great place to catch a musical, comedy, or concert.
If you'd prefer to spend time in the great outdoors, look no further than Burnaby's beautiful gardens and parks. Deer Lake Park is the perfect spot to swim, sail, or picnic. The park also hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including a free concert by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra each summer. For a sportier day out, Central Park has great tennis courts and jogging trails, and Burnaby Lake Regional Nature Park is fantastic for hiking and bird-watching. Keep an eye out for eagles and herons soaring above the park. In winter, try heading to the Burnaby 8-Rinks, which is the largest ice rink complex in the world.
For indoor fun, head over to Metropolis at Metrotown, the largest shopping centre in British Columbia. This 450-store mall has multiple restaurants, a multi-screen movie theatre, and a huge food court with tastes from around the world. Burnaby's other shopping centres include Brentwood Town Centre, Lougheed Town Centre Mall, and Crystal Mall. The Burnaby Heights neighbourhood is a great place to find unique boutiques, trendy coffee shops, and independent booksellers.
