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History
Burnaby was incorporated in 1892 and achieved City status in 1992, one hundred years after incorporation. 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.
At incorporation, the municipality's citizens unanimously chose to name it after legislator, speaker, Freemason and explorer, Robert Burnaby, who had been private secretary to Colonel Richard Moody, British Columbia's land commissioner in the mid-1800s. In 1859, Mr. Burnaby had surveyed the freshwater lake near what is now the city's geographical centre; Moody chose to name it Burnaby Lake.
Location
Burnaby occupies 98.60 square kilometers (38.07 square miles) and is located at the geographical centre of the Greater Vancouver Regional District. Situated between the City of Vancouver on the west and Port Moody, Coquitlam and New Westminster on the east, the City is further bounded by Burrard Inlet and the Fraser River on the North and South respectively. 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 1,200 feet atop Burnaby Mountain. Overall, the physical landscape of Burnaby is one of hills, ridges, valleys and an alluvial plain. The land features and their relative locations have had an influence on the location, type and form of development in the City.
Burnaby is a maturing, increasingly integrated community, which is centrally located within a rapidly growing metropolitan area. Burnaby's characteristic has shifted from rural to suburban to largely urban. Still, Burnaby's ratio of park land to residents is one of the highest in North America, and it maintains some agricultural land, particularly along the Fraser foreshore flats in the Big Bend neighbourhood along its southern perimeter.
Places to See
- Burnaby Village and Carousel
Step back in time and rediscover our urban heritage at an authentic turn of the century town and rekindle romance on the restored vintage 1912 carousel. Costumed townsfolk welcome visitors to their shops and homes with demonstrations and fascinating hands-on activities. Old-fashioned fun for all ages from May through September and during Heritage Christmas in December! Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel is located at 6501 Deer Lake Avenue.
- Metrotown
This diverse and exciting regional town centre encompasses a complete range of shopping, accommodation, and recreation facilities. Within Metrotown you can enjoy Central Park, with its nature trails, picnic and golf facilities, and professional sports at Swangard Stadium. You can also experience the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the province, the beautiful Burnaby Library, Civic Square, and the Bonsor Recreation Complex. Everything is within walking distance and is readily accessible from Vancouver, New Westminster, and Surrey via SkyTrain.
- Capilano Suspension Bridge
Breathtakingly suspended 230 feet above and 450 feet across Capilano River, Capilano Suspension Bridge takes you to towering evergreens, serene trails, and the award-winning attraction Treetops Adventure. This walk takes you high above the forest floor for a thrilling encounter with the very heart of the forest. A guided nature walk reveals the mysteries of the forest and stunning views of the canyon. First Nations legends are woven, beaded, carved, and shared with guests at the Big House Cultural Center. Beautiful gardens skirt colorful totem poles. Voices from the past at the Story Centre mingle with the sounds of nature and live seasonal entertainment. Fabulous Canadian shopping and cuisine round out this one-of-a-kind West Coast experience. Open year-round and only minutes from Burnaby.
- Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Step back in time to 15th Century China at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. The first of its kind outside of China, the Garden offers a glimpse into life as a Chinese scholar during the Ming dynasty. Scholars lived and worked in their gardens, sharing these enchanting spaces with friends and family of all ages. Like any home, a scholar's garden was filled with energy, but also offered quiet moments for contemplation. Come experience a "window to another world" at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, named as one of the 1,000 Places to See before You Die.
- Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain is Vancouver's most visited four-season attraction. Panoramic views of the city, oceans, and mountains unfold as the Skyride, North America's largest aerial tram system, whisks visitors to the mountaintop, 3,700' above the city. Experience year-round activities, including the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, where two orphaned grizzly bear cubs and three timber wolves play in a protected and secure sanctuary. In the Peak Chalet, enticing aromas of westcoast cuisine from the award-winning dining facilities will tempt you. The Theatre in the Sky showcases a breathtaking scenic overview of Southwestern BC from an eagle's perspective.
- Deer Lake Park
Intimate and peaceful, the trails in Deer Lake Park take visitors through cool woods, grassy meadows, and lakeside vistas. Watch for a variety of bird life, or enjoy the floral gardens. Deer Lake Park is also home to a variety of scenic and cultural facilities, including the Shadbolt Centre For the Arts, the Burnaby Art Gallery, and Century Gardens. For heritage buffs and those who would like to walk along Deer Lake, a 45 minute self-guided heritage walking tour is a must. This 2 kilometer walk takes you to seven stately homes set in the country landscape along the north shore of the lake in beautiful Deer Lake Park. A free tour brochure is available at Burnaby Village Museum, the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, or at Burnaby Art Gallery.
Things to Do
- Biking
Burnaby's BC Parkway Trail is a 19-kilometre linear park strip connecting the Westminster Quay waterfront to False Creek in Vancouver. The Parkway provides a separated cycle and pedestrian trail system within a beautifully landscaped park corridor. Take your bike, bring a picnic lunch and stop at a park. Many possible destinations are along the route, which provide opportunities for brief outings or a longer journey.
- Birdwatching
Located in the middle of the city, Burnaby Lake Regional Park is a stunning wildlife sanctuary with excellent bird-watching opportunities. Look for great blue herons, bald eagles, belted kingfishers, and osprey - you might even spot rarer birds such as the green-backed heron. There's even a viewing tower that provides a bird's eye view for spotting wildlife.
- Hiking
With spectacular views of Vancouver, Richmond, the harbour and mountains, Burnaby Mountain Park is a local favourite for hiking enthusiasts. The park's network of trails provides untold opportunities for outdoor recreation, nature interpretation, and education in Burnaby.
- Golf
The contemporary designed 18-hole layout at Burnaby Mountain Golf Course has always been a favourite with players of all levels. The natural tree-lined beauty of the fairway, combined with the gentle rolling terrain at the foot of Burnaby Mountain, offers a blend of charm, character, and serenity that enhances your enjoyment of the game. Staffed by qualified professionals who can help you with all aspects of your game, Burnaby Mountain Golf Course also offers a comprehensive golf development facility that includes a driving range.
Events
- Burnaby Discovery Day Festival
Burnaby's largest outdoor community festival provides many opportunities for family fun and creativity. Community service organizations and special interest groups anchor this grassroots event that showcases the multicultural diversity of the city. The event features site enhancers, music and theatre performances, and hands-on activities for the entire family.
- Symphony in the Park
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra will once again perform its annual free summer outdoor concert in Deer Lake Park. A program of light classics and popular favourites will be performed by a full orchestra. Come early, bring a picnic basket, and settle in for a wonderful evening of symphonic music. This event is presented by the City of Burnaby and Kinder Morgan, Inc.
- Burnaby Rhododendron Festival
This unique "green" community festival, produced by the City of Burnaby and the Burnaby Rhododendron and Gardens Society, features a blend of horticulture and art activities in the heart of Deer Lake Park. Highlights include free horticultural workshops, specialty products for the avid gardener, commercial plant sales, hands-on activities, and entertainment. You can even adopt your own rhododendron!
- European Festival
A truly unique Canadian celebration of European cultures and traditions thriving in British Columbia today. With over 30 countries showcasing, the European Festival offers 15 hours of continuous family fun!
Highlights include: Folk dancers, singers & musicians in costume, cultural displays, a European marketplace, a children's tent with face-painting and balloon-twisting, a European food tent, a beer garden, and a dance finale with the S-Bahn!
Contact Information
Tourism Burnaby
#309 - 4603 Kingsway
Burnaby, British Columbia V5H 4M4
Canada
Telephone: 604-419-0377
Fax: 604-419-0370
E-mail: info@tourismburnaby.com
Website: www.tourismburnaby.com/
City of Burnaby
Burnaby City Hall
4949 Canada Way
Burnaby, BC V5G 1M2
Telephone: 604.294.7944
Website: www.city.burnaby.bc.ca/
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