Burnaby features a host of wonderful attractions and shopping and dining opportunities. Tourists, those passing through on business and new residents alike will find that many fine memories can be made in this wonderful, vibrant city.
Dining
Attending festivals and wandering hiking trails would be difficult to manage on an empty stomach. In homage to its internationally-minded nature, Burnaby is home to many fine dining establishments whose traditions originate in many disparate locations scattered to the four corners of the map.
There are many other incredible, delectable dishes to be tasted in Burnaby, and these restaurants represent but a select morsel of the city’s dining scene.
The Outdoors
Given Burnaby’s very high ratio of parkland to residents, and the fact that 25 percent of its land is designated park and open space, there are multitudes of natural wonders to gawk at or dive into (over 200, in fact!). Head to Central Park to find 86.4 hectares of immense Douglas firs, western hemlocks, cedars, poplars and so on. Lose yourself in the splendors of nature while remaining within the heart of the city. If hiking is your preference, head to the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, whose star attraction is Burnaby Mountain itself. There, visitors can find breathtaking vistas of the city and its wilder environs. The most tranquil spot of all is Deer Lake Park, perfect for those looking to escape the rigors of the daily hustle and bustle.
For sports enthusiasts, Kensington Park is a must-see, while Queen Elizabeth Park is a veritable horticultural marvel. Biking, canoeing and other activities unite Burnaby’s people with the best of the outdoors.
Shopportunities
There are many, many great destinations for shoppers of all stripes, virtually all of which are easily accessible via the SkyTrain rapid transit line. These include:
Those looking to patronize barbers, florists, bakers and butchers, and everything in between, should head for the Heights District, where 350 different merchants serve up the best of life. Chez Christophe, for example, is located therein.
Burnaby Village Museum
Burnaby Village Museum is “where history comes to life.” This wonderful establishment routinely hosts exciting and entertaining events which reflect the diverse nature of the city’s inhabitants. The museum is also constantly updating the opportunities it offers. For Canada Day 2015, Squamish stories, legends and myths were told, the beat of Katari Taiko Japanese drums filled the air and The Squares, a Barbershop Quartet, gave a stellar performance. Some of the old standbys made a return, as well, including the Ray Wong Magic Show, the Jazz Band Red Beans and Rice, Academie Duello and the Rene Hugo Trio.
Other events held in the month of June alone included the Garden Party & Artist Talk, a tour of the backyard garden displays and photo exhibits complete with live music, and Father’s Day Fun, during which blacksmiths gave demonstrations and the Homegrown Harvest scavenger hunt was held. These are but a few examples of what you will find at the Burnaby Village Museum.
South Central Youth Centre and Other Community Hubs
Located off of Nelson Avenue, in the very heart of Burnaby, near Bonsor Recreation Centre, the South Central Youth Centre provides a fun and relaxing place for young people to be with their friends or make new ones. The games room comes equipped with ping-pong, pool and foosball tables, there is a kitchen area for making snacks and there are many computers available in the lab complete with internet access. Let’s not forget the Nintendo Wii gaming systems, either.
Other community centres follow suit. At Willingdon, for example, the summer Flea Market is slated to begin at 9:00 a.m. and runs concurrently with the Farmer’s Market. Whether you are searching for curiosities or tasty, local food, Burnaby’s community centres are happy to provide. These offer many different opportunities to connect Burnaby’s denizens, old or new, local or international. A host of great events keep the community tied together and engaged with one another.
