Burnaby Neighbourhoods City Guide

Burnaby Neighbourhoods & City Guide

Explore the diverse Burnaby neighbourhoods by clicking on the links below, or using the interactive map.

ABOUT BURNABY REAL ESTATE

Burnaby is British Columbia’s third-largest city, renowned for its excellent system of parks and outstanding recreation and cultural facilities.
The suburb immediately east of Vancouver really hit its stride when the first SkyTrain line was completed in 1986. Not only did the elevated train provide a direct, quick trip into Vancouver, but it also sparked a boom of dense new residential and commercial development around each of the city’s 10 SkyTrain stations that service three lines.

A CITY OF PARKS

In 2009, Burnaby was recognized by Maclean’s magazine as Canada’s best-managed city. At least part of that may be due to its commitment to maintaining green space in its many, diverse parks. These include Deer Lake and Burnaby Lake parks, each surrounding ancient urban lakes that are home to wildlife like herons, eagles, turtles and even the occasional bobcat. Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area is one of the largest parks in Metro Vancouver, encompassing the region’s highest point with forested hiking and biking trails. Barnet Marine Park is quintessentially West Coast, with breathtaking views of ocean, mountains, sea and birdlife, as well as passing freighters and tug boats from its sandy beach.
The city’s recreational and cultural facilities are second to none. Many of them are concentrated in the Central Valley area with quick and easy access to the Trans-Canada Highway. They include the Burnaby Lake Sports Complex which is comprised of artificial and natural grass pitches for soccer, rugby, football, field hockey, field lacrosse and even Aussie Rules Football. There are also tennis courts, an archery range, a rowing pavilion, an indoor pool, two municipal skating arenas and eight private ones.

CULTURE AND COMMERCE

The city’s cultural hub at Deer Lake Park includes galleries, studios, two theatres for live performances, an outdoor festival lawn for concerts and a museum that recreates life in the city as it might have been in the 1920s.
Burnaby’s Metrotown commercial area is anchored by no less than three shopping malls. Metropolis at Metrotown is the largest shopping centre in the province. Station Square is undergoing a major redevelopment that will transform it into a retail and residential centre. The Crystal is a shopping destination for the Asian community.

BURNABY ENTERTAINMENT & TOURISM

Nestled in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, Burnaby is home to a diverse mix of arts and culture. In fact, Burnaby is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Metro Vancouver! From historic sites to live theatre to local and international events, Burnaby is a great place for a delicious meal, a historic tour, an afternoon art show, or a day exploring local history.

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, home to a rotating schedule of cultural exhibits and events. The Nikkei Centre is dedicated to showcasing, celebrating, and preserving both Japanese culture and Canadian Japanese history. Past exhibits have featured handmade textiles and ceramics from Japanese artists, as well as detailed accounts of Japanese Canadian soldiers throughout WWI and WWII. See contemporary and historical works of art at the Burnaby Art Gallery, and stop by Deer Lake Art Gallery to view work from local community artists across Greater Vancouver.

Much of Burnaby’s commitment to the arts has been shaped by the influence of beloved Canadian actor, Michael J. Fox, who moved to Burnaby as a child in the early 70s. The Michael J. Fox Theatre, a professional community theatre, is a mainstay in Burnaby. The theatre provides amateur and professional artists alike with the opportunity to engage with the Burnaby community in a beautiful, locally accessible space. While it was originally opened in 1993 as part of the Burnaby South Secondary School, it was renamed in 1995 to honour actor Michael J. Fox and his contributions to both the arts and the local Burnaby community.

Annual events and festivals in Burnaby provide entertainment and recreation for all seasons. Stop by the Burnaby Blooms Festival in May to see exquisite floral statues at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts. Kids can play in basketball tournaments, perform in a community talent show, and enjoy free snacks during Youth Week. And don’t miss the Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival in August at Deer Lake Park, a two-day outdoor concert complete with food, beer, and wine vendors.

Shopaholics and last-minute gifters alike will love that Burnaby is home to the largest mall in all of British Columbia: Metropolis at Metrotown. With nearly 330 stores, you’ll find fan favourites and new gems spread across three stories. And the shopping doesn’t stop there, either – along with Metrotown, Burnaby has a total of four prime shopping districts. Dive into Asian food and wares at Crystal Mall, discover trendy boutiques in The Heights, and don’t forget to stop by the newly renovated City of Lougheed for more than 160 shops and services.

If you’re looking to brush up on your local history, visit the Burnaby Village Museum: a 10-acre village that depicts pioneer life in British Columbia. Built-in 1971, the museum has continued to grow and is home to a carousel, an ice cream parlour, and a retired tram that was once used for transport across the Lower Mainland. Take a trip to the 1920s and see what a blacksmith shop, a school, and even a Chinese herbalist would have looked like! In October, Burnaby Village transforms into Haunted Village for kid-friendly costumes and trick-or-treating and dons strings of coloured lights in December for Christmas Village.

BURNABY CITY GUIDE

Burnaby neighbourhoods are generally split into three groups: Burnaby North, Burnaby South, and Burnaby East. The northern section of Burnaby consists of 15 areas, most notably Simon Fraser Hills, Simon Fraser University, Willingdon Heights, and Vancouver Heights. Vancouver Heights and Willingdon Heights are particularly popular, with parks, trails, delis, boutiques, butcher shops, and residential neighbourhoods with a diverse group of families from China, Hong Kong, Italy, and South Korea.

Ready to discover which neighbourhood is the best fit for you? Take a closer look at each section of Burnaby North by following the links below:

Burnaby South consists of 16 different areas, including Big Bend, Buckingham Heights, Highgate, and Metrotown. You’ll find diverse businesses, shopping, restaurants, and entertainment throughout Metrotown (home to the largest shopping centre in BC). Highgate is quickly becoming a popular choice for its close location to New Westminster and easy access to Deer Park, and the wide selection of single-family bungalows makes it a great place for couples and young professionals to call home.

Want to learn more about the neighbourhoods of Burnaby South? Use the links below to explore everything from Big Bend to Upper Deer Lake.

Burnaby East is the smallest section of Burnaby, comprising Edmonds, Burnaby East, and The Crest. Edmonds features an expansive community centre where members can access fitness and yoga classes, gymnasiums, pools, preschool programs, and even a youth lounge with computers, game nights, and art classes. Burnaby East is a suburban neighbourhood with close access to Robert Burnaby Park and Burnaby Lake Park – two of the best community parks in all of Burnaby. Though The Crest is nestled along the highway, you’d hardly know it’s there! The Crest is surrounded by greenery, providing easy access to hiking and walking trails, and scenic views of Burnaby Mountain.

Thinking of settling down in Burnaby East? Take a closer look at each neighbourhood to learn more about Burnaby East.

WHY LIVE IN BURNABY?

There’s a lot to love about Burnaby. With easy access to Vancouver via several Skytrain stations, bustling shopping centres, up-and-coming restaurants, and free access to famous parks and scenic views, Burnaby offers the best of urban and residential life. Here are our favourite reasons to choose Burnaby:

Access to Vancouver: As part of Greater Vancouver, commuting to Vancouver is very convenient. The SkyTrain runs regularly from Burnaby to Vancouver, and the close proximity between the two means you can get from one to the other in just 15 minutes!
Diverse Population: Burnaby is experiencing impressive growth and diversity. Nearly 64 percent of Burnaby’s population is South Asian, Chinese, Black, Filipino, Latin American, and Arab residents. As a result, Burnaby residents have the unique opportunity to experience cultural exhibits, art, and food from across the globe.
Eclectic Dining: A wide range of culinary delicacies can be found in the heart of Burnaby. From dim sum and bubble tea to kabobs and udon, a food tour of the city lets you taste the best dishes from nearly every corner of the world. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, Japanese, French, Middle Eastern, or even Creole, you’ll find it in Burnaby!
Education Hub: Simon Frasier University sits atop Burnaby Mountain and the main campus for the British Columbia Institute of Technology is nestled in the city centre. Burnaby also features 41 elementary schools and 8 secondary schools, making it a great place for lifelong education.
Community Centres: Burnaby has an impressive array of community centres and public recreation for kids, families, and senior citizens alike! Throughout the city, you’ll find indoor and outdoor pools, ice-skating arenas, sports fields and stadiums, golf courses, parks, trails, and more.

Burnaby brings the best of both worlds: a quick commute to Vancouver to experience all that the metropolis has to offer while embracing a residential feel and emphasis on community. An appreciation for the outdoors, a love for global cuisine, and easy access to a wide range of amenities make Burnaby an increasingly desirable place to settle down.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BURNABY REAL ESTATE

Burnaby is small but mighty: although the city encompasses only 3 percent of the Metro Vancouver region, it makes up 10 percent of the population. According to the 2016 census, a total of 232,755 people lived in Burnaby. That number is expected to grow to 314,000 by 2031.

An easy commute to Vancouver makes Burnaby neighbourhoods desirable areas for those who work in Vancouver, but don’t want to pay city prices for housing, amenities, and recreation. Although Burnaby houses, condos, and townhomes may come at a higher price tag than in rural areas, living in Burnaby is often a more affordable option than in Vancouver. And with increasing numbers of families and individuals choosing to call Burnaby home, there is a fair amount of competition for local real estate.

Of course, each and every neighbourhood has its own average cost, amenities, and community atmosphere that will influence the cost of realty in Burnaby. The best way to find the right home for you – whether you want a detached home, a condo, or a townhome – is to talk with your real estate agent. Together, we’ll help you find the perfect Burnaby home for your lifestyle, your needs, and your budget!

Burnaby City Guide