Major city · Canada
Burnaby
Base in Burnaby only if you want cheaper beds and SkyTrain access to Vancouver: 20 min to downtown, 1–2 nights, not a sightseeing destination.
Burnaby is a Vancouver suburb of 223,000 people, not a standalone stop. Its value is practical: Metrotown and Brentwood give cheaper hotel rooms on the Expo and Millennium SkyTrain lines, 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver, plus two lakes, a heritage village and a mountain park if you want a slow half-day. Most travellers sleep here to cut costs and ride in.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep; May and Sep are quieter and cheaper
- avoid Nov–Feb (rain, short days)
- Airport
- YVR
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Burnaby911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Burnaby, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyBurnaby is a normal, safe suburb by Canadian standards; the real issues are rain, dark unlit park trails after dusk and petty theft around Metrotown.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckYVR Vancouver International (Canada Line to downtown, then SkyTrain; about 45–60 min to Metrotown by transit, 25–35 min by car (check)).
- Getting aroundTransLink runs the SkyTrain (Expo and Millennium lines loop through Burnaby), buses and the West Coast Express.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$3–6 (≈ US$3–5)
- Street or quick mealNoodle or rice bowlC$14–20 (≈ US$11–15)
- Beerdraught in a pub / can at a liquor storeC$8–10 (≈ US$6–8)C$3–5 (≈ US$3–4)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxiC$18–25 (≈ US$14–19)
- Metro or bus rideSkyTrain or bus fare, one zoneC$3.20–4.65 (≈ US$3–4) (check)
- Museum or sight ticketBurnaby Village Museum entryC$6–12 (≈ US$5–9), carousel C$2 (≈ US$2) per ride (check)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personC$45 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per roomC$200 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per roomC$320 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$160 (≈ US$120) · High C$260 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YVR Vancouver International (Canada Line to downtown, then SkyTrain; about 45–60 min to Metrotown by transit, 25–35 min by car (check))
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jul
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Aug
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Dec
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jan (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest Dec (21 rain days), driest Jul (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Burnaby: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
20 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
15 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
18 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
15 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
13 rd
Jun
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
11 rd
Jul
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
17 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
20 rd
Dec
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
21 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
TransLink runs the SkyTrain (Expo and Millennium lines loop through Burnaby), buses and the West Coast Express. Tap a contactless credit card or mobile wallet, or buy a Compass Card ($6 refundable deposit); transfers last 90 minutes. Zone fares apply on SkyTrain and SeaBus on weekdays before 6:30 pm; buses are one zone at all times. Children 12 and under ride free. From downtown Vancouver to Metrotown is about 20 min on SkyTrain.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Vancouver
goDoor to door: About 20–25 min
SkyTrain Expo Line from Metrotown to downtown
The main reason to stay in Burnaby: downtown is a short ride away.
New Westminster
goDoor to door: About 15 min
SkyTrain Expo Line
Riverfront quay and a small historic downtown.
Coquitlam
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
SkyTrain Millennium Line to Lafarge Lake–Douglas
Town Centre Park and easy access to the Tri-Cities.
Port Moody
goDoor to door: About 25 min
SkyTrain Millennium Line to Moody Centre
Breweries and the inlet shoreline at Rocky Point.
Port Coquitlam
cautionDoor to door: About 50–60 min
SkyTrain to Coquitlam Centre, then bus
Only worth it for a specific errand or trail.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Metrotown
Expo Line, biggest mall in the area, most hotel rooms; 20 min to downtown Vancouver.
Brentwood
Millennium Line, newer towers and mall; good for Coquitlam and Port Moody side.
Lougheed Town Centre
Expo and Millennium lines meet; cheapest beds, 30 min to downtown.
Burnaby Heights (Hastings St)
Low-rise, cafés and delis, buses to downtown; few hotels.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–230 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- C$250 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 2 nights × C$200 | C$400 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × C$160 | C$640 |
| TransLink day of travel, per person2 × C$12 · check | C$24 |
| YVR to Metrotown by transit, per person2 × C$10 · check | C$20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$112 |
| Trip total≈ C$309 per person per day, bed included | C$1,236≈ US$900 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$3–6 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Noodle or rice bowl | C$14–20 (≈ US$11–15) |
| Beer: draught in a pub / can at a liquor store | C$8–10 (≈ US$6–8) / C$3–5 (≈ US$3–4) |
| SkyTrain or bus fare, one zone | C$3.20–4.65 (≈ US$3–4) (check) |
| 5 km taxi | C$18–25 (≈ US$14–19) |
| Burnaby Village Museum entry | C$6–12 (≈ US$5–9), carousel C$2 (≈ US$2) per ride (check) |
| Burnaby Central Railway train ride | C$3.50 (≈ US$3) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Zone fares on SkyTrain rise on weekday daytimes: tap the same card in and out or you pay the maximum.
- Cash on buses gives no change and no transfer.
- Deer Lake and Burnaby Lake paths flood or turn muddy after heavy rain.
- Burnaby Village Museum is seasonal: closed most of the year outside May–early Sep and late Nov–Dec.
- Ride-hailing (Uber, Lyft, Kabu) works but is thin late at night; taxis are the fallback.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
BurnabyBurnaby
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
Most embassies and consulates for Canada are in Ottawa or Vancouver; check your country's list before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- SkyTrain Metrotown → downtown Vancouver: about C$3.20–4.65 (≈ US$3–4) one zone, 20 min (check)
- YVR → Metrotown by transit: about C$10 (≈ US$8), 45–60 min (check)
- Taxi Metrotown → downtown Vancouver: C$35–50 (≈ US$30–40), 25–35 min (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Sorry — Sorry / Excuse me
- Two tickets, please — Two tickets, please
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the SkyTrain station? — Where is the SkyTrain station?
Tipping is expected in Canada: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Burnaby. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep; May and Sep are quieter and cheaper · avoid Nov–Feb (rain, short days) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YVR: last Canada Line and SkyTrain connections, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Metrotown and Crystal Mall, Deer Lake and the village museum, Burnaby Lake, Burnaby Mountain and SFU.
- Place pages with verified hours (Burnaby Village Museum, Burnaby Art Gallery, Burnaby Central Railway) and eat pages with last orders.
- Rain-day and late-arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialCity of Burnaby
- officialTransLink
- officialBurnaby Village Museum
- officialMetro Vancouver regional parks
- secondaryWikivoyage: Burnaby, revision 5104642 (CC BY-SA 4.0)