Burnaby, BC

Mountains framing a lake, scenic vistas, and wooded trails are just the beginning of what makes Burnaby special. This beautiful city sits on the east side of Vancouver, and 25 percent of the city consists of parks and green space—one of the highest parks-to-residents ratios in North America. But while the surroundings are lush, green, and peaceful, Burnaby is a tech hub. It’s home to British Columbia Institute of Technology and Simon Fraser University as well as a wide variety of high-tech companies.

With so much natural beauty to enjoy, it’s no wonder that Burnaby is walkable and bicycle friendly. Bike paths and trails crisscross the city, allowing residents to get around safely and easily. Hikers will enjoy exploring more than 230 kilometres of trails. Hike in Burnaby Mountain Park for fantastic views of nearby Vancouver and to visit destinations like the Playground of the Gods, a unique wooden sculpture garden.

Framed by Vancouver Harbour and Fraser River, along with containing Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake in the heart of the city, residents can enjoy a variety of water sports including boating, kayaking, water-skiing, and swimming. A day at Burnaby Lake includes activities like kayaking, horseback riding, canoeing, and even feeding the birds at piper Spit.

When shopping is on the agenda, residents don’t have to travel far to find terrific places to browse. Burnaby is home to BC’s largest shopping centre, Metropolis at Metrotown. The two-story Chrystal Mall provides another great shopping destination along with a terrific food court. After renting your apartment in Burnaby, be sure to visit the area art galleries and museums like Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Burnaby Art Gallery, and Burnaby Village Museum, a living history museum and home to the C.W. Parker Carousel.