Burnaby sits at the centre of the Burrard Peninsula, between Vancouver to the west and New Westminster, Port Moody and Coquitlam to the east, with Burrard Inlet to the north and the Fraser River to the south. It is a city of hills, ridges, valleys and an alluvial plain, and roughly a quarter of its land is parks and open space. It is also the seat of Metro Vancouver's regional government and home to the main campuses of Simon Fraser University and the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
For a visitor, Burnaby is easiest to understand through its four town centres — Lougheed, Edmonds, Metrotown and Brentwood — plus the Deer Lake area, where the city's governmental and cultural precincts are found. The SkyTrain's Expo Line and Millennium Line run through the city, and Metrotown station is one of the busiest in the regional transit system, which makes the town centres the practical bases for most trips. This guide covers which of those areas to choose, and what kind of accommodation to expect at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in Burnaby
1. Metrotown
Metrotown is Burnaby's principal commercial centre and the most connected base in the city. Metropolis at Metrotown, the largest mall in British Columbia, is here, and the surrounding high-rise condominium towers in the south of the area have been shaped in part by arrivals from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and South Korea. Metrotown station is the busiest station on the regional transit system on weekends and the second-busiest on weekdays.
This suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants shopping, dining and transit within walking distance. You will find larger hotels and conference-style properties here. The practical advantage is the SkyTrain: the Expo Line puts both downtown Vancouver and New Westminster within easy reach, so you can base here without a car.
2. Brentwood
Brentwood is one of Burnaby's four town centres, with its own mall and a location on the Millennium Line. It is a residential and commercial area rather than a sightseeing district, which makes it quieter than Metrotown while still giving you direct transit access across the region.
It suits travellers who want a calmer base with easy connections, and works well for longer stays. Because it is a town centre, you will find a mix of hotel and apartment-style accommodation. Check how close your address is to the SkyTrain before booking, since the area spreads out from the station.
3. Lougheed
Lougheed is another of the town centres, in the city's northeast, served by the Millennium Line. Like Brentwood, it is a commercial and residential hub with a mall, and it sits closer to the Port Moody and Coquitlam side of the city.
It suits visitors whose plans lie to the east, or anyone who wants town-centre convenience without Metrotown's crowds. Accommodation here leans toward practical, transit-oriented places. The trade-off is that the western sights and downtown Vancouver take longer to reach.
4. Edmonds
Edmonds is the fourth town centre, in the southeast of Burnaby, on the Expo Line. It is a smaller, more local-feeling hub than Metrotown, with the Fraser River and New Westminster close by.
It suits budget-conscious travellers and those visiting the southeastern part of the region, including Surrey and New Westminster. You will find simpler, lower-key accommodation options. The Expo Line is your main link to the rest of Metro Vancouver, so confirm your walk to the station.
5. Deer Lake area
The Deer Lake area holds Burnaby's governmental and cultural precincts, set around Deer Lake itself. It is greener and more spread out than the town centres, and it puts you near Deer Lake Park and the city's cultural facilities.
It suits visitors who prioritise parks and quiet over nightlife, and families who want space. Accommodation is thinner here than in the town centres, so treat it as a choice for a specific reason rather than a default. You will generally need a bus or a car to reach the SkyTrain.
6. North Burnaby near Hastings Street
North Burnaby near Hastings Street has long been home to many Italian restaurants and recreational bocce games. It is a established residential area with a distinct local character, closer to Burrard Inlet and Barnet Marine Park.
It suits travellers who want a neighbourhood feel and easy access to restaurants, and it is a reasonable pick if your plans include the northern shoreline. Accommodation is limited and mostly small-scale. Note that this area is not on the SkyTrain, so plan on buses or driving.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: simpler hotels and motels, often in the Edmonds and Lougheed town centres or along the main arterial roads, with fewer on-site facilities and a longer walk or bus ride to transit.
- Mid-range: chain hotels and business-oriented properties, most commonly in Metrotown and the other town centres, typically with parking, breakfast and direct SkyTrain access.
- Splurge: larger full-service hotels and conference properties, concentrated in Metrotown and near the town centres, with extensive facilities and the best transit connections.
Best area for a first visit
Metrotown is the best base for a first visit. Metrotown station is the busiest on the regional transit system on weekends and the second-busiest on weekdays, so the Expo Line connects you quickly to both downtown Vancouver and New Westminster. It also puts the largest mall in British Columbia and the widest choice of accommodation in the city within walking distance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car to get around Burnaby?
Not if you stay in a town centre. The SkyTrain's Expo Line and Millennium Line serve Metrotown, Brentwood, Lougheed and Edmonds, so a car is optional for those bases. Areas such as North Burnaby near Hastings Street and Deer Lake are not on the SkyTrain and are easier with a car or bus.
Which area is best for shopping?
Metrotown, where Metropolis at Metrotown, the largest mall in British Columbia, is located. Brentwood and Lougheed town centres also have malls.
Where should I stay if I want parks and quiet?
Look at the Deer Lake area, which holds the city's governmental and cultural precincts and sits by Deer Lake Park. Roughly a quarter of Burnaby's land is parks and open space, and this area puts you closest to that side of the city.
Does Burnaby get more snow than Vancouver?
Yes. Because of its elevation, Burnaby typically has more snowfall during the winter months than nearby Vancouver or Richmond, and conditions are cooler and wetter higher up on Burnaby Mountain. Keep this in mind if you are booking a winter stay.
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