Burnaby Mountain Park & Simon Fraser University
Experience stunning views and unique architecture high above the city
Perched 370 metres (1,214 ft) above the city, Burnaby Mountain offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views in Metro Vancouver. It's home to the striking architecture of Simon Fraser University (SFU), a vast network of trails, a beautiful rose garden, and the iconic "Playground of the Gods" sculptures.
Why Visit Burnaby Mountain?
- Breathtaking Views: Enjoy unparalleled vistas of downtown Vancouver, the North Shore mountains, Burrard Inlet, and Indian Arm. It's a prime spot for sunset photos.
- Iconic Sculptures: See the Kamui Mintara (Playground of the Gods) sculptures, a collection of intricately carved poles that celebrate the relationship between Burnaby and its Japanese sister city, Kushiro.
- Explore SFU Campus: Wander through the world-renowned Arthur Erickson-designed campus, a stunning example of Brutalist architecture that has been featured in many films and TV shows.
- Nature & Trails: The Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area features numerous hiking and mountain biking trails that wind through the forest.
What to See & Do
- Explore the Academic Quadrangle: The heart of the SFU campus features a large open space with a central pond, surrounded by concrete architecture.
- Walk the Trail to Burnaby Mountain Park: From the SFU campus you can take any bus from the upper bus loop to the stop across from the residences (one stop past the "bus tunnels") where you can walk along a segment of the Trans Canada trail starting just behind the Bus Shelter. After walking west along the trail for 10 - 15 minutes you come into an open grassy area which is part of the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. From this mountain top park you can enjoy some excellent views of Burrard Inlet, the North Shore Mountains and Vancouver.
- Walk Through the Rose Garden: Admire the beautiful Centennial Rose Garden in the summer months.
Dining Options
- SFU Cornerstone: The main hub for food on campus, located at the bus loop, offers a variety of quick-service restaurants, cafes, and a grocery store.
- Campus Cafeterias: Various cafeterias and coffee shops are scattered throughout the SFU campus, providing more options for students and visitors.
Pro Tips & Local Insights
- Dress in Layers: It can be significantly cooler and windier on top of the mountain than in the city below, even on a sunny day.
- Allow Time for Both: Plan enough time to explore both the SFU campus and the park area, as they offer very different experiences.
- Avoid Peak Hours: While buses are frequent, they can be crowded during peak university hours. Plan your trip accordingly.
Nearby Attractions (Transit-Friendly)
- The City of Lougheed: A major shopping centre just a short bus ride down the mountain from SFU.
- Burnaby Lake Regional Park: A large nature park accessible via a bus connection from Production Way-University Station.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: No
Hours: Park open dawn to dusk. SFU campus hours vary.
Address: Burnaby, BC
Official Website: Burnaby Mountain Park
Directions
| SkyTrain and Bus Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Millennium/Expo Line | Production Way - University Station | 0 Minutes |
| Expo Line | Metrotown Station | 0 Minutes |
| *Expo Line - Downtown | Burrard Station | 0 Minutes |
How to get to Burnaby Mountain Park by SkyTrain and Bus
Multiple frequent bus routes go directly to the SFU Exchange on top of Burnaby Mountain.
- From Production Way–University Station (Expo/Millennium Line), take the #145 SFU. This is the quickest SkyTrain connection.
- From Metrotown Station (Expo Line), take the #144 SFU.
- From downtown Vancouver (Burrard Station), take the R5 Hastings St RapidBus.
From the SFU Exchange, the main campus is steps away. To reach the park and viewpoint, it's a scenic 10-15 minute walk west.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
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Accommodations near Burnaby Mountain Park:
Photo Gallery
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Simon Fraser University shows off it's modern design against a beautiful natural setting cc licensed photo by Marcin Chady -
Springtime view towards Vancouver from Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area cc licensed photo by Marcin Chady -
A superb view of Burrard Inlet from Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area cc licensed photo by Marcin Chady -
Photo Credit: Dennis S. Hurd - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Dennis S. Hurd - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sworldguy - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sworldguy - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: michaelnugent - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: michaelnugent - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Fixed in Silver - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: michaelnugent - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: roland - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Kyla Duhamel - cc license via Flickr
