Burnaby Village Museum
Take a trip back in time at the Burnaby Village Museum
Step into the past at Burnaby Village Museum, a living history attraction that brings the 1920s to life. Located at the edge of Deer Lake Park, this 10-acre open-air museum features a recreated tram-stop community with costumed staff, historic buildings, and a beautifully restored vintage carousel, making you feel as though you’ve traveled back nearly 100 years.
Why Visit Burnaby Village Museum?
- Free Admission: It's one of the best free attractions in Metro Vancouver, offering a fun and educational experience for all ages.
- Immersive History: Wander through a 1920s village with over 30 exhibits, including a blacksmith shop, a general store, and a one-room schoolhouse.
- Ride the Carousel: A highlight for many is the beautifully restored 1912 C.W. Parker Carousel. For a small fee, you can take a spin on this historic ride.
- Live Demonstrations: Chat with costumed townsfolk and watch demonstrations of traditional trades like blacksmithing and printing.
What to See & Do
- Explore the Village: Walk the cobblestone streets and enter the historic and replica buildings to see over 50,000 artifacts.
- Visit the 1912 Tram: Step aboard the fully restored Interurban #1223 Tram to admire its rich hardwood interior and imagine regional travel in a bygone era.
- See the Love Farmhouse: Don't miss the 1893 Love Farmhouse, the oldest surviving home in Burnaby.
- Attend Seasonal Events: The museum hosts popular events like the Haunted Village at Halloween and Heritage Christmas during the holiday season, filling the village with festive lights and activities.
Food & Drink Options
- Ice Cream Parlour: Enjoy a vintage treat at the old-fashioned ice cream parlour, which serves light snacks, baked goods, and, of course, ice cream.
Pro Tips & Local Insights
- Check the Hours: The museum operates seasonally (typically May to September) but opens for special events like Halloween and Christmas. Always check the official website for current hours.
- Combine Your Visit: The museum is located within Deer Lake Park, making it easy to combine your trip with a walk around the lake or a visit to the Burnaby Art Gallery.
- Bring Change for the Carousel: While admission is free, the carousel ride is not. It's a must-do, so have a few dollars ready.
Nearby Attractions (Transit-Friendly)
- Deer Lake Park: The museum is part of this larger cultural and recreational park, which has walking trails and other arts venues.
- Metropolis at Metrotown: One of BC's largest shopping malls is just a short bus ride away.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Free gate admission. There is a nominal fee to ride the carousel.Address: 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby, BC V5G 3T6, Canada
Phone: (604) 297-4565
Official Website: Burnaby Village Museum
Burnaby Village Museum Reviews
Rated out of 5
I visited here a few times over the years and it has always been a fun and informative place to visit. One of the visits was to witness my uncle get married in the little church ⛪️ here. This time I came with my wife, son and daughter in law and their daughter. We all had a great time. There is lots of history here and you can take as much time as you want to check things out. There is parking lots but can be difficult to find parking at times. There is a restaurant on site. Public washrooms are available also.
Kirk Dewhurst - a week ago
We had a fantastic visit to Burnaby Village Museum! The best part is that entry is completely free, making it a great spot for a budget-friendly outing. The carousel ride, priced at just $3, added a delightful touch of nostalgia and fun. The museum wasn't busy at all, so we had plenty of space to explore and enjoy the various exhibits and historic buildings. There are loads of interesting things to see and discover, making it an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. The small café offers refreshments and snacks, though I did find the prices to be a bit on the higher side. Overall, it’s a charming destination with lots of fun activities and a relaxed atmosphere—definitely worth a visit!
Oh AND
Free parking 🎉🫶🏻
M - 3 months ago
The location is a stunning destination, featuring a mesmerizing vintage carousel that boasts intricate hand-painted horses adorned with vibrant colors. The carousel is beautifully restored, with delicate details that capture the essence of a bygone era. Surrounding the carousel are lush gardens filled with fragrant flowers, creating an enchanting atmosphere that invites visitors to take a leisurely spin while enjoying the melodic tunes that play in the background. It's a truly magical spot that evokes a sense of nostalgia and charm.
David Michan - 2 months ago
I had such a great experience visiting this place. 🥰
This place is very convenient, with several parking lots available, and it’s also super easy to get there by bus from Metrotown. To make it even better, admission was FREE.
What I loved the most was how the museum gives you a true representation of how people used to live in the past, with beautiful preserved houses and important landmarks.
This is also a perfect place to go for families, since there are plenty of fun activities for kids that make the visit enjoyable. The cafe is another highlight it has such a cozy atmosphere and offers a wide variety os pastries.
This place is a gem, not only it’s budget friendly, but also offers a unique experience that’s fun, cultural, and relaxing.
Definitely a must visit in Burnaby or even if you are a newcomer in Vancouver 🥰
Isabella D. Diaz - a month ago
Always nice here. Little stuff changes here and there so it's not the same thing all the time. Just a great space to walk around and look at what it was like back in time.
Wooden carousel ride is always nice (though lately I couldn't really ride anymore due to MVA injury, that being said, there are some injury friendly seats - just not as fun) and price is still fair.
Always nice to grab a few cookies and soft serve with slush at the cafe too.
Friendly staffs/ volunteers usually. But last visit was a little unwelcoming in some buildings.
Usually don't have trouble finding parking spot here.
Pearobearo - a week ago
Directions
| Skytrain Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Expo Line | Metrotown Station | 1 Minute |
| Millennium Line | Sperling Station | 1 Minute |
How to get to Burnaby Village Museum by Skytrain
From Metrotown Station, take the #144 SFU bus from the bus loop and get off at the stop on Deer Lake Avenue for the museum.
From Sperling–Burnaby Lake Station, take the #144 Metrotown bus to the same stop. Note: if boarding at Sperling Station be sure to take the 144 Metrotown, not the 144 SFU - they both pick up in the same bay
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.
Accommodations near Burnaby Village Museum:
Photo Gallery
-
Old fashion Candyshop at Burnaby Village Museum cc licensed photo by Pentaboxes -
A banjo player entertains guests at the Burnaby Village Museum cc licensed photo by wlcutler -
Close up of beautifully restored horse on the 1912 Carousel cc licensed photo by hutoro -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: waferboard - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: waferboard - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: bchow - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr
