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.Burnaby Village Museum Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
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
Visiting Burnaby Village Museum is like stepping straight into a 1920s tram-stop community. Strolling along the open-air heritage streets lined with costumed townsfolk, an authentic blacksmith shop, a print shop, and a classic general store makes history come alive for visitors of all ages.
Highlights:
1912 C.W. Parker Carousel: A beautifully restored vintage carousel accompanied by a classic Wurlitzer band organ—an absolute must-ride!
Interurban Tram #1223: Stepping inside the restored electric streetcar offers a great glimpse into early local transit history.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Interactive demonstrations, serene walking paths around Deer Lake Park, and an old-fashioned ice cream parlor make it a perfect day out.
Free general admission during open seasonal periods makes this open-air museum one of the best cultural and historical attractions in the Lower Mainland!
Music Connection - 2 months ago
It's FREE to enter! And this day in age you have to take advantage of low cost entertainment for the family.
I planned my visit for opening, 11am on a Saturday with rain in the forecast because I don't like crowds. I wandered the grounds for an hour but it was never crowded, the carousel was busy but I didn't do the carousel ride, just a peek through the window.
Lots of great history exhibits with knowledgeable staff on hand. It's a worthwhile visit to learn more about the early history of the area and how people lived in the earliest days of BC.
MF Shaman - 2 months ago
Burnaby Village Museum was such a lovely place to visit! Everything was free, even the parking, which made the experience even better. The garden was clean and beautiful, and I really enjoyed walking around the old houses and rebuilt businesses from Burnaby’s 19th century neighborhood.
There was also a tiny cute movie theater playing Charlie Chaplin films, a carousel, and a small café and restaurant. It’s a perfect place to spend 2–3 relaxing hours during holidays, especially when they have special performances and events. Very cozy and charming atmosphere!
Zita Maleki - 5 months ago
A few days ago, I visited this museum with my family, and we really enjoyed our time here. It was fascinating, informative, and definitely worth seeing. I highly recommend visiting this place if you have the chance!
Hadis Frz - 3 months ago
Burnaby Village Museum is one of the best places to visit , The heritage buildings are beautifully preserved, and walking through the village feels like stepping back in time. The staff and volunteers are friendly, knowledgeable, and always happy to answer questions. The carousel is a lot of fun for both kids and adults, and the whole museum is clean, well maintained, and family-friendly. It's a great place to learn about local history while enjoying a relaxing day out. Best of all, admission is free, making it an amazing value. I highly recommend visiting
mounika reddy - 2 months 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
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Photo Gallery
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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
