Best Parks and Restaurants in Burnaby: A Local’s Guide

Burnaby isn’t just a convenient city between Vancouver and New Westminster — it’s full of beautiful parks, trails, and fantastic dining spots. Whether you’re a long-time resident or thinking about relocating, exploring Burnaby’s green spaces and local restaurants is a great way to experience the city.

Top Parks to Explore in Burnaby

1. Burnaby Mountain Park

 offers panoramic views of the city, Vancouver, and the North Shore Mountains. Highlights include:

• Walking and jogging trails

• Gardens and public art

• Scenic picnic spots

  Located near SFU, it’s a perfect destination for both nature lovers and families.

2. Deer Lake Park

 is a serene oasis with walking and cycling trails around the lake, canoeing opportunities in summer, and nearby cultural sites like the Burnaby Art Gallery and Shadbolt Centre for the Arts.

3. Central Park

Central Park  is a community hub with wooded trails, playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and outdoor fitness equipment. It’s ideal for daily walks or weekend family outings.

4. Burnaby Village Museum

Burnaby Village Museum is an open-air museum that recreates life in the 1920s, complete with vintage buildings, a carousel, and seasonal events — perfect for a fun and educational day out.

5. Other Notable Parks

• Barnet Marine Park  – Waterfront trails and peaceful walks

• Confederation Park – Sports fields and community events

• Burnaby Fraser  – Riverside paths and nature trails

Must-Try Restaurants in Burnaby

After exploring Burnaby’s parks, you may want to grab a bite at some of the city’s best local eateries:

1. JJ Bean Coffee Roasters – Brentwood

JJ Bean Coffee Roasters serves quality coffee and pastries, perfect for a morning pick-me-up before a walk or hike.

2. Burgoo Bistro – Metrotown

Burgoo Bistro offers comfort food with a twist. Ideal for brunch or a casual lunch near Metrotown.

3. Elysian Coffee – Burnaby Heights

Elysian Coffee is an artisan coffee shop with cozy vibes, perfect for coffee lovers exploring the neighborhood.

4. Tap & Barrel – Burnaby Mountain / SFU

Tap & Barrel offers local brews and a full menu, with beautiful views near Burnaby Mountain.

5. Italian Kitchen – Lougheed / Burnaby Centre

6. Sushi Garden – Metrotown

Sushi Garden is known for fresh and affordable sushi, perfect for lunch or dinner after a busy day outdoors.

Why Burnaby is a Great Place to Live

From Burnaby Mountain to Deer Lake Park, the city offers a mix of urban convenience and natural beauty. Families, young professionals, and retirees all enjoy the variety of green spaces and the excellent local dining options.

Whether you’re walking your dog, jogging, enjoying a picnic, or trying out a new restaurant, Burnaby has something for everyone.