Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Burnaby Village Museum
★4.6(4,586 reviews)$Museum
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 3-12. Preschoolers adore the carousel and ice cream parlour, while elementary-aged kids enjoy the interactive demonstrations and exploring the various buildings. Teens interested in history may also appreciate the authentic period details.🧡 Saved by 300+ families
About
Step back in time at this enchanting heritage village where kids can explore 30+ restored buildings from the 1920s, ride a beautifully restored vintage carousel, and interact with costumed interpreters demonstrating blacksmithing, printing, and ice cream making. Children love the hands-on activities, old-fashioned candy store, and the chance to peek inside historic homes, a schoolhouse, and an authentic general store.
Highlights
- ✓Vintage 1912 carousel with hand-carved horses that delights younger children
- ✓Old-fashioned ice cream parlour serving period-style treats
- ✓Interactive demonstrations including blacksmithing, printing press operations, and weaving
- ✓Authentic general store and candy shop where kids can see vintage goods and purchase old-fashioned sweets
- ✓One-room schoolhouse where children can imagine what school was like 100 years ago
Pro Tips
- 1.The museum is only open Fridays, so plan accordingly and arrive early to maximize your visit before the 4:30 PM closing time.
- 2.Bring Canadian dollars or a credit card as some vendors within the village (carousel rides, ice cream parlour, candy store) operate separately and may require payment.
- 3.Costumed interpreters are happy to answer questions, so encourage kids to interact and ask about daily life in the 1920s for a richer experience.
- 4.Free parking is available on-site at Deer Lake Park, which also features playgrounds and walking trails perfect for extending your outing.
- 5.Visit during special events like Heritage Christmas or Canada Day celebrations for extra activities, though these attract larger crowds.
Best Time to Visit
Arrive right when doors open at 11:00 AM on Fridays for the quietest experience and cooler temperatures in summer. Spring and fall offer comfortable weather for walking the outdoor village without summer crowds.
What to Know
Admission is very affordable (under $15 CAD for adults, cheaper for kids, some age groups free), and the museum is mostly outdoors so dress for the weather. On-site food options are limited to period treats, so consider packing snacks or planning lunch at nearby Deer Lake Park.
Seasonal Notes
The museum is closed Monday through Thursday and only open Fridays year-round. Special seasonal events include Heritage Christmas (December) with carolers and decorations, and summer programs with expanded hours. Winter visits can be chilly as most exhibits are outdoors, so bundle up.
Nearby Eats
The Burnaby Village Museum Cafe offers light snacks, but for fuller meals, head to nearby Metrotown (5 minutes away) which has extensive food courts and family chains. Alternatively, pack a picnic to enjoy at adjacent Deer Lake Park which has beautiful lakeside picnic areas and playgrounds.
More Activities Near Burnaby
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Still Creek Park is a fantastic neighborhood green space that offers the perfect combination of active play and nature exploration for families. With its excellent playground equipment, refreshing summer splash pad, and scenic creekside walking trails, this Burnaby gem provides hours of entertainment without costing a penny. The well-maintained facilities and peaceful natural setting make it an ideal spot for both high-energy play and relaxed family picnics.
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Burnaby Lake Regional Park
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Burnaby Lake Regional Park offers 10 kilometers of flat, stroller-friendly trails around a serene lake where families can spot herons, ducks, beavers, and turtles in their natural habitat. This 400-hectare urban nature preserve is perfect for easy hikes, nature education, and peaceful picnics just minutes from Vancouver, with plenty of boardwalks and viewing platforms that make wildlife watching accessible for little ones.
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