Stories

Explore Local Flavour on The Burnaby Passport Tour

Burnaby offers a surprisingly relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, while being just minutes from Vancouver. Stop by several bustling farmers' markets, explore scenic parks and cultural experiences.
5 minutes
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Category
Date
Length
1-2 days
Distance
24km

Not every visit to the city needs to be fast-paced. Just a short drive from Downtown Vancouver, Burnaby offers a refreshing change of pace with peaceful parks, vibrant farmers’ markets, and delicious farm-to-table dining. Discover two unique farmers’ markets, each with its own local flavour. Take in scenic views at Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, explore Indigenous art at Simon Fraser University, and step back in time at the Burnaby Village Museum. Keep reading to find out the best things to taste and do in Burnaby.

Don’t forget to download the BC Farmers’ Market Trail app and start exploring this tour yourself! You’ll earn points for every stop you check-in at, level up, and earn rewards!

Burnaby Farmers’ Market
Burnaby Farmers’ Market
4949 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC

Your first stop on the Burnaby Tasting Passport Tour is the Burnaby City Hall Farmers’ Market, a beloved community hub that’s been going strong for over a decade. Open every Saturday from May to October, this market offers a lively mix of vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to wild-foraged mushrooms, artisanal baked goods, and locally made crafts.

Need a bite while you browse? Grab a snack or drink from one of the on-site food trucks. With scenic spots like Deer Lake and Burnaby Lake just a short distance away, it’s easy to turn your market visit into a full day of casual hiking and birdwatching.

Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market
Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market
Brentwood Blvd., Burnaby, BC

Your next stop is the Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market, a vibrant community gathering place located at the corner of Halifax Way & Alpha Ave in the Brentwood neighbourhood of Burnaby. Local farmers, producers, and artisans meet here every Sunday morning from June through September.

This open-air summer farmers’ market is the perfect way to spend a Sunday morning. Vendors offer a range of fresh seasonal produce, artisanal ingredients and baked goods, crafts, artwork, and more. Stock up on local summer produce, and while you peruse the selection of goods you can also enjoy live music from local talent.

Things to Taste

Hart House Restaurant

Hart House Restaurant is inside a beautifully restored Tudor Revival mansion overlooking Deer Lake, originally built in 1912. Known for its lakeside charm, fine West Coast cuisine, and cozy yet elegant atmosphere, Hart House has earned accolades such as induction into the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame and inclusion in OpenTable’s Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in Canada. With multiple dining spaces including a lakeside cottage, private upstairs rooms, and seasonal patio service, it remains a sought-after destination for intimate dinners, weddings, and special events.

Mintara atop Burnaby Mountain

Mintara atop Burnaby Mountain is a picturesque fine-dining restaurant located in Burnaby Mountain Park. The menu highlights a variety of fresh, seasonal ingredients, with a focus on locally sourced produce, artisanal meats, and sustainable seafood. Perched high on Burnaby Mountain, Mintara offers breathtaking views of the city, ocean, and North Shore Mountains, making it a must-visit destination for those looking to dine with a view. This elegant restaurant blends West Coast flavours with refined Canadian cuisine and is surrounded by parkland, hiking trails, and the iconic “Kamui Mintara” (Playground of the Gods) sculptures gifted by Japan.

“Kamui Mintara” (Playground of the Gods) photo from ‘Study In Burnaby’ Facebook Page

Dageraad Brewing

Dageraad Brewing, nestled in Burnaby, BC, is a celebrated microbrewery renowned for its Belgian-inspired beers crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Established by Ben Coli, whose passion for Belgian beer culture was ignited during travels in Antwerp, the brewery aims to bring a piece of that rich tradition to British Columbia.

Visitors to Dageraad’s Burnaby location can enjoy their brews in a welcoming 50-seat tasting room, complemented by a covered, heated patio, providing a comfortable setting year-round. The brewery’s dedication to community and craft beer excellence makes it a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.

Things to Do

Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Just a quick 20-minute drive from Vancouver, Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area is a great spot for outdoor lovers, nestled around Simon Fraser University. Spanning 576 hectares, this area offers beautiful scenic viewpoints, and hiking trails through the forest. There are also plenty of picnic areas to enjoy.

Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel

Step back into Burnaby’s history at the Burnaby Village Museum. Explore this recreated typical 1920s village, with interpretive displays, interactive exhibits, and several historic buildings like a general store and blacksmith shop. Learn about the history of South Asian and Chinese Canadian communities in BC. Don’t forget to check out the operational vintage carousel built in 1912 as well!

Deer Lake Boat Rentals

If you’re looking for some fun on the water, stop by Deer Lake Boat Rentals. They provide canoe, kayak, pedal boat, rowboat, and stand-up paddleboard rentals in beautiful Deer Lake Park.

Burnaby Central Railway

Burnaby Central Railway, operated by the British Columbia Society of Model Engineers, is a family-friendly attraction offering miniature train rides. You can also check out their collection of model train layouts!

Indigenous Art Walk

Immerse yourself in Indigenous art at SFU Burnaby through a unique mobile app tour. Use the mobile app to learn more about the many Indigenous artworks located around the SFU campus and surrounding Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. Learn about diverse artistic practices and cultural perspectives while exploring the meaningful connection between artists, their creations, and the land.

Indigenous Garden at Simon Fraser University – Faculty of Education

Places to Stay

There are many places to stay in Burnaby’s diverse neighbourhoods. Find cozy inns, comfortable hotels and more at TourismBurnaby.com.

Get out there and enjoy the Burnaby Tour! Download the BC Farmers’ Market Trail App, and earn points and rewards when you check in at farmers’ markets across the province!