Located at the geographic centre of the Metro Vancouver region, Burnaby covers 96.6 square kilometres and offers a unique blend of natural beauty, urban convenience, and cultural vibrancy. Bordered by the Burrard Inlet to the north and the Fraser River to the south, Burnaby shares the Burrard Peninsula with the cities of Vancouver and New Westminster, forming one of British Columbia’s most dynamic urban corridors.
Burnaby’s terrain is anything but flat—its landscape is a mix of ridges, rolling hills, valleys, and alluvial plains. The city’s highest point is Burnaby Mountain, rising 370 metres (1,214 feet) above sea level, which not only offers breathtaking panoramic views but also contributes to more frequent snowfall in winter compared to lower-elevation neighbours like Vancouver and Richmond. Burnaby’s Simon Fraser University, perched on the mountain, even operates its own weather station due to the distinct microclimate at that elevation.
The city is organized around four major urban hubs known as town centres:
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Metrotown, the largest, is home to Metropolis at Metrotown, B.C.’s biggest shopping mall and one of the most visited retail destinations in Canada.
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Brentwood, an emerging high-density neighbourhood, is rapidly growing with new towers, shops, and green spaces.
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Lougheed combines residential, retail, and transit in a walkable environment.
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Edmonds is a diverse and developing area with a strong sense of community and local culture.
Burnaby’s civic and cultural heart lies in the Deer Lake area, which includes art galleries, museums, theatre spaces, and city government buildings, all surrounded by tranquil parkland and heritage trails.
Despite its commercial success, Burnaby is committed to sustainability and green space. Over 25% of the city’s land is dedicated to parks, making it one of the greenest urban environments in North America. You’ll find some of the region’s most scenic and accessible outdoor spaces here, including:
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Central Park, perfect for running trails, sports, and forest walks
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Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, ideal for hiking and stargazing
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Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake, popular for birdwatching, canoeing, and festivals
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Robert Burnaby Park, Kensington Park, Squint Lake, and Barnet Marine Park, which add to the city’s rich offering of recreational spaces
Waterways like Still Creek and the Brunette River wind through the city, providing habitat for wildlife and peaceful walking paths for locals and visitors.
Burnaby also retains a slice of its agricultural past, with working farmlands and greenhouses found in the Big Bend area along the Fraser River. This southern edge of the city blends rural charm with urban proximity, a rarity in modern metropolitan regions.
Climate in Burnaby
Burnaby enjoys an oceanic climate (Cfb)—mild and dry during the summer, with cool, rainy winters. The city’s elevation creates microclimates, particularly noticeable on Burnaby Mountain, where snowfall is heavier and temperatures are slightly cooler than in surrounding municipalities.