What to expect at Burnaby Village Museum
Burnaby Village Museum is a 10-acre open-air museum at 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby, BC V5G 3T6. Its 38 exhibits include period-specific homes and businesses, along with a traditional schoolhouse. The village represents a re-creation of a tram-stop community, not an authentic historic village.
The museum opened in 1971 to mark the 100th anniversary of British Columbia joining Confederation. It began on 4.3 acres as a depiction of a small pioneer village around the turn of the 20th century. After the City of Burnaby took over its administration in 1990, exhibits and programs developed a focus on Burnaby in the 1920s.
As you move through the historic grounds, look out for the Indigenous Learning House, where visitors can learn about the significance of the land from an Indigenous perspective. During the open season, museum interpreters and educators give demonstrations in homes, shops and businesses. You can explore at your own pace.
Opening hours and seasonal dates
Burnaby Village Museum opens for seasonal visitor periods rather than offering year-round admission hours. Its Spring Break and summer seasons, as well as special events, have different schedules. The administrative office is open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm; those are office hours, not visitor admission hours.
Last admission is generally 30 minutes before closing. Seasonal schedules can set a specific last-entry time, so leave enough time to arrive before the stated cutoff.
Admission and ticket planning
General museum admission is free. Haunted Village is an exception and requires paid admission. Carousel rides cost $2.86 each plus tax, or you can choose a 13-ride Bakers Dozen for $34.32 plus tax. The carousel operates during Spring Break, Summer Season and Festive Village, and is closed during Haunted Village.
Check the official site before you go for current seasonal opening dates, hours and any event admission details.
Getting to the museum
From Vancouver Backpacker House - 10 min walk to Metrotown skytrain station, Burnaby Village Museum is about an 11-minute drive. The museum says you can reach it by vehicle or public transit, and suggests considering transit because parking is limited.
The main entrance and parking lot are on Deer Lake Avenue near Canada Way and Sperling. There is also a second entrance, the Carousel Entrance, on Deer Lake Avenue across from the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts. If you’re planning the wider journey from the airport, see this guide to getting from Vancouver International Airport to Burnaby.
Parking and accessibility
Free parking is available in the museum lot, but spaces are limited. The museum provides a map of other public parking options in the area.
Most facilities meet wheelchair accessibility standards on their ground floors. A paved roadway connects the historic-ground buildings, and benches are located throughout the site. You can borrow a wheelchair from the Orientation Plaza.
Guide and service dogs are welcome, but pets are not permitted. The site is non-smoking and non-vaping. Food is not permitted inside exhibits and display areas; picnics are encouraged outside exhibits, and Mai’s Café is another option.
How to plan the visit
Start by checking the seasonal schedule and choosing an open visitor period. Once there, take the historic grounds at your own pace, moving between the period homes, businesses and schoolhouse. Allow time for demonstrations if they’re taking place during your visit.
If you’re also making time for another cultural stop in the area, the Burnaby Art Gallery visitor guide can help with planning that outing. For a stay in Burnaby, Vancouver Backpacker House is a base for reaching the museum by car.