Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Burnaby

"Stanley Park is a treasure set on almost 1,000 acres in central Vancouver. The city’s first and biggest park is a place to relax with a bike ride on 8.8 kilometers (5.5 miles) of the seawall along English Bay. Meanwhile, 27 kilometers (16.7 miles) of trails through a rainforest beckon visitors who prefer a more leisurely pace as they stop to enjoy wildlife, such as the hundreds of species of birds that call the park home."

"Vancouver’s first official green space, Stanley Park, is a massive and stunning spot just north of the downtown area. Almost entirely surrounded by the sea, it’s one of the best places to see in Vancouver if you fancy a more relaxing time exploring the city. The whole coastal route around the park and the inner trails are totally stunning."

"Here’s a Chinatown treasure, perhaps the most culturally rich of all parks overseen by the Vancouver Parks Board. (Admission to the adjoining Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Garden costs about $15, depending on the season.) With willows, bamboo, craggy rocks, pagodas and a pond dotted with lily pads and filled with koi, this photo-ready site is will make you feel a world away. Both the free and paid portions of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens are currently closed but will reopen July 3"

"It’s a spot rich in history as it’s the first Chinese garden built outside of China. It’s also National Geographic’s “Top City Garden in the World”. This an extremely celestial outdoor space, providing quiet respite from the bustling city and offering dozens of opportunities to photograph 150-year old miniature trees, a jade green pond, and famous koi fish."

"The Dr. Sun yat-sen classical Chinese garden is the heart of Vancouver. This place reflects the cultural heritage and histories of Chinatown. The garden is at the heart of Chinatown."

"The city's highest point – 550ft (167m) above sea level and with panoramic views over the mountain-framed downtown skyscrapers – the 128.5-acre (52-hectare) Queen Elizabeth Park claims to house specimens of every tree native to Canada. Sports fields, manicured lawns and formal gardens keep residents happy, and you'll likely also see wide-eyed couples posing for their wedding photos in particularly picturesque spots. This is a good place to view local birdlife: keep your eyes peeled for chickadees, hummingbirds and huge bald eagles whirling high overhead."

"Right next to the garden you can find the enormous Queen Elizabeth Park which attracts both locals and tourists alike. Centered around Little Mountain, the highest point in the city, it boasts breathtaking views over Vancouver and has loads of lovely green spaces and fun outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Besides walking, jogging, and cycling around its scenic confines, you can play pitch-and-putt golf or tennis, with countless playing fields and sports facilities."

"Queen Elizabeth Park is home to some of the most beautiful and well maintained gardens in the world and the Celebration Pavillion, a facility perfect for weddings and other special occasions. The park is located at 4600 Cambie St."

"One of the city’s main tourist attractions, Vancouver Aquarium is home to an array of aquatic animals, exhibits, and ecosystems. Located within the sprawling confines of Stanley Park, the marvelous marine center is a delight to explore due to all its incredible sea creatures both large and small. First opened in 1956, the aquarium now impressively houses over 70,000 animals with seals, sea otters, and penguins on show alongside vast shoals of shimmering fish."

"Jacques Cousteau has said that Vancouver has some of the best underwater wildlife in the world, the only problem is that the waters off the coast can be rather chilly. Not interested in putting on a dry suit and submerging yourself under the frigid waters?. No problem, the Vancouver Aquarium has solved that problem and brought some of British Columbia's most interesting sea creatures inside to inspire and educate visitors."

"Be sure to also check out the Vancouver Aquarium, the famous Stanley Park, and the VanDusen Botanical Gardens. 20 Day 2: take a ferry over to Vancouver Island"

"One of the best parks in Vancouver for dogs and kids is John Hendry Park, locally referred to as Trout Lake, in East Van, just south of Commercial Drive and within walking distance of the Commercial SkyTrain Station. Situated around Trout Lake, the park includes trails for walking/biking/pushing strollers around the lake, an off-leash dog park on the north side, and a sandy beach and playground on the south side. Plus it has lovely views of the northern mountains."

"Home to one of Vancouver’s biggest farmers' markets every Saturday in summer, John Hendry Park buzzes with a local East Vancouver crowd. A walkway circles tranquil Trout Lake – a natural lake fronted by a small beach at the center of the park – and expansive grass fields provide the perfect park setting for outdoor concerts. Activities abound at the Trout Lake Community Centre, a civic-spirited, light-filled facility just west of the lakeshore."

"Home to a robust farmers’ market on Saturdays, a small lake for swimming on one end and canine shenanigans on the other, tennis courts, a still-closed indoor ice rink and activity center, it’s got a healthy tie-dye/kilt/pierced body parts quotient and the air is often freshly scented with BC bud. People-watch and get ideas for your next—or first—tattoo, even if it’s a temporary decal."

"Situated off Commercial Drive in the heart of East Van, this park has long had a permanent pot cloud over it. Accept it or head to nearby Victoria Park where you can watch Italian old-timers play bocce. Don’t limit yourself to the park itself."

"Surrounded by skyscrapers, this single-block park in Yaletown is an urban oasis for children and adults alike. The newer playground gives kids plenty to climb, spin and swing on while benches everywhere give weary downtown walkers a spot to rest their feet and chat up a local. Nearby Nelson Park has that laid back community feeling (and more dogs) but this park always feels like something’s happening, even if it’s just taking in the small waterfall and letting the sound drown out construction."

"The easiest place to access the Lower Seymour Conservation Area in a place that’s perfect for portraits is near the Rice Lake parking lot. You can usually find a spot in the parking lot. Lower Seymour is for you if… you live on the North Shore and want a forest session."

"This one’s a small space, but, hey, it’s an island without the crowds you’d find on Granville Island. Watch the boat traffic navigate the Fraser River, forage on wild blackberries when in season and stroll the path just north of the park where you might encounter horses or, at the very least, um,...evidence of them. A good alternative for the similar views is the dog-friendly Fraser River Park."

"Exhibiting views of the entire area, the Vancouver Lookout is the perfect way to see firsthand the entire wonder of Vancouver, right from the heart of the city. As you are whisked skyward on the outside of the building aboard a glass-walled elevator your views will begin to open up. Once at the top of the observation deck prepare yourself for the breathtaking 360-degree views, complete with a guided tour of Vancouver's most iconic landmarks and fascinating facts."

"Technically located in West Vancouver, this place gives you an unparalleled top down view of the Vancouver skyline. It is a particularly magical spot to watch the sunrise as warm golden hues bathe the city in morning light. If it’s a cloudy or crisp day, a morning photo expedition might reward you with low fog which often covers the lowest portions of the city, allowing the skyscrapers to pop through, making it look like a supernatural place."

"Vancouver Lookout, constructed in 1977, is the defining feature of Vancouver’s skyline, and its flying saucer design offers sightseers 360-degree views of the city. The lookout lights up at night and becomes a Christmas tree during the holidays. It’s a part of the Harbour Centre, which includes 28 floors of offices."

"One of the best parks in Vancouver for dogs and kids is John Hendry Park, locally referred to as Trout Lake, in East Van, just south of Commercial Drive and within walking distance of the Commercial SkyTrain Station. Situated around Trout Lake, the park includes trails for walking/biking/pushing strollers around the lake, an off-leash dog park on the north side, and a sandy beach and playground on the south side. Plus it has lovely views of the northern mountains."

"Home to one of Vancouver’s biggest farmers' markets every Saturday in summer, John Hendry Park buzzes with a local East Vancouver crowd. A walkway circles tranquil Trout Lake – a natural lake fronted by a small beach at the center of the park – and expansive grass fields provide the perfect park setting for outdoor concerts. Activities abound at the Trout Lake Community Centre, a civic-spirited, light-filled facility just west of the lakeshore."

"Home to a robust farmers’ market on Saturdays, a small lake for swimming on one end and canine shenanigans on the other, tennis courts, a still-closed indoor ice rink and activity center, it’s got a healthy tie-dye/kilt/pierced body parts quotient and the air is often freshly scented with BC bud. People-watch and get ideas for your next—or first—tattoo, even if it’s a temporary decal."

"Combat the sometimes-gloomy Vancouver weather with a warm bowl of Japanese ramen noodles. The international trend has not left this area behind—there are numerous Vancouver restaurants serving up Japanese ramen bowls throughout the city. Lines form out the door at Ramen Danbo (1333 Robson St. and 1833 W. 4th Ave.) for traditional tonkotsu ramen with a rich pork broth, at Hokkaido Ramen Santouka (1690 Robson St. and 558 W. Broadway St.) for their milky white broth as well as soy- and miso-flavored varieties, and at Marutama Ramen (780 Bidwell St., 2858 Main St. and 270 Robson St.) for noodle bowls with a creamy chicken broth."

"A post shared by JINYA Ramen Bar (@jinyaramenbar) on Aug 7, 2018 at 6:40pm PDT. With all the fall and winter rain we get, it’s no wonder Vancouver has a truly incredible selection of ramen spots. Jinya is one of our favourites, quick and easy, it offers a great selection of authentic ramen and also boasts a fantastic spicy creamy vegan ramen."

"Locals recommend Minami for sushi, Anh and Chi for pho, or Marutama for Ramen. Alternatively, you can eat at one of the cafes and restaurants inside Stanley Park itself. Update: 1886 is now closed."

"Asian fusion spot that has a variety of cuisines inspiring their dishes. Great for large parties and get-togethers, with a bar underneath the restaurant for a nightcap. The building is fun too, having been built way back in 1925."

"Admire the luxury fashions and accessories at Gucci before heading over to Hudson’s Bay Company to search for more affordable ready-to-wear options. Indulge in a creamy brown-sugar bubble tea at Xing Fu Tang before investigating the quality selection of wines at St. Regis Fine Wines and Spirits. Have a quick coffee break or lunch at Tim Horton’s before heading over to Granville Station to catch your train to other exciting Vancouver locations."

"Located on the corner of Burrard and Georgia, Royal Centre is easily accessible for those visiting downtown Vancouver. Either walk over or take the SkyTrain to Burrard Station, where you’ll see RBC Tower next to the mall’s entrance. Eat lunch at the multicultural food court before admiring the quality leather footwear at Valentini Shoes."