Once an Indian encampment, this township come open air museum dates back to the 1920s and depicts a typical turn-of-the century tram-stop community, complete with costumed school marm, town printer, blacksmith and Chinese herbalist who each double as interpreters. Admittedly, some of the Asian concoctions look somewhat dusty but you can always get fresher samples from Vancouver’s Chinatown later on in the day.

Kids of all ages get a kick out of ordering sarsaparilla at the ice cream parlor, squeezing into small school desks or riding the vintage C.W. Parker Carousel. In all, this living museum comprises over 30 shops, houses and buildings such as a sawmill as well as the oldest steam engine in British Columbia.  A miniature train, the Burnaby Central Railway, takes children for a ride around the village and old time crafts and baking are demonstrated throughout the year alongside other seasonal activities. In summer, there’s a vaudeville show every afternoon.  

The Holiday season is a great time to visit the Burnaby Village Museum. Their ‘Heritage Christmas’, featuring an old fashioned Christmas is a local favorite. The season also brings numerous arts fairs and gift buying opportunities. Strolling carolers, musicians and haywagon rides add to the festivities.