Tianna ClarkeWhen do we stop being kids at heart? Honestly, I don’t think we ever do. For me, most adults are just big kids trying to heal our inner child.
Luckily, I have cute nieces I can “accompany” to places nostalgic to me, like art and history museums, art class studios, and theme parks. I brought them to Burnaby Central Railway recently, but they had to drag me off the train after my third ride.
At one point, a 6-year-old even told me off for not giving up the “best seat” on the train. A tad embarrassing (yet also funny) for me. We all enjoyed the whole thing, though. We even crafted a travel guide so you can check out this experience too!
What is Burnaby Central Railway known for?
Burnaby Central Railway is known for its miniature trains, as well as its picturesque track layouts and kid-friendly vibe. It’s ideal for train enthusiasts, whether you’re 5 or 50!
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Burnaby Central Railway is during warmer months, from May to September. This is when the weather is more comfortable—and not too chilly—for outdoor fun.
Things to Know
Entry Fees: Rides at Burnaby Central Railway are $4.50 per person, but kids under 3 can enter for free with a paying adult. A 10-ride pass is also available for $40.
Operating Hours: The railway is open Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays, from 11 am to 5 pm. Just remember that ticket sales end at 4:45 pm.
Parking: You can park for free near Confederation Park, as well as on the streets nearby. The earlier, the better.
Washroom: Public washrooms are accessible in Confederation Park, though you’ll have to walk a bit from the station area. Plan your breaks accordingly!
Dogs: Although dogs on a leash may enter the park, they can’t ride the trains with you. You can still take lots of photos with them, though.
How to Get Around
Trains: Hop on the SkyTrain to Brentwood Town Centre Station (Millennium Line). Once you’re there, it will take you 20 minutes to walk to the railway. But if you’re not a fan of strolls, you can catch a bus close to the Confederation Park instead.
Buses: Take a TransLink bus to Deer Lake Park or other stops nearby. From there, it’s a relatively quick walk to the miniature railway.
Taxis: For us, riding a cab is your most convenient option! You can use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Lyft to drop you off at the destination.
Car: Driving is a breeze too! There are parking spaces on-site, especially around Shadbolt Centre and Burnaby Lake. Our advice is to visit earlier on weekends to avoid any hassle.
What to Do in Burnaby Central Railway
Ride the Miniature Trains
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Naturally, riding the trains at Burnaby Central Railway is the main activity. You can have the time of your life riding the 1/8 scale miniature trains around the park, as long as you’re 3 and above.
You’ll go through tunnels, past tiny villages, and over bridges. During this time, we reckon you can see the world through the eyes of a child. We say take tons of cute photos too, while you’re at it.
Explore the Train Yard
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Curious about what’s happening behind the scenes? You can politely approach the engineers who prep the little trains and switch the tracks. And if you’re feeling up to it, why not mingle with other visitors too?
There are plenty of guests geeking out about the trains, steam engines, and custom builds here, so don’t be shy! Who knows? You might just find a group of fun peeps who share the same interests.
Plan a Picnic
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The railway is family-friendly—you can plan a fun picnic around the grassy areas on cooler days! And if you don’t have a picnic rug, you can always use the nearby tables.
Just be sure to bring your favourite snacks, including sandwiches, desserts, chips, drinks, and the like. Our recommendation? Plan a classic afternoon tea session! You won’t have to think too much—just follow any high tea inspirations online.
Pair It with Nearby Spots
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Should you want to make the most of your trip, we believe it’s best to add other attractions to your itinerary.
You can use the rest of the afternoon to visit the charming Burnaby Village Museum, serene Deer Lake Park, and buzzing Metrotown Mall, as well as several delectable dining spots nearby.
Where to Eat around Burnaby Central Railway
X-Site Grill & Bistro
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Website: http://xsitegrillandbistro.com/
Address: 4625 Hastings St, Burnaby
Contact Details: +1 604 298 7483
Pricing: $
X-Site Grill & Bistro is one of the best budget dining spots near Burnaby Central Railway. Though it’s not fancy-looking, we like its old-school vibe with dim lighting and dark wood furnishings to make it comfy for a casual hangout.
It’s got big portions too! We recommend the cheeseburgers, creamy pasta, or chicken souvlaki platter (grilled meat skewers). Do note that this spot isn’t dessert-heavy, but we think its chocolate cake is always a good idea.
SOCRATES in the Heights
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Website: http://socratesintheheights.ca/
Address: 4651 Hastings St, Burnaby
Contact Details: +1 604 299 3777
Pricing: $$
Craving authentic Greek food? SOCRATES in the Heights is all about that vibe! The atmosphere here also seems casual and intimate, making you feel like you’ve stepped into the streets of Athens itself!
Our top picks are the lamb souvlaki (kebab or skewers), moussaka (ground meat dish), and spanakopita (spinach and cheese pie). The entrées also come with potatoes, pita, rice, and Greek salad, so we bet you’ll get hearty meals whichever you choose.
Stan’s Pizza Joint
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Website: https://stanspizzajoint.com/
Address: 4527 Hastings St, Burnaby
Contact Details: +1 604 298 5711, [email protected]
Pricing: $
If you want a simple yet reliable casual bite, we say go straight to Stan’s Pizza Joint before, during, or after going to the miniature railway.
One of our favourite orders are the Stan’s Combo! It’s got it all—loaded with mushrooms, pepperoni, sausages, and more. Otherwise, we reckon you can’t go wrong with a BBQ chicken or just build your own pizza if you’re super picky.
The Ramen Butcher
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Website: https://theramenbutcher.com/
Address: 4518 Hastings St, Burnaby
Contact Details: +1 604 299 5407
Pricing: $
Should you be looking for comfort food, The Ramen Butcher is a crowd favourite in Vancouver for a reason. We also like that this place offers free extra noodles with your soup or broth—just ask for kaedama (extra portion) when you’re running low.
We love its super creamy and rich tonkotsu (pork marrow) ramen with its thin noodles and packed umami (delicious, savoury taste). On cooler days, you can order the spicy miso tsukemen (dipping noodles) or gyoza (dumplings) for a bit of a kick too.
If you’d like to end with something sweet, we say go for the Greek yogurt cheesecake! The classic baklava (layered pastry with nuts) is among the crowd favourites as well.
The Gray Olive Cafeteria
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Website: http://www.thegrayolive.com/
Address: 4190 Hastings St, Burnaby
Contact Details: +1 604 566 9664, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Fancy a gourmet twist on your favourite comfort foods? The Gray Olive Cafeteria provides innovative classics we think are worth a try.
We think you should try the fried buttermilk chicken on soft brioche French toast and the brisket hash for a hearty start. In our opinion, this spot also boasts a solid espresso game! Besides the bold roasts, you can enjoy the Instagram-worthy latte art.
And in our view, the chef-curated plates with big portions look photogenic too! On top of that, you can have solo laptop sessions here if you need a peaceful place to study or work.
Where to Shop near Burnaby Central Railway
Burnaby Heights Persian Market (Halal Store)
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Address: 281 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby
Contact Details: +1 778 784 2900
Planning to fill your picnic basket with treats? Burnaby Heights Persian Market offers plenty of fresh fruits, bread, and sweets you can consider before heading to Burnaby Central Railway.
Despite the market’s small size, we appreciate that you can find many meat and halal options (permissible under Islamic law) here. Though for us, sweet-tooth shoppers are the luckiest with the milk, ice cream, yogurt, and honey here.
Muckabout Gift Gallery
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Website: http://www.muckabout.ca/
Address: 4759 Hastings St, Burnaby
Contact Details: +1 778 379 3595, [email protected]
Thinking of buying unique, artsy souvenirs for yourself or your loved ones? We bet Muckabout Gift Gallery has some of the quirkiest items near Burnaby Central Railway.
It features more than 150 local artists skilled with pottery, handcrafted arts and crafts, home decor, cards, upcycled furniture, and the like. We’re also amazed that this store can help you move newly bought furniture within hours of purchase!
And if you want more fun experiences, we adore that this spot offers DIY classes, demos, and online tutorials—a true haven for art enthusiasts, we say.
The Honey Hub
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Website: https://www.honeyhub.ca/
Address: 4347 Hastings St, Burnaby
Contact Details: +1 236 509 9194
Do you still have honey at home? Well, the Honey Hub provides a cool range of pure, raw, and unpasteurized honey from different British Columbia regions you might want to check out.
Depending on your preferences, the honey flavours you can try are the wildflower (light and floral), fireweed (light and aromatic), or buckwheat (dark).
Apart from the sugary stuff, we love that this store showcases handcrafted beeswax candles. These are great for their clean burn and sweet scent! We also believe these would go nicely with sleek home interiors.
Ayoub’s Dried Fruits & Nuts
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Website: http://www.ayoubs.ca/
Address: 4162 Hastings St, Burnaby
Contact Details: +1 604 428 6887, [email protected]
Feeling peckish? Ayoub’s Dried Fruits & Nuts is one of our top destinations for some snacks, great for a chill picnic or hangout at Burnaby Central Railway.
We love this shop’s in-house roasted nuts—you can choose from many flavours like sea salt, lime, or saffron. More casual treats also include pistachios and sunflower seeds, as well as sweeter ones, such as nougat and Turkish delight.
Where to Stay near Burnaby Central Railway
Accent Inns Burnaby
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Website: http://www.accentinns.com/burnaby
Address: 3777 Henning Dr, Burnaby
Contact Details: +1 604 473 5000, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
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Accent Inns is a handy 3-star hotel for commuters visiting Burnaby Central Railway— it’s an 8-minute walk from Gilmore SkyTrain station! And if you’re planning to shop ‘til you drop, we love that it’s only 5 km from the Metropolis at Metrotown Mall.
Its casual rooms come with the usual amenities, like free internet, flat-screen TVs, minifridges and coffeemakers. But if you need more room, we say upgrade and get yourself some sofabeds and kitchenettes too. The suites offer living rooms as well.
When it’s time for grub, you can indulge at a laid-back country-style restaurant or even use the complimentary area shuttle if you want more dining options.
Delta Hotels Burnaby Conference Centre
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Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yvrdb-delta-hotels-burnaby-conference-centre/overview/
Address: 4331 Dominion St, Burnaby
Contact Details: +1 604 453 0750
Pricing: $$
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Delta Hotels Burnaby Conference Centre is a 4-star haven that we believe is great for families or friends. Not only is it anchored to the Grand Villa Casino, but it’s also 16 km from the famous Vancouver Aquarium if you’re willing to take a little drive.
The warm rooms provide the usual amenities, but note that only some offer balconies with mountain or city views. And if you’re feeling fancy, we suggest going for the club rooms or suites with access to a private lounge.
You can also delight in swanky dining options, like a French breakfast bistro and a steakhouse—there’s a convenient Starbucks branch here too! For relaxation, you can treat yourself at the sauna or hot tub after a long day of strolling around the mini trains.
Holiday Inn Express Vancouver-Metrotown (Burnaby)
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Website: https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/burnaby/yvrbm/hoteldetail
Address: 4405 Central Blvd, Station Square Metrotown, Burnaby
Contact Details: +1 604 438 1881
Pricing: $$
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Holiday Inn Express is a convenient 3-star lodging across the street from the SkyTrain—you’ll get direct downtown access! This option is also 5.4 km from Burnaby Village Museum—we bet the kids would be happy with more fun attractions like this!
Apart from the well-equipped rooms, we appreciate that kids 19 and below can stay for free (as long as they’re with an adult!). Also, we don’t think every 3-star spot offers both hard and soft pillows. So if you’re particular about that, we reckon you’ll love it here.
Should you want to start your mornings right, we say indulge in the free breakfast bar. There’s also an outdoor heated pool to keep things comfy for you the whole day—no more chilly midnight dips!
Skwachàys Lodge Indigenous Hotel and Gallery
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Website: http://www.skwachays.com/
Address: 31 W Pender St
Contact Details: +1 604 687 3589, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
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Skwachàys Lodge is a unique 3-star option only a 4-minute walk from a cool Gastown shopping and dining experience. This boutique hotel also showcases Aboriginal arts and culture-inspired decor that we bet artsy peeps would love.
Plus, we’re intrigued that each trendy room has a unique theme—it’s like getting a nice surprise every time you check in! Just remember that only some add balconies, so it’s best to check with the staff ahead of time.
The lounge is pretty warm with a nice fireplace too! Apart from the light bites and wine, you’ll also find a communal kitchen. Those who want more art should check out the rooftop smudge room with hand-painted murals and a colorful Aboriginal art gallery.
Victorian Hotel
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Website: https://victorianhotel.ca/
Address: 510 Homer St, Vancouver
Contact Details: +1 604 681 6369, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
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We think the Victorian Hotel is an interesting 3-star place for history buffs! This unique hotel is a converted 1898 Victorian guesthouse about a 4-minute walk away from several dining spots and bars.
For us, old souls would love the rooms with antique furnishings mixed with modern decor. Some rooms even showcase original hardwood floors, timeless rugs, and fancy chandeliers! Note that many rooms share the 6 ceramic-tiled bathrooms, though.
And when it’s time to dine, there’s a casual eatery with an open kitchen where you can enjoy European cuisine. We like that the continental breakfast is available for a touch of familiarity too.
Tips When Visiting Burnaby Central Railway
Now you know all about this miniature railway attraction, here are some tips and tricks to make your visit a breeze:
| Dress to impress (yourself). Since all the excitement is happening outdoors, it’s smart to dress in adjustable layers. We say wear sunscreen and bring an umbrella too—be prepared for anything to avoid any discomfort later. Consider all payment methods. You never know when you’ll need either cash or a card, so make sure to have both for small purchases or snacks. Plan a picnic. Bring snacks—a lot of them! The park has several picnic areas and a playground where you can chill with your loved ones the whole day! Get the 10-ride pass. Enjoyed the rides and want to do it all again? Visit next time with a pass—it can be used for multiple days too! Bring wet wipes or sanitizer. While the benches and trains here are usually well-kept, it’s still hygienic to keep everything clean (especially for the little ones) as much as possible. |
