Kelly RainierWe’ve seen photos of spring and summer activities held in Burnaby Village Museum around the internet, but never really thought of visiting it with our kids since we initially thought it would just bore them.
But when we heard about our friend raving about their last summer trip here, we knew we had to try it too! Stepping inside the museum was really like a real time-traveling moment for all of us, especially during this time where almost everything is digital.
So if you want to visit Burnaby Village Museum but don’t know where to start, this guide got your back! Make sure to keep reading and save this page as we’ve got the full scoop.
Burnaby Village Museum: An Overview
Media credit: @cityofburnaby
Vancouver, specifically Burnaby, has an open-air museum that will let you relive what it was like back in the 1920s.
In 1971, Burnaby Village Museum was established to recreate a village filled with replica buildings of a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, a general store, and even a Chinese herbal shop.
Since the museum wanted to have a more accurate and interactive experience, you can expect to see their staff wearing a full vintage costume. So roaming around the area really felt like you were transported back in the 1920s.
While the main highlight of the museum is the vintage carousel, you can still visit the museum to catch seasonal events and activities, specifically during summer, spring, Halloween, and Christmas.
Things to See and Do in Burnaby Village Museum
1920s Village
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When we saw the 1920s Village, we immediately felt what time traveling was like. Here, you can see old buildings with people walking around wearing their period clothing.
Our most favorite spot here in the 1920s village was the old schoolhouse. You can even check the interiors through a tiny window, which we really find interesting.
They also have a general store in the village. And what’s great about it is that it really smelled like wood and spice!
You can also spot a blacksmith hammering through raw iron.
1912 C.W. Parker Carousel
Media credit: @burnabyvillage
Our most favorite spot in Burnaby Village Museum would have to be the 1912 C.W. Parker Carousel. True to its name, this carousel was built in 1912 by the C.W. Parker Company in Kansas.
This carousel is also known as Parker #119, where you’ll get to see (and ride) 41 hand-carved wooden horses—something that we’ve definitely never seen and touched before.
Indigenous Learning House
Media credit: @burnabyvillage
You can also visit the Indigenous Learning House, also called Indigenous Welcoming House, if you want to know more about the traditions of the First Nations communities.
While we don’t understand some writings, it’s still fun to see the local languages that the Indigenous spoke during their time.
We were also lucky to hear more about Indigenous animals and plants during our visit. We even got to take home a small plant figurine to commemorate our stay.
Seasonal Activities in Burnaby Village Museum
Spring Activities in Burnaby Village Museum
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There are plenty of activities for you and your kids during the Spring season. Let’s check each one of them:
- Heritage Games at Carousel Plaza: This activity is perfect if you want to experience playing the popular games people would play back in the 1920s. Remember, this isn’t just for kids, but great for adults too!
We headed to the Carousel Plaza and tried playing the traditional ring toss. We didn’t expect to be all sweaty while playing this game.
- Indigenous Outdoor Games at Tram Plaza: During spring break, you can also try the indigenous outdoor games at Tram Plaza. Just make sure to be there before the official session starts at 2:15 in the afternoon.
It’s actually more than just a game, as you can learn more about the cultural significance of each indigenous outdoor game.
One of the games we tried during our visit was the Double Ball Game. Here, two balls were connected by a strong, and to win the game, we had to throw one ball through a target.
Spoiler alert: we didn’t win, but at least we got to try how the people back then strategized just to win the game.
- School Days at Seaforth School: Ever wondered about how it was like to be a student back in the 1920s? Well, you’re not alone!
Good thing, you can get a glimpse of what it was like to be in school back in the day, so no need for you to wish for a time travel experience! They also introduced us to 20th-century education.
They also had a widely different curriculum back then, which included the study of Latin, domestic science, and agricultural studies. Sessions are between 12 until 3 in the afternoon.
- Pacific Spirit Quilters at Bell’s Dry Goods: Another way to enjoy your spring break while you’re in Vancouver is by seeing Pacific Spirit Quilters in action.
Here, you can see quilters gathered around the village as they do their magic on their needles and fabrics. We were actually just expecting to see them work on their craft, but we were glad to hear their stories.
And oh, you can even expect to see younger generations of quilters as we’ve been told that this passion has been passed on across generations.
So if you’re interested to try, they’re at Bell’s Dry Goods from 11:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon.
Summer Activities in Burnaby Village Museum
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- Vintage Carousel Ride: If you just passed by Don Wrigley Pavilion, we’re quite sure you won’t miss the restored C.W. Parker Carousel, as your eyes will definitely feast on the carved wooden horses.
The carousel ride is fully functional, so you’ll enjoy spinning around. We even loved the background music played from the 1925 Wurlitzer organ.
If you want to try the vintage carousel, you can ride it at just $2.62. However, if you’re bringing your kids with you, we suggest getting the Baker’s Dozen package that will let you ride it 13 times for just $31.45.
- Blacksmithing Demonstrations: You also need to check out the Blacksmithing Demonstrations while you’re in Burnaby Village Museum. Here, you’ll see a skilled artisan working on raw chunks of iron.
The best part is that a glass wall won’t stand in between, so you can really see them up close. You can also have meaningful conversations with the blacksmiths, so you can fully understand its history.
We asked too many questions, so we left the blacksmith shop with lots of information about hammers and tongs used in their craft.
- Coffee Grinding at the General Store: Personally, we love crafting our own coffee at home. So when we saw this coffee grinding activity in Burnaby Village Museum, we knew we just had to check it out.
We’re glad to see how coffee making back in the day is more than just brewing, they take their time grinding the beans manually using vintage coffee grinding equipment.
We’ve tried using the manual equipment, and it really required lots of patience (and energy too!). So imagine them doing this back in the day—one that is part of their daily living.
- Mahjong at the Herbalist Shop: It’s interesting that you can also join mahjong sessions in Burnaby Village Museum. This activity doesn’t happen everyday, so make sure to plan your visit on a Friday if you want to sit down and play.
Additionally, this spot isn’t only about playing. The friendly staff will even walk you through the game’s tradition, including more information about Chinese culture.
- Cedar Basket Weaving at Love Farmhouse: We loved how authentic our experience was at the Love Farmhouse. You’ll be surrounded by vintage pieces, adding to the overall rustic charm of the place.
When we were exploring the area, we saw Hazel’s cedar basket. And if you’re wondering who Hazel is, she’s actually a historical figure associated with this farmhouse.
We got a chance to try the traditional way of weaving baskets too. It was quite hard, so we really got to appreciate the craftsmanship of our local artisans once we tried it ourselves.
- Scavenger Hunt: Another interactive activity that you can have with your kids is the scavenger hunt. It’s one interesting way of exploring the village, walking through different exhibits, as you find clues that will lead you to the treasure.
Upon entering, you’ll be handed a scavenger hunt clue sheet. Every year, the museum offers different themes to make it more cultural.
This year’s theme was the Nowruz New Year, a way to celebrate Burnaby’s Afghan community.
Halloween Events
Media credit: @burnabyvillage
Last year, we got to experience Burnaby Village Museum’s Haunted Village. Don’t worry, the site wasn’t really a haunted house so you can really take your kids with you.
The theme last year was Legends, Tales, and Other Stories, so we got to see familiar characters from our classic children’s books such as Aurora from Sleeping Beauty, and Ariel from The Little Mermaid.
You may proceed to the Brookfield Hall so you can catch their indigenous storytelling. Meanwhile, you may catch live performances at Vorce Tram Station.
Admission for adults is $10, while kids from 2 until 12 years of age are charged $5.
Heritage Christmas
Media credit: @burnabyvillage
Burnaby Village Museum also transforms during Christmas time. From the last week of November until the first week of January, you can bring your kids and take lots of photos in this Christmas wonderland.
In the present world, we’re used to seeing modern Christmas lights and decorations. So we definitely loved seeing traditional Christmas decorations this time!
There are also carolers singing and humming Christmas songs around the area. And don’t forget to introduce your kids to Burnaby Village Museum’s santa—Father Christmas!
Admission is still free during this time. Just remember that the museum is closed on December 24 and 25.
How to Go to Burnaby Village Museum
Burnaby Village Museum is just 16 kilometers away from the center of Vancouver, and you have different transportation options to get there.
You can reach this open-air museum by driving your own car, booking a ride-sharing service, riding a cab, or taking public transportation. Let’s go over each one of them:
By private transport, ride-sharing, or taxi:
- Private transport: Burnaby Village Museum is just a 30-minute drive from the center of Vancouver. Just take the E 1st Ave and Trans-Canada Hwy via BC-1 E road.
Free parking is available in the museum’s lot.
- Ride-sharing or taxi: Just book a ride from Vancouver and request to be dropped off at Burnaby Village Museum.
By bus: You can also ride a bus to Burnaby Village Museum. The transit lines that pass near the museum are 110, 123, 133, and 144.
By train: You can also head over to Granville Station at Platform 2. This train will lead you to Burnaby Village Museum.
The Best Time to Go to Burnaby Village Museum
For us, the best time to visit Burnaby Village Museum would be during their seasonal activities. However, the museum has more activities during summer, so if you want to make the most of your stay then you know when to go.
During summer, you can catch various activities that are great for both adults and kids. Some of the activities that you can enjoy are the live demonstrations by blacksmiths, cedar basket weaving, and coffee grinding.
Meanwhile, if you prefer a more festive vibe, the museum is also home to a fun Christmas vibe from late November until early January.
Attractions Near Burnaby Village Museum
Deer Lake Park
Media credit: @pnwonderland
Website: https://www.burnaby.ca/explore-outdoors/parks/deer-lake-park
Address: 5435 Sperling Ave, Burnaby, BC V5E 2L8
Contact Details: +1 604-294-7450
Operating Hours: 24 Hours
While you’re in the area, you may also consider visiting Deer Lake Park. The park is actually located near the museum’s parking lot, so you won’t have to drive further just to get to this site.
It’s actually a great way to end your trip, as you get to relax by walking along the trails around the lake, while being surrounded by lots of green trees. We even got lucky to see blue herons while we’re taking an afternoon stroll!
Shadbolt Centre for the Arts
Media credit: @shadbolt_centre
Website: http://shadboltcentre.com/
Address: 6450 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby, BC V5G 3T6
Contact Details: +1 604-297-4440
You can also visit the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, located inside Deer Lake Park. Here, you can see two theatres, the James Cowan Theatre and the Studio Theatre, that host various live performances.
Aside from the theatrical or live performances, this center is also home to different fine arts programs for kids and adults.
So if you’re interested in attending art workshops or even dance classes, you can drop by during your trip to Burnaby Village Museum to see their programs
