Jamie RamsayI always do this. I tell myself I’d only go to the mall for one thing, but I always end up wandering for half a day, hands with shopping bags I don’t remember purchasing.
One time, my friends and I only planned a quick trip to the mall, and our fitness trackers congratulated us. Not for completing our goal for the day, no, but for completing an entire marathon! It’s ridiculous, because my girls and I don’t even like exercise!
Over time, we’ve learned to accept our love for shopping and just let ourselves have a day, because why not? Here’s a little travel guide we made from our best experiences at Metrotown in Vancouver.
What is Metrotown in Vancouver known for?
Metrotown in Vancouver is known for being among the city’s biggest shopping districts. It also houses Metropolis, British Columbia’s biggest shopping centre, providing various stores, dining spots, and entertainment options.
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Metrotown in Vancouver is weekdays around 2 pm to 4 pm, which would fall between lunch and after-work rush hours. You can visit all year round.
Things to Know
Entry Fees: You can enter Metropolis at Metrotown for free.
Operating Hours: The mall is open from Mondays to Saturdays from 10 am to 9 pm and Sundays and holidays from 11 am to 7 pm.
Parking: There’s free parking here, but note the 4-hour limit for shoppers. You don’t need to register for this.
Washroom: Washrooms are scattered across the mall, ready whenever you need them.
Dogs: Unfortunately for pet owners, only licensed service dogs are allowed inside the mall.
How to Get Around
Trains: You can easily take the fast and efficient SkyTrain located adjacent to the mall. This also lets commuters navigate various parts of the city.
Buses: Shoppers can also get to Metrotown by bus. You can find the bus terminal at the lower level of the Metrotown complex. We think you’ll find it easily as it’s close to the SkyTrain station.
Taxis: Riding a taxi is your best option if you want a direct and hassle-free way to get to the shopping district. You can use popular services like Uber and Lyft.
Car: We think driving here wouldn’t be a problem either. You can use major roadways like Kingsway and Imperial Street, and the adequate free parking later.
What to Do around Metrotown in Vancouver
Catch a Movie
Media credit: cineplexmovies
Website: https://www.cineplex.com/Theatre/cineplex-cinemas-metropolis
Address: 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby
Contact Details: +1 604 435 7474
It’s always a good idea to catch the latest Hollywood film at Cineplex Cinemas, whether you’re by yourself, on a date, or with your crew—the comfy seats offer plenty of legroom!
We appreciate that this movie theatre is usually pretty clean with great speakers. It’s best to check it out on Tuesdays too—sometimes it offers cheaper fares!
You can also park your car in the parking lot in front of the Cineplex food, so you won’t have to walk around the mall to find your car.
Go to the Spa
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Website: https://sabaithai.com/
Address: 4603 Kingsway #120, Burnaby
Contact Details: +1 604 334 3743, [email protected]
Planning a self-care spa day at Metrotown? Just 5 to 6 minutes away from Metropolis is Sabai Thai Spa. We like that it typically offers several packages, like the True Wellness Spa and online vouchers so that you can save more.
You can experience deep relaxation with the Flow Massage or just release a bit of tension from your hands and feet with the Reflexology services. But if you want to look good too, you can get a customized facial to treat your skin.
Visit Central Park
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Website: https://www.burnaby.ca/explore-outdoors/parks/central-park
Address: 3883 Imperial St, Burnaby
Contact Details: +1 604 294 7450
Burnaby’s Central Park is only 1.5 km from Metropolis if you want to bring your little ones to an adorable playground or just fancy some fresh air. It’s well-maintained, and you can walk, run, and bike around here.
And even if you haven’t brought your picnic mat, you can still use the tables and shelters to eat snacks and chill out with your loved ones. Birdwatchers also flock here to see some interesting birds or other small wildlife.
Where to Eat around Metrotown in Vancouver
American Cheesesteak Company
Media credit: cheesesteak_metrotown
Address: Next to Winners, 4700 Kingsway, 2nd Level, Burnaby
Contact Details: +1 604 435 8998
Pricing: $
Craving some casual bites in Metrotown? We think American Cheesesteak Company has some of the best hearty, cheesy sandwiches to try.
It offers traditional options like Classic, New Yorker, and Philly, as well as specialty picks like Le Bifteck, the Cowboy, and even Good Earth for vegetarians—something for everyone!
Do note that only a few tables here are open for dine-in, but you’re always free to order takeout or delivery.
Steve’s Poké Bar
Media credit: stevespokebar
Website: https://www.stevespokebar.ca/locations/burnaby-metrotown
Address: 4700 Kingsway #2265B, Floor 1, Burnaby
Contact Details: +1 604 423 6284, [email protected]
Pricing: $
Steve’s Poké Bar can offer you an authentic Hawaiian experience with its many traditional and signature bowls. It’s also known for serving big portions, so we say it’s best to arrive hungry.
As for the grub, we appreciate the numerous options for different proteins. Some of our favourites are the salmon, scallops, tofu, and spam. There are tons of veggie toppings too, appealing to most preferences.
ZUBU
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Website: https://www.byzubu.com/ramen/
Address: 4575 Central Blvd M01, Burnaby
Contact Details: +1 604 229 2477, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Those looking forward to a Japanese meal can go straight to ZUBU for ramen, sushi, and rice bowls! This spot is conveniently located right outside the Metropolis Mall, right across from Walmart, and next to the parking area—very accessible!
Personally, we recommend the spicy ramen for a bit of a kick, especially on rainy days. We appreciate that there’s a Kid’s Ramen too, making it very family-friendly.
BASHA
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Address: 4700 Kingsway #2250, Floor G, Burnaby
Contact Details: +1 604 423 3014
Pricing: $
Need an option that’s easy on the wallet? BASHA is an affordable Lebanese dining spot with hearty Mediterranean flavours. It provides wraps, grilled plates, and even poutines—lots of comfort food here!
This spot has several tasty shawarma bowls, but we noticed that many frequent this place for its chicken shawarma. We also like the garlic potatoes on the side! We think its hot sauce is pretty mild, though, so we say don’t expect too much on that part.
Pür & Simple
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Website: https://pursimple.com/burnaby/
Address: 6096 McKay Ave, Station Square Metrodown, Burnaby
Contact Details: +1 604 428 2875, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Should you be a fan of breakfast food all day, every day, Pür & Simple is among the best dining spots to stop by at Metrotown. This place is known for its innovative takes on various morning comfort foods, and we think the items are +Instagram-worthy too!
We say get your hands on the Eggs Benedict or the red velvet buttermilk pancakes right away. But if you’re feeling adventurous, we think you should go for the “cina-bacon” or a cinnamon bun with bacon and eggs. A good mix of savoury and sweet, we say.
Where to Shop around Metrotown in Vancouver
Stoxx
Media credit: stoxxvintage
Website: http://www.stoxxvintage.com/
Address: 4700 Kingsway, Floor G, Burnaby
Contact Details: +1 250 619 8623, [email protected]
Fascinated with buying unique trinkets from a different era? Stoxx is popular for vintage clothing, accessories, and collectibles, especially from the 80s and 90s.
Some of our favourite brands here are Adidas, Nike, Levi’s, Harley-Davidson, and Polo. There are plenty of things to see here. For one, you can get yourself a really nice jacket or your nephew a cool toy truck—some with very reasonable prices too.
Artbox Metrodown
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Website: https://www.artboxvan.com/
Address: 4800 Kingsway M17a, Floor G, Metropolis at Metrodown
Contact Details: +1 604 436 1244
Artbox Metrodown is a gift shop to explore if you need specific or niche items for the next gifting holiday or season! You’ll find diverse items like exclusive K-pop albums, lightsticks, merchandise, and plushies.
We also love that this store offers plenty of stationery for collectors. You’ll see a bunch of notebooks, planners, pens, stickers, hair accessories, phone cases, birthday decor, and more—all inspired by Korean designs.
Where to Stay around Metrodown in Vancouver
Holiday Inn Express Vancouver-Metrodown
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Website: https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/burnaby/yvrbm/hoteldetail
Address: 4405 Central Blvd, Station Square Metrodown, Burnaby
Contact Details: +1 604 438 1881
Pricing: $$
Book Now
Holiday Inn Express is a 3-star hotel that’s very convenient for commuters. It’s just right across the street from the SkyTrain, offering direct access to downtown. It’s also 5.4 km from the Burnaby Village Museum if you want to explore a nearby attraction.
The simple rooms come with the usual amenities, but we love that kids 19 and below can stay here for free with an adult—great for budget travelers. The suites add separate living spaces and dining tables if you’re arriving with a bigger group too.
Another amenity we appreciate is the outdoor heated pool, which we think is much more preferable than the usual cold dips most accommodations offer.
Hilton Vancouver Metrodown
Media credit: hiltonvancouvermetro
Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/yvrvmhf-hilton-vancouver-metrotown/
Address: 6083 McKay Ave, The Crystal Mall, Burnaby
Contact Details: +1 604 438 1200
Pricing: $$
Book Now
This one’s for the shoppers! Hilton is a 4-star hotel that’s only a 4-minute walk from Metropolis at Metrodown, making it one of the most accessible accommodations nearby. It’s also only a 6-minute walk to the closest SkyTrain station for breezy travels.
The modern rooms offer the usual amenities. But if you upgrade to suites, you can get a separate living area with sofa beds. If you want to capture some nice views, just go to the rooftop pool, but we feel it’s much better to chill here at night.
Tips When Visiting Metrotown in Vancouver
Now that you’re in the know with the famous shopping district, here are tips and tricks to make your retail therapy a lot more convenient:
Check for sales and events.
Metrotown offers many seasonal sales and special events now and then. For example, you can get pretty good deals during Black Friday.
Consider at least 2 transport options.
While Metrotown offers a bunch of parking options, this can get pretty busy during peak hours or weekends. Note that the SkyTrain station is directly connected to the mall anyway, making it handy if you just can’t be bothered to park.
Wear your comfiest shoes.
Prepare yourself to walk quite a bit, considering this shopping district is really large. Otherwise, you’ll probably buy yourself some new shoes when your feet start to hurt. Save yourself the trouble beforehand!
