Home / Communities / Greater Vancouver / Burnaby

Last reviewed: July 17, 2026

Burnaby is a city located in the heart of Metro Vancouver, in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. It sits directly east of the City of Vancouver and is bordered by New Westminster to the south, Coquitlam to the east, and North Vancouver across Burrard Inlet to the north. The city occupies a central position within the region, making it one of the most accessible communities in Greater Vancouver. Geographically, Burnaby is defined by Burnaby Mountain to the north, the slopes of which offer panoramic views of the surrounding region, and by Deer Lake and Burnaby Lake, two prominent freshwater lakes that serve as natural focal points within the city. The area benefits from the temperate oceanic climate typical of the Lower Mainland, characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, relatively dry summers. Burnaby is a fully urban city with a population of approximately 250,000 residents, making it the third-largest city in British Columbia. Despite its density, the city maintains a notable balance between developed urban corridors and green space, with a significant portion of its land dedicated to parks, trails, and natural areas. The community supports a diverse and multicultural population, reflecting the broader character of the Metro Vancouver region. Distinct town centres, including Metrotown, Brentwood, Lougheed, and Edmonds, each carry their own character and serve as hubs of activity, while residential neighbourhoods range from established single-family areas to newer high-density developments. Heritage properties, public art installations, and cultural facilities contribute to a well-rounded urban lifestyle. Burnaby has a robust and diversified economy that places it among the most economically significant municipalities in British Columbia. The city is home to a concentration of technology, film and television production, telecommunications, and post-secondary education sectors, supporting a large and skilled employment base. Major corporate headquarters and innovation-focused industries have established a strong presence here, reinforcing Burnaby's reputation as a centre of commerce within the region. Residents have access to an extensive range of amenities, including regional shopping destinations, healthcare facilities, recreational centres, transit infrastructure, and cultural institutions. The city is well served by SkyTrain rapid transit, providing convenient connections throughout Metro Vancouver and making it a practical base for those working across the region. For real estate advice specific to Burnaby, ask to be referred to a REALTOR® through our Referral REALTOR® link.

Burnaby experiences an oceanic climate, classified under the humid temperate zone typical of the southwestern British Columbia coast. Winters are mild and predominantly wet, with average temperatures ranging from approximately 2°C to 7°C between December and February. Snowfall is relatively infrequent at lower elevations, though measurable accumulation does occur several times each winter. Higher terrain, including the slopes of Burnaby Mountain, tends to receive more snow and hold it longer. Occasional Arctic outflow events can push temperatures well below freezing and bring gusty easterly winds through the Fraser Valley corridor, creating sharply colder and drier conditions for brief periods. Summers in Burnaby are warm and generally dry, with average temperatures ranging from roughly 18°C to 24°C between June and August. The region receives comparatively little rainfall during these months, with most annual precipitation falling between October and March. Wildfire smoke from interior BC and the broader Pacific Northwest occasionally drifts into the Lower Mainland during late summer, temporarily affecting air quality. Morning fog is a familiar transitional feature in spring and autumn, and Burnaby's varied topography contributes to noticeable micro-climatic differences across its neighbourhoods and elevation gradients.

© 2026 EZtoFind.ca · Doug LeMaire, REALTOR® · Fraser Property Management Realty Services Ltd. · MLS® data © CREA DDF® · Climate © Environment and Climate Change Canada · Population © Statistics Canada. General information only — not real-estate, legal, tax, or financial advice.