Take A Stroll Through The ’20s At The Burnaby Village Museum

July 21, 2016

4 min read

Indoor carousel with decorated horses and bright lights on the ceiling and poles.

The word “museum” often conjures up childhood memories of school field trips, shuffling from one dark and stuffy room to another, and staring at historical memorabilia through glass cases labelled “Do Not Touch”, while constantly being shhh’d by teachers. Perhaps these stale memories are the reason for my hesitancy to visit Burnaby’s most beloved museum.

But the classic carousel, picturesque town, and friendly guides quickly turned my apathy to intrigue as I strolled through the historic village for the first time. Here are some of the great things to see and do at the Burnaby Village Museum.

A person walking on a wooden bridge near a building with a Canadian flag and surrounded by tall trees under a clear blue sky.

As you cross the wooden “welcome” bridge, you are instantly transported from a modern-day metropolis to a quaint lower mainland community set in the 1920s. From the period-costume toting historical interpreters who maintain their ’20s-era personas, to the life-like replicas of the homes, shops, and services of the past, this village truly brings history to life.

Street view of small shops with vintage-style facades, outdoor tables, and lampposts under a clear blue sky.

The open-air museum allows for visitors to casually stroll through the town, perusing through the shops and learning about the occupations of 20s-era habitants through convincingly-in-character guides. Peek into the Barbershop, Theatre, Bakery, General Store, Locomotive Shop (and so many more), and not only browse, but touch and experience the history that lives behind each door.

There are also on-site homes, ranging from a sweeping estate to a cozy log cabin, all open for a peek inside, with fully-decorated rooms rich with history and character.

Large house with a porch and green shutters surrounded by a garden with flowers and trees on a sunny day.

Wooden cabin with a person sitting on the porch, surrounded by green bushes and trees, with two old wagon wheels leaning against the bushes.

Rustic kitchen with wooden table, white chairs, wicker baskets, a red plaid cloth, and a wood stove in the background.

The school house is a must-visit spot, featuring 20s-style desks, cursive-covered chalk boards, and a strict teacher who will put you in your place if you show up to her classroom dressed inappropriately.

Empty vintage classroom with wooden desks, blackboards with writing, a globe, and a person in period clothing and hat.

Pop into the Interurban Tram Barn where you can explore the electric railway service that transported people and goods throughout the Lower Mainland from 1918 to 1958, which was then replaced by buses.

Red and cream vintage streetcar numbered 1223 with Burnaby LK sign inside a wooden building.

Cool off with an ice cream cone at the Ice Cream Parlour and relax on the sprawling meadow where you can soak up the scenery.

Then, finish off your visit with the pièce de résistance: a ride on the restored 1912 carousel. Beautifully maintained and carefully-crafted, the iconic ride is fun for all ages. Bring lots of change though, because you may want to ride it more than once.

Open Tuesday-Sunday (+ Stat Holidays)
May 7 – September 5
11:00am-4:30pm
Gate admission is FREE
Carousel rides $2.60 each

More Info

Burnaby Village Museum

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