Our Village

Where History Comes to Life  - Stroll down the streets of the village exploring at your own pace. The village is an open-air museum on a 10-acre site that represents at typical tram-stop community. Period costumed townsfolk welcome visitors and give demonstrations in the homes, businesses and shops. Popular stops include the blacksmith, the print shop, the garden at the farmhouse, and the General Store.

The elegance of the recently restored Interurban #1223 tram is something to experience. This tram part of the area's rich public transportation history. An exciting must for every visitor is a whirl on the historic 1912 CW Parker Carousel. Rides are accompanied by music from a 1925 Wurlitzer band organ.

Amenities include picnic tables, a gift shop, and an ice-cream parlour which offers a menu for light meals and snacks. The site is wheelchair accessible.

2013 Summer Displays

On the Air: Live from the Burnaby Village Museum

Radio: it's hard to imagine life without it.

Radio technology is used to power many communications devices today, ranging from BlueTooth to baby monitors. Thanks to digital radio and the Internet, we have more content at the click of a finger than we could listen to in a lifetime.

On the Air: Live from the Village revisits a time when radio was a slick new technology.

To celebrate the golden age of radio, we have created our very own station: Radio BVM. The broadcast originates at the Stride Studios building on -site and features news and entertainment from the 1920s and 2930s, as well as recently recorded content that reflects on the history of Burnaby and the region.

Check out our Exhibit page for more information about the radio exhibit and other displays throughout the Village.

Extras

  • Tu and We - Working Garage, 1-3pm, our volunteers open the vintage car garage
  • Tu - Fr - Toonie Tours at 2pm, Explore behind the scene places in an engaging 30 tour of the village. Phone ahead to register or pay-on-the-day (space permitting)
  • Sa - the steam equipment is fired up and the whistle blows, 1-1:30pm
  • Sa - (July and August) at the Bandstand, enjoy early afternoon entertainment
  • Sa & Su - Carousel Tour at 1:30pm. These free tours have visitors up-close and personal with our 101 year-old treasure

Carousel

Our C.W. Parker Carousel is a marvelous machine. It's a delight to see and a thrill to ride.

Interurban Tram #1223

This tram was part of an extensive commuter system from 1913 to 1958. Its elegance has been restored and its legacy preserved.

Costumes

Our townsfolk wear 1920s styled clothing that reflects the jobs and tasks of their spaces and locations.

Sitemap

Get a sense of what's on our ten-acre site. Have a look at our map.

Rentals

Consider renting one of our unique spaces for your next meeting, event, or ceremony.