Points of Interest between Burnaby, British Columbia to Maple Ridge, British Columbia

picture of Burnaby, British Columbia

Museums, Parks, and Landmarks to Visit on a Roadtrip from Burnaby to Maple Ridge

Are you looking for a fun road trip that combines history, nature, and adventure? Look no further than a journey from Burnaby to Maple Ridge, two charming towns in British Columbia. Here are the top places to visit on this scenic route.

Fun fact: Burnaby and Maple Ridge are both named after trees! Burnaby was named after explorer Robert Burnaby, who had a fondness for the Scottish family estate of his friend, the MacGregor family's Burnaby Estate in Ireland, while Maple Ridge got its name from the abundance of maple trees in the area.

About halfway through the trip, you'll reach Coquitlam, which offers plenty of options to grab a bite to eat or stretch your legs, including an impressive selection of restaurants, parks, and the famous Coquitlam Crunch hiking trail.

The route from Burnaby to Maple Ridge is only 30 kilometers (19 miles) and should take approximately 30 minutes to drive. However, you can easily turn this into a full day excursion if you stop at some of the fascinating attractions along the way.

  1. Burnaby Village Museum Step back in time at the Burnaby Village Museum, where you can experience what life was like for early settlers in British Columbia. This open-air museum features over 50 buildings, including homes, a general store, barber shop, and even a print shop. Visitors can watch costumed staff demonstrate traditional crafts and listen to live music in the bandstand. The museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history, culture, and architecture of the area.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Don't miss the historic carousel, which is one of the few in operation today and open to riders of all ages.

  1. Barnet Marine Park Located on the Burrard Inlet, the Barnet Marine Park offers a picturesque escape from the city. The park features a sandy beach, picnic tables, and several trails, including one that leads to excellent views of the inlet and the nearby mountains. Visitors can also explore the park's history with interpretive signs detailing the area's background.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Take a walk on the pier to enjoy a panoramic view of the Inlet and the surrounding scenery.

  1. Golden Ears Provincial Park As British Columbia's fifth largest park, Golden Ears Provincial Park has a lot to offer visitors. The park spans over 55,000 hectares and features two prominent peaks, the Golden Ears, that you can climb for stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The park is also home to Alouette Lake, a popular swimming, fishing, and boating destination, as well as several trails that showcase the area's wildlife and natural beauty.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Stop by the Lower Falls for a refreshing swim or a picnic by the water.

  1. Pitt Meadows Heritage Circle Route Learn about the history of the Pitt Meadows area by taking the Heritage Circle Route, a self-guided driving tour of local landmarks and historical sites. The route includes the historic Bonson-Maplewood farm, the St. George Anglican Church, and Pitt Lake, which is the largest freshwater tidal lake in North America. The tour offers a glimpse into the unique cultural and social history of the region.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Make sure to check out the carving of a Coast Salish chief at the north end of the Pitt River Bridge.

  1. Kanaka Creek Regional Park This beautiful park spans over 400 acres and is a perfect spot for nature lovers and families. The park features several trails that lead to areas such as the Salmon Walk, Rain Garden, and Fish Ladder, where visitors can observe salmon making their annual journey upstream. The park is also home to a heritage site that showcases the local history of Kanaka Creek, as well as a nature house with interactive exhibits for all ages.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Visit in the fall to see the salmon run in action.

In conclusion, the Burnaby to Maple Ridge road trip offers an excellent mix of history, nature, and adventure. With only a short driving distance separating these two towns, this route is perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. Whether you're looking to learn about local history, enjoy stunning natural scenery, or just relax by the water, there's something for everyone on this route. Bon voyage!