Is Burnaby Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Burnaby, Canada is known for its natural beauty and its diversity.

It is located in Metro Vancouver.

The City of Burnaby site explains that the community has more than 249,000 residents, who are welcomed regardless of their income, age, ability, sexual orientation, ethno-cultural identification, or heritage.

People are welcomed without regard to their immigration status, background, or life experiences.

Burnaby recognizes its diversity as a source of cultural and social enrichment and economic strength.

It is one of the few cities in Canada that does not have a single majority ethnic group.

Many people who reside in Burnaby were not born in the area.

The history of Burnaby dates to at least 10,000 years ago.

The glaciers may have retreated, but the land and sea levels did not stabilize until around 5,000 years ago.

The city is home to the Coast Salish people, who have always called Burnaby their home.

The city is on the ancestral homeland of the hənq̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking peoples.

People who plan to visit Burnaby, whether they book a tour, or travel on their own, need to learn useful information, and know safety and travel risks.

Learn about safe places to visit, places to avoid, and other important information when traveling to Burnaby, Canada.

Warnings & Dangers in Burnaby

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Recent statistics show that Burnaby has a crime rate that is three percent higher than that of the national average. A surge in some types of crimes were reported during the first quarter of 2023, compared to the same types of crimes reported in the first quarter of 2022. The incidence of several types of crime decreased in 2023, compared to the 2022 first quarter reported crimes.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Burnaby has an excellent public transit system. The SkyTrain makes several stops in the city. It travels through Burnaby on the north and south routes. People who take a taxi will likely have a pleasant ride. Order a taxi by calling the company number or by ordering a taxi through the official site or app. Drivers always have their identification clearly displayed to passengers. Do not ride in a taxi if the driver does not have a displayed official identification inside the vehicle. Inspect your card after the transaction to make sure that you received your own card back from the driver. If you suspect suspicious activity, contact your card company and the taxi company.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Shoplifting crimes increased significantly from the first quarter of 2022 to the first quarter of 2023. Possession of stolen property is another crime that has increased in Burnaby. Avoid becoming a target of theft crimes, including theft from a pickpocket. Secure your wallet, your purse, and your other possessions in a way that makes it difficult for pickpockets to target you. Do not carry cash or credit cards in a way that makes them visible to other people.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH

Burnaby has experienced several natural disasters. Forest fires may spread out of control. The fire department spends considerable time and money on training and equipment so that firefighters are prepared at any time. Flooding has been an issue in and around Burnaby. The city shut down roads in 2020, 2021, and 2022 because of flooding. Homes, businesses, and roads flooded in 2019. Many small earthquakes have occurred in and around Burnaby, usually with little to no damage. Small quakes that occur usually range from 1.8 magnitude to 3.1 magnitude.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Some areas of Burnaby are not very walkable. Those same areas are more likely to be the least attractive areas. Run-down or abandoned properties, deserted streets that do not have many people walking about may lead to the opportunity for criminal activity. The number of assaults that occur in Burnaby is down, compared to last year. Crimes that are often associated with mugging, such as robbery, increased by just one reported incident.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Burnaby has had a few issues with terrorism. Media reports detailed the arrest of suspects who were charged with terrorism-related crimes over the past 10 years. The anti-terrorism laws help to prevent violations of British Columbia's laws and help to prosecute people who violate those laws. Law enforcement officials work diligently to stay up to date on any suspected or threatened terrorist activity in the Burnaby area. The terrorism risk may change at any time.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Scams are a risk in many communities, including in Burnaby, Canada. Many people do not realize that they are scam victims until their account is compromised, charges made on their credit card that they did not make, or money stolen from their bank. Proactive efforts made by officials in Burnaby and advanced technology help to fight scams.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH

The number of violent crimes committed in Burnaby increased significantly during the first quarter of 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. The number of sexual offenses increased from 37 reported incidents to 60 reported incidents. There were five kidnapping or abduction incidents in early 2023, an increase of one reported incident, compared to the same period in 2022.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

Drinking tap water in Burnaby, Canada is safe. The tap water meets the high standards that are set by the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines. Health Canada works with local officials, including those in Burnaby, to make sure that tap water is safe to drink. Some visitors and residents may choose to drink bottled water, based on their own personal preferences.

Safest Places to Visit in Burnaby

Burnaby offers many options for exciting, fun-filled activities and places to explore its rich culture.

Burnaby has one of the highest residents-to-land ratios in all of North America.

The reason is that 25 percent of the land is designated as parks and open spaces.

Visit Barnet Marine Park to enjoy water sports or views of the beaches.

Burnaby has its own Central Park, which is much smaller than the well-known Central Park.

Visitors enjoy the lush green oasis with picnic areas, walking trails, and an outdoor pool.

The largest mall is Metrotown.

Visit more than 300 shops.

Grab lunch and see a movie at the movie theater.

Playground of the Gods, located within the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, allows visitors to enjoy the awe-inspiring views and the Kamui Mintara (Playground of the Gods) sculptures.

The carved poles were created by members of the aboriginal peoples of Japan.

The sculptures were a gift from Burnaby’s sister city, Kushiro, Japan.

Visit an art museum or the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.

The museum features artifacts from around the globe but concentrates on artifacts from British Columbia.

Places to Avoid in Burnaby

Burnaby has many parks and spaces with trails for hiking, walking, and biking.

Stay away from secluded trails.

Enjoying nightlife may seem like fun, especially since Burnaby has several bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Crimes against women recently increased, as have some other violent crimes.

Visit the clubs and bars with friends, not by yourself.

Some neighborhoods that are not as safe as others in Burnaby still have open spaces and parks.

Visit parks and open spaces where there are a lot of other people.

Stay in safe areas of the city.

Do not visit areas where you must depend on unlicensed taxi drivers to transport you.

Burnaby has an excellent public transportation system and several reputable taxi companies.

Visit places where you have a safe mode of transportation.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Burnaby

So... How Safe Is Burnaby Really?

Burnaby is safer than many other areas of Canada.

The recent decrease in some crimes means that residents and visitors are likely to be safer than they were in past years.

It is important that travelers to Burnaby stay aware of their surroundings, even though the area is generally safe.

The risk of becoming a victim of some violent crimes is low, while the incidence of some other violent crimes has increased in the past year.

The law enforcement officials and the local government leader’s commitment to making and keeping Burnaby safe helps to increase safety.

How Does Burnaby Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

The Canadian Government requires that people who wish to visit the country answer some questions, prepare documents, and submit the required documents. Tourists from the U.S. provide their passports and other documents. Complete the online form, submit the documents, and make the required payment. A visa for visitors from the U.S. costs $100 Canadian per person.

Currency

The Canadian Dollar is the Canadian currency. Check the Bank of Canada Currency Converter page for exchange rates which are published by the Bank of Canada on each business day. Make the transaction to exchange currency at your financial institution to avoid huge fees.

Weather

Summer temperatures in Burnaby compared with much of Metro Vancouver. Burnaby gets a lot of rain and less sunshine than some areas, especially in the northernmost part of town. The city receives more snowfall than Vancouver. Check the weather, and pack according to Burnaby’s forecast, and the specific area that you plan to visit.

Airports

Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre (CXH) is less than eight miles from Burnaby. Vancouver International Airport is about 12 miles from Burnaby. Visitors can take a taxi, a bus, or a subway to Burnaby.

Travel Insurance

Purchasing travel insurance is important for travelers to Burnaby, Canada. Compare plans, get a quote, and buy your coverage.

Burnaby Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Canada - Safety by City