We’ve found that Metrotown works best when you stop treating it as only a mall trip. As of April 2026, the area around Metrotown gives Burnaby locals easy access to Central Park, Bonsor Recreation Complex, Bob Prittie Metrotown Library and transit-friendly food stops without spending the whole day inside retail corridors.
This guide focuses on things you can do nearby when you want fresh air, a quiet library break, a swim, a workout, or a short neighbourhood walk before meeting friends for dinner. It is especially useful for families, students, seniors and anyone arriving by SkyTrain.
Central Park: the easiest outdoor escape near Metrotown
Central Park is the first place we’d send anyone who wants Metrotown convenience without mall crowds. The City of Burnaby describes it as an 86-hectare urban park with Douglas fir, cedar and vine maple, plus winding paths, ponds, gardens, tennis courts, an outdoor pool, pitch and putt golf, horseshoes and Swangard Stadium. It is also close to Patterson SkyTrain, which makes it easy to visit without a car.
For locals, the best part is how flexible it feels. You can do a short loop, bring kids to Variety Park playground, meet someone for a walk after work or use the 2.5-kilometre Trail of Hope fitness circuit when you want something active but free. If you like Burnaby green spaces, you may also enjoy our guide to Burnaby parks for family outings.
Bob Prittie Metrotown Library and Civic Square
Bob Prittie Metrotown is one of the most practical stops in the neighbourhood. Burnaby Public Library lists the branch at 6100 Willingdon Avenue, on the corner of Willingdon Avenue and Central Boulevard, with free three-hour underground parking during library hours. It is close to bus and SkyTrain routes, and cycling access connects with the BC Parkway Urban Trail and Metrotown Bikeway.
We like it for a quieter reset between errands. You can browse, work for an hour, use the washrooms, meet someone in Civic Square or check out offsite Burnaby Art Gallery exhibitions when they are on display. It is a good “pause button” for people who find Metrotown itself overstimulating.
Bonsor Recreation Complex for swims, workouts and classes
Bonsor Recreation Complex is one of the strongest reasons to spend time around Metrotown without shopping. The City of Burnaby lists Bonsor as having a pool, gym, weight and cardio rooms, martial arts facility, art and music studios, multi-purpose rooms and a banquet hall. The pool area includes a six-lane, 25-metre lap pool, leisure pool, whirlpool, sauna, diving board and rope swing during public and family swim.
That combination makes Bonsor useful for almost every age group. Parents can plan swim time, adults can get a workout in, and families with young kids can look for drop-in options like Tiny Tikes when available. For a broader indoor activity list, see our rainy day Burnaby guide.
Easy food and neighbourhood add-ons
Once you step outside the mall, the Metrotown area still has plenty of food and coffee options nearby. Station Square, Kingsway, Beresford and the streets around Royal Oak and Marlborough create a useful mix of quick meals, sit-down restaurants and cafés. This is where locals can turn a quick errand into a low-effort outing.
If you are planning a full afternoon, we suggest pairing one active stop with one food stop: Central Park plus dinner, Bob Prittie Library plus coffee, or Bonsor pool plus a casual meal. For more ideas, use our Burnaby food guide and Burnaby coffee shop guide.
Q&A
What can you do near Metrotown without going into the mall?
Start with Central Park, Bonsor Recreation Complex, Bob Prittie Metrotown Library and Civic Square. They are all close enough to work into the same trip, especially if you are arriving by SkyTrain or bus.
Is Central Park actually close to Metrotown?
Yes. Central Park sits just off Boundary Road and Kingsway, and the City of Burnaby notes that Patterson SkyTrain station has park-side access on Patterson Avenue at Central Boulevard.
What is the best rainy day option near Metrotown?
Bonsor Recreation Complex is the most flexible rainy day option because it has swimming, fitness, courts, studios and drop-in programming. Bob Prittie Metrotown Library is better if you want quiet time, study space or a free indoor stop.
Were these details checked recently?
Yes. Facility details were checked against City of Burnaby and Burnaby Public Library pages in April 2026, but schedules and drop-in times can change, so confirm hours before you leave.
