Be a tourist in your own town.
It’s one of those slogans trotted out so often that it’s almost lost its meaning.
It gets said so often that we suspect people pretty much tune it out.
But that won’t stop us from saying it again. Because, quite frankly, we live in a pretty darn awesome place, and it doesn’t hurt to remind ourselves of that fact once in a while.
What better time than right now, with the sun shining down and the mercury rising, to take time out to explore your own city?
Let’s face it, playing tourist at home is a win all around. It saves you money – no huge gas bills for those long road trips – and it saves the headaches of packing and getting stuck in traffic on long car rides. Plus, it gives you a chance to support your local merchants. While you’re out exploring, take the time to fill a picnic basket with lunch from a local deli, or enjoy a local ice cream cone, or browse the local shops for a new hat or a pair of walking sandals.
If you’re not sure where to start, then let us help you. We’ve compiled our own list of the top 10 free (or nearly free) things to enjoy in Burnaby this summer, and you can find it starting on page 11.
Some of our favourites are well-known destinations, like Burnaby Mountain and Burnaby Village Museum. Or there are lesser-known cultural destinations like the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre or the SFU Gallery. Whether you enjoy a quiet stroll in nature or a gruelling mountain hike, a family-friendly park outing or a grownup arty experience, there’s something for everyone right here in town.
And hey, while you’re out there, stay in touch. Send us your photos of fun in the city – tweet us @BurnabyNOW_News. We’d love to see proof of what we all know: that Burnaby is awesome.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and get exploring!
