Burnaby Village

I hadn't been to Burnaby Village since my grade 5 field trip in 1985! And to be honest I probably would not have taken my kids to visit yesterday if I hadn't of heard about their free admission this summer. But I like 'free' and it was something to do....so off we went. Oh, and another lovely surprise was free parking. What a rare treat.

We started off in the 1920's tram. The volunteers or hosts are very knowledgeable at this park and very eager to share what they know of their displays. Most of them are in period costumes as well which gives the whole experience more of an authentic air.

After the tram we went for a ride on the antique carousel (1912 I think). This was the only 'fee' in the park. Liam was really keen to go until we actually got in the line up....then he started to seriously freak. I made a deal that we would not sit on a horse but only on the bench and I would hold him very very tight. He reluctantly agreed this might be okay. The look of fear is all over that poor boy's face.

Nana wasn't scared. I couldn't get a picture of the other boys because the horses they chose were too far away from us. I guess the horses close to me were too 'girly'. Whatever!

These horses are carved of wood and almost 100 years old! Amazing.

I didn't mind this little boy clinging to me for dear life. It was sweet. The ride at to stop at one point to let off a screaming toddler so I suppose it wasn't so odd that Liam was frightened. I felt that it did spin quite fast. I felt woozy!

After the ride was over Liam decided that he would be brave enough for a picture on a horse. After the picture, he decided that he was brave enough to ride again, ON a horse this time. I had to pull him off kicking and screaming since I wasn't about to buy him another ticket. He cause a scene to be sure but these things don't bother me at all. I just strapped him in his stroller and ignored him.

Next stop was a beautiful home to tour. Looks very large from the outside but it wasn't as big as you think on the inside. Very nicely done though. I was commenting to my mom about how we think (in BC) that something from the 1920's is old and worth a look when in, say the U.K., they have things to look at from 900+ years ago! We are such a 'baby' of a country still.

The interior of the house was done up like it was a wedding day. So pretty!

Down 'main' street there was some drooling happening over the bakery wares on display. Looked pretty good for 'fake' food.

I'm still not really sure what a 1970's display was doing in one of the buildings. Fun anyhow!

It wasn't very busy and the weather was perfect for traipsing around.

My mom and I packed a picnic lunch and we enjoyed it in the sunshine. There are plenty of picnic tables all over the park.

My mom enjoyed this garden very much...of course!

In the old school house.

Here are the boys waiting not for a train but for our turn on a 1924 Model T car!

This was a fantastic thrill for all of us. How often does one get to do this?! It took us for a spin around the whole park. Very fun. While we were waiting our turn for a ride in the car, a museum volunteer asked if we would take a short survey with her. I agreed and for my troubles she gave us ONE free ticket for a carousel ride. Now how awesome is that?! Liam would get his horse ride after all. He smiled so big at this news! I didn't need a ticket to stand up next to him which was perfect!

He still looks a bit worried but was such a brave boy.

Whee...it was great. I definitely felt 'green' again but to see Liam this tickled with himself was completely worth it.

I could have posted many many more photos of the shops and displays but I should leave something for you to see yourself when you visit! The barber shop was very authentic. As was the drug store, dry goods, general store, optician, music store, movie theatre, tinsmith.....etc.

And our last picture before we left for the day. We probably could have stayed a bit longer but Liam was getting quite sleepy and we wanted to beat rush hour home. It was a lovely day trip and I recommend for families of all ages.