Burnaby and the Lower Mainland is a hotbed of sporting activity. There’s no end to the amount of hiking and biking you can do in the area, but did you know there are also lots of organized sports here? No matter your level of ability or fitness, there’s something for everyone here.
Hockey
The most iconic of Canadian sports. Hockey, or ice hockey depending on where you’re from, is extremely popular here in BC.
Where to watch?
The Vancouver Canucks are the local NHL team. They play in Rogers Arena in Vancouver and play against the best hockey players in the world on a regular basis. The stadium holds nearly 19,000 spectators. The atmosphere on big game nights is electric!
Where to play?
Students at Burnaby North Secondary School can join the hockey academy. The academy is suited for experienced hockey players, both male and female, in grades 8 – 12. The program is 10 months long and accredited by Hockey Canada.
Soccer
Soccer, or football, is the most popular sport in the world. Thanks to Burnaby and Vancouver being very multi-cultural, soccer is incredibly popular here.
Where to watch?
The Vancouver Whitecaps are the most popular team in Vancouver. They play in the MLS and the roster features players from across the world. The current star is Colombian player Freddy Montero. The Vancouver Whitecaps also have a women’s team. Women’s soccer is growing year on year and so is support for the fantastic Whitecaps.
Where to play?
Students at Burnaby Mountain School can take part in the soccer academy hosted at SFU. The academy is for male and female players who have a high playing standard. If players prefer to play for different teams, they can join a team in the BMSL (Burnaby Men’s Soccer League). There’s also the MWSL (Metro Women’s Soccer League) for female players.
Basketball
While there’s no NBA team based in Vancouver anymore, there’s still a huge amount of basketball fans here. The Vancouver Grizzlies moved to Memphis in 2001, but their legacy can still be seen here. The only NBA team in Canada right now is the Toronto Raptors. They recently won the NBA championship for the first time and have massive support from all Canadians.
Where to watch?
The Vancouver Dragons are the local professional basketball team here in BC. They play their games at Richmond Olympic Oval where they compete in the American Basketball Association League.
Where to play?
Boys and girls are welcome to join the SBMC (South Burnaby Metro Club) where they can play in leagues, meet new people and have some fun on the court!
Baseball
A night out at the ballpark is a quintessential way to spend a summer’s evening in North America. Baseball is one of the oldest sports here and has a strong following.
Where to watch?
The only Major League Baseball team in Canada these days is the Toronto Blue Jays. They have supporters all across Canada. Closer to home, you’ll find the Minor League Baseball team, The Vancouver Canadians. Nat Bailey Park is well known for having a fantastic fan experience, it’s no wonder that most games are sell outs!
Where to play?
You can get involved with the Burnaby Baseball Association and play some baseball for yourself! They have divisions for kids 5-18 years old. They have tournaments throughout the summer and aim to advance Burnaby’s youth through a safe baseball environment.
CFL
CFL or Canadian Football League is the Canadian equivalent of the NFL in The US. There a 9 teams across Canada that take part in this professional league.
Where to watch?
You can catch a CFL game at BC Place, the home of the local CFL team, the BC Lions. The stadium has a unique air-supported roof and makes for an intense sporting experience.
Where to play?
Unfortunately, due to the number of referees, players and equipment needed, there are not a lot of options to play football outside the professional realms. However, a great way to spend an afternoon in Burnaby is to head down to one of our many parks with your friends and throw a football around.
Lacrosse
Did you know that lacrosse is Canada’s national sport? It’s also one of the fastest and most physical team sports out there.
Where to watch?
Burnaby is home to a senior A box lacrosse team – The Burnaby Lakers. The Lakers play in the Western Lacrosse Association, where they play against teams across BC. Their home games are played the Bill Copeland Sports Arena.
Where to play?
Students of Cariboo Hill Secondary can take part in an elite field lacrosse program. There are 5 training sessions every two weeks, and the program is open to boys in grades 8-12 who play at a high level.
