| Access |
### Overview
The Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre is located at **6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC V5E 4M7, Canada**, at the corner of Kingsway and Sperling Avenue in south Burnaby (Metro Vancouver). It's easily accessible by public transit, car, walking, cycling, or rideshare, with free underground parking onsite. The site is on the unceded traditional territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), səlilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) Nations. Below are step-by-step directions for various transportation options. For real-time updates, use apps like Google Maps, Transit App, or TransLink's trip planner.
### By Public Transit (SkyTrain and Bus)
The museum is highly transit-friendly, with the nearest station just a 10-minute walk away. TransLink operates the system—fares start at $3.10 CAD for a 2-zone trip (valid for 90 minutes).
- **From Vancouver International Airport (YVR)**:
1. Take the Canada Line SkyTrain to Waterfront Station (20-25 minutes).
2. Transfer to the Expo Line toward King George and exit at Edmonds Station (15-20 minutes).
3. From Edmonds Station: Exit left onto Griffiths Avenue, head uphill to Kingsway, turn left on Kingsway, and walk 0.8 km (10 minutes) east to Southoaks Crescent. The entrance is at the southeast corner.
- **From Downtown Vancouver (e.g., Waterfront Station)**:
1. Take the Expo Line SkyTrain east toward King George and exit at Edmonds Station (15 minutes).
2. Follow the walking directions above (10 minutes total).
- **Direct Bus Options** (from nearby hubs):
- From Metrotown Station: Take Bus #119 northbound to Kingsway at Sperling Ave (5-10 minutes). Exit right at the stop—it's a 2-minute walk south on Sperling to the entrance.
- From Edmonds Station: Take Bus #119 northbound to the same stop (3 minutes).
- Other routes: Buses #116 (to/from Willingdon Heights) or #133 (to/from Gilmore Station) stop directly at Kingsway/Sperling.
- Travel time: 5-15 minutes from Metrotown or Edmonds, plus short walk.
The Expo Line SkyTrain runs every 3-6 minutes during peak hours. For cycling integration, the Highland Park Line Trail runs parallel to the SkyTrain from Vancouver to the area.
### By Car
Driving is straightforward via major arterials, with free onsite parking (underground lot). Expect 20-40 minutes from downtown Vancouver, depending on traffic. Use GPS for real-time routing.
- **From Downtown Vancouver**:
1. Head east on Hastings Street or Broadway, then south on Knight Street to Kingsway.
2. Continue east on Kingsway past Gilley Avenue.
3. Turn right onto Southoaks Crescent (just after Gilley)—the museum is immediately on your right.
- Distance: ~10 km; parking entrance is off Southoaks.
- **From East Vancouver or Surrey**:
1. Drive west on Kingsway (it becomes Sperling Avenue heading north at the intersection).
2. Turn left onto Southoaks Crescent at the Kingsway/Sperling corner.
3. The museum is on your left.
- Distance: Varies; look for the Japanese garden sign.
Gas stations and EV chargers are nearby on Kingsway. Note: Limited paid parking during events like Nikkei Matsuri.
### By Walking or Cycling
- **Walking from Edmonds Station**: As described above—flat with a short uphill section (0.8 km, 10 minutes). Sidewalks are well-maintained.
- **Cycling**: Use the Highland Park Line Trail (paved multi-use path) from Vancouver or Metrotown. Bike racks are available onsite. Rent bikes via Mobi (Vancouver's bike-share) or Lime e-bikes. Distance from Metrotown: ~4 km (15-20 minutes).
### By Rideshare or Taxi
- Services like Uber, Lyft, or Beck Taxi drop off directly at the main entrance on Southoaks Crescent.
- From YVR: 25-35 minutes (~$40-60 CAD).
- From Downtown Vancouver: 15-25 minutes (~$20-35 CAD).
Request "Nikkei National Museum" as the destination for accuracy.
For accessibility needs (e.g., wheelchair-friendly routes), contact the museum at 604-777-7000 or check TransLink's options. Hours are typically Tue-Sat 10 AM-5 PM (closed Mon/Sun); confirm via their website. |
