Capitol Hill, Burnaby facts for kids
Capitol Hill is a hill in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. It stands about 203 meters (666 feet) high. The area around the top of the hill is also called Capitol Hill. It's a neighbourhood known for its diverse communities. Many people from Italian, Portuguese, and Croatian backgrounds live here. It's also a popular spot for students because Simon Fraser University is close by.
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Exploring Capitol Hill's Past
How Capitol Hill Got Started
Capitol Hill was once covered in thick forests. In 1902, an early settler named L.I. Dundas began logging the area. He used strong oxen to help move the cut trees. Today, Dundas Street is a main road in the neighbourhood. It runs east to west, going up and down the hill.
Homes and Views on Capitol Hill
Where People Live
You can find different types of homes on Capitol Hill. There are several apartment buildings, mostly along Hastings Street and Holdom Avenue. Most homes are single-family houses. The higher you go up the hill, the bigger and more valuable the land becomes. This is because the top of the hill offers amazing views. You can see downtown Vancouver, the tall mountains, and the sparkling water.
Famous People from Capitol Hill
Inventors and Artists
Capitol Hill has been home to some very interesting Canadians.
One famous inventor, Donald Lewes Hings, lived at the very top of Capitol Hill. In 1937, he created a portable radio system. He called it a "packset." This invention later became known as the Walkie-talkie, which is still used today!
Another notable person was Jack Shadbolt. He was a celebrated Canadian painter. Jack Shadbolt lived on Harbour View, a street connected to Glynde Avenue on Capitol Hill.
Also, a well-known sportscaster, Don Taylor, grew up on Capitol Hill. He is famous for his work in Canadian television and radio sports.
Getting Around and Local Spots
Transportation and Fun Places
Getting around Capitol Hill is easy with local buses. These buses connect the neighbourhood to the Burnaby Heights shopping area along Hastings Street. You can also reach the Eileen Dailly swimming pool and the McGill branch of Burnaby Public Library. The buses also go to Brentwood Mall, which is a popular shopping spot.
Parks and Outdoor Adventures
Trails and Scenic Views
A walking trail, which is part of the Trans Canada Trail, runs along the northern side of the hill. It's a great place for a walk!
There's also a park near the end of Hythe Avenue North. This park offers incredible views of East Vancouver, Downtown Vancouver, and Burrard Inlet. You can see both the Lions' Gate Bridge and the Second Narrows Bridge (Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Crossing).
Looking north, you can see the North Shore Mountains, including the famous The Lions peaks. On clear days, you might even spot Bowen Island and Vancouver Island in the distance. This park is a popular gathering spot for locals. They come to enjoy beautiful sunsets and watch the yearly fireworks over English Bay in late July and early August. To the east, Capitol Hill offers views of Indian Arm, Deep Cove, Burnaby Mountain, Mount Seymour, Golden Ears (mountain), and even Mount Baker.
