The Brutalist summit overlooking the Burrard Inlet

Countries & Cities · Published 2 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Perched 365 metres above sea level, Simon Fraser University’s main campus is a masterclass in architectural ambition. Built on the heights of Burnaby Mountain, this concrete landmark serves as a gateway to research, spanning three distinct campuses across the Greater Vancouver region.

The university's foundation traces back to a 1962 proposal by John B. Macdonald, which sought to expand academic opportunities in British Columbia. Following legislative approval in March 1963, the university was named after the explorer and North West Company trader, Simon Fraser. The site selection was driven by the university's first chancellor, Gordon M. Shrum, who recommended the summit of Burnaby Mountain for its commanding position.

The Burnaby campus, established in 1965, is a 170-hectare complex defined by its contemporary Brutalist architecture. This distinctive style has made the campus a frequent backdrop for film and television productions. The campus sits on traditional lands belonging to the Tsleil-Waututh, Kwikwetlem, Squamish, and Musqueam Nations, overlooking the Burrard Inlet to the north.

Beyond its primary mountain location, SFU operates a diverse network. The Surrey campus, established in 2002 to integrate students from the former Technical University of British Columbia, is located within the Central City complex. Meanwhile, the Vancouver campus operates across several downtown buildings, including the historic Woodward's redevelopment. This expansion reflects a long-standing commitment to urban integration and regional accessibility.

While the university is a hub for scientific advancement—hosting facilities like the TRIUMF particle laboratory—it has also navigated periods of intense social change. In the 1960s and 1970s, the campus was a center for political activism, even leading to a structural reorganization of its social science departments following internal ideological disputes.

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