5570 Balaclava St – A Balanced Look at a Burnaby Residence
This review helps you decide if 5570 Balaclava St fits your needs as a student in Burnaby, near Simon Fraser University. It is based on publicly available data, Google reviews, and market context. All prices are indicative – confirm with the operator before committing.
Overview and location
5570 Balaclava St is a housing option in Burnaby, British Columbia, located at Vancouver, BC V6N 1L1, Canada. The property sits in a residential neighbourhood, roughly within commuting distance to Simon Fraser University (SFU). The city of Burnaby has a student-housing market with a city-wide from-price of CAD 500 per month, meaning you can find budget options for less, but this property targets a mid-range segment.
The building offers two room types: non-ensuite (shared bathroom) and apartment (self-contained unit). Rent ranges from CAD 1,250 to CAD 1,400 per month, with a security deposit of CAD 625. Minimum lease is 6 months. On-site amenities include WiFi connectivity, washing machine, and closet space. The property is currently marked as not available – verify availability directly.
Who this residence suits
Students who prefer a quieter, suburban setting without the constant buzz of downtown Vancouver may find 5570 Balaclava St suitable. The area is residential, and the building seems to attract a mix of short-stay guests and longer-term residents. Based on reviews, the property offers a large common living room, shared kitchen, and free breakfast – a plus if you value communal space and not having to prepare the first meal of the day.
It works well for students who are comfortable with a shared bathroom (non-ensuite option) and who do not mind walking a bit to public transit. One reviewer noted the bus stop is close to the property, and a supermarket is nearby. If you are self-sufficient and enjoy having a quiet room with good shower and comfortable beds, this residence could meet your needs.
The free breakfast and coffee/tea availability are mentioned as positives, which can help you save on daily costs. Early check-in is possible (subject to availability), which can be convenient for international students arriving before the official move-in date.
Who this residence does NOT suit
The property may not suit students who rely heavily on frequent, reliable public transit or who prefer walkable neighbourhoods with shops, restaurants, and entertainment within a few minutes. A review by Brandon Yohn (1-star) states: “Not a good location. There’s nothing nearby. Had to walk over a kilometer to the bus stop and the buses were always running late.” If punctuality and convenience are top priorities, consider options closer to campus or along major transit lines.
Also, the same reviewer mentioned noise issues: “Loud neighborhood with what sounded drag racers at night. Dogs constantly barking. Neighbors were rude when I tried to say hello. Just didn’t feel safe.” Although this is a single review, it suggests potential disturbances from the neighbourhood environment. Students who value quiet study conditions and a secure atmosphere may want to verify the current noise and safety situation by visiting or contacting the operator.
If you need an ensuite private bathroom (non-ensuite is the only shared option), you would have to choose the apartment type – which may be more expensive. The minimum 6-month lease could also be a drawback for students who only need accommodation for a semester or who plan to travel during breaks.
What residents actually say
Google rating is 3.8 out of 5 based on 37 reviews. Three quoted reviews provide a spectrum of experiences.
Shane (5 stars): “Close to bus stop, free breakfast, large quiet room with great shower and comfortable beds, great/friendly service. Would recommend 10/10. Thank you! We’ll be back in the future!”
This review highlights convenience, comfort, and service. “Large quiet room” and “great shower” appeal to those prioritising rest and hygiene.
Brandon Yohn (1 star): “Not a good location. There’s nothing nearby. Had to walk over a kilometer to the bus stop and the buses were always running late. Loud neighborhood with what sounded drag racers at night. Dogs constantly barking. Neighbors were rude when I tried to say hello. Just didn’t feel safe. Also, I’m sure it’s just the age of t”
This review flags location, transit, noise, and safety. Note the review is cut off; the “age of t” likely refers to the age of the building or furnishings. If safety is a concern, this review should be taken seriously, though it is one person’s experience.
Itisfor themaps (4 stars): “It’s a nice, safe and affordable place to stay in Vancouver. Great hospitality. Close bus stop to downtown. Cafe and supermarket close by. Big livingroom and eating room with fridge to share for all guests, coffee and tea at any time. Breakfast available. Early check-in possible!”
This review counters the negative one, describing the property as safe, affordable, and well-located with amenities. It mentions a cafe and supermarket nearby, which contradicts “nothing nearby” – suggesting the immediate vicinity may have some services, but the bus stop might be farther than some expect.
Overall, the split reviews indicate a property where satisfaction depends heavily on personal tolerance for walking distance, noise, and neighbourhood vibes.
Price positioning vs city from-price
Burnaby’s student housing from-price is CAD 500 per month (likely for a shared room or basic non-ensuite). 5570 Balaclava St ranges from CAD 1,250 to CAD 1,400 per month, which is about 2.5 to 2.8 times the entry-level price. This places it in the mid-to-upper segment for the city. For comparison, a private apartment or larger non-ensuite in a newer building can easily exceed CAD 1,500. The price includes free breakfast and communal amenities, which may partially offset the higher rent.
Deposit is CAD 625 – roughly half a month’s rent at the low end, which is standard. The minimum lease of 6 months is shorter than some properties (which often require 12 months), offering flexibility.
If you are on a tight budget, you can find cheaper rooms elsewhere in Burnaby, but they may offer fewer amenities. If you value community and breakfast, the price could be reasonable.
Room-type guidance
Two unit types are available:
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Non-ensuite: Shared bathroom, likely with other residents on the same floor. This is the typical student “budget” option. Suitable if you are sociable and do not mind coordinating bathroom schedules. The reviews mention a large living room and shared eating room, so communal spaces are a plus.
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Apartment: Self-contained unit with private kitchen and bathroom. More privacy, higher cost. If you prefer to cook your own meals and not share facilities, choose this type. However, the exact configuration of the apartment (studio, one-bedroom) is not specified – confirm with the operator.
Given the mixed review about room size (“large quiet room” from a positive review), the non-ensuite may still be spacious. If you are noise-sensitive, apartment may be better as it has fewer shared walls.
Booking timing
The property is currently listed as “not_available”, meaning it may be fully leased or offline for renovations. For 2026–2027 academic year, start looking as early as September 2026 for January 2027 or later intakes. Many Burnaby properties fill up 3–6 months ahead, especially those near SFU. The 6-month minimum lease makes it possible to rent from January to June 2027, covering one semester plus summer. If you need accommodation starting September 2026, check with the operator for future availability.
Because availability changes daily, always confirm with the operator directly. Do not rely solely on listing status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5570 Balaclava St close to Simon Fraser University?
The property is located in Burnaby, which is the city that hosts Simon Fraser University’s main campus. However, the exact distance is not provided. Based on reviews, a bus stop is “close” to the property, but one reviewer reported a 1 km walk to the stop. Travel time by bus to SFU would likely be 15–30 minutes depending on connections. Verify current transit routes with TransLink.
Are utilities and internet included in the rent?
The property tags include “WiFi Connectivity”, suggesting internet is provided. The reviews mention “free breakfast”, coffee, and tea. However, the listing does not specify whether electricity, water, or heating are separate. You must ask the operator about included utilities to avoid surprise bills.
What is the cancellation/refund policy for deposits?
The deposit is CAD 625. Policies vary by operator. Standard practice in Canada is that deposits are refundable if you cancel before a certain date, or if the property fails to deliver on the agreed terms. Read the lease carefully before paying. The listing does not state a specific cancellation policy – request it in writing.
Sources & data date: 2026-07. Data sourced from amberstudent.com, Google reviews (37 reviews, rating 3.8), and general market context for Burnaby, BC. All prices are indicative – confirm with the operator.
For the most up-to-date availability and to check specific lease terms, use the on-site assistant on this page.
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