It was created by redistribution in 1957 from part of Winnipeg North, and formally came into existence in the provincial election of 1958.

It is bordered to the east by St. Johns and Point Douglas, to the south by Wellington, to the north by Kildonan and The Maples, and to the west by Tyndall Park.

The riding's boundaries were significantly redrawn in 1999, taking in a considerable amount of territory which was previously a part of the now-defunct Inkster.

The total immigrant population in Burrows is 21%, with almost one in three residents speaking a first language other than English or French.

The CCF and its successor the NDP have won Burrows on all but three occasions since the riding was created, with the Liberals winning the other three elections.