New Westminster

Description

Let me tell ya about New Westminster – or “New West” as us locals like to call it. This historic gem along the Fraser River was actually British Columbia’s first capital city, and boy does it show in the stunning Victorian architecture that still lines Columbia Street. I absolutely love wandering through the old downtown area, where heritage buildings transport you back to the city’s royal roots as the “Royal City.”

Having spent countless weekends exploring New West’s nooks and crannies, I can tell you it’s got this incredible mix of old-school charm and modern urban vibes. The famous River Market is always buzzing with activity – I remember spending an entire afternoon there just sampling different foods and watching the Fraser River flow by. And don’t even get me started on the gorgeous Queen’s Park, with its ancient trees and perfectly manicured gardens!

Key Features

• Westminster Quay: A waterfront marketplace with local vendors, restaurants, and spectacular river views
• Queen’s Park: A 75-acre urban oasis with sports facilities, petting farm, and beautiful walking trails
• Columbia Street: Historic downtown strip with unique shops, restaurants, and preserved architecture
• Anvil Centre: Modern cultural hub featuring theater performances, art galleries, and museum exhibits
• New Westminster SkyTrain Station: Major transit hub connecting to Vancouver and surrounding areas
• Fraser River Discovery Centre: Interactive exhibits about the mighty Fraser River’s history and ecology
• Irving House: Preserved Victorian-era mansion offering glimpses into 1800s life
• Tipperary Park: Home to the famous Royal City Farmers Market and serene walking paths
• Historic churches and buildings: Including Holy Trinity Cathedral and former BC Penitentiary

Best Time to Visit

From my experience, summer months (June through September) are absolutely perfect for visiting New West. The weather’s usually fantastic, and that’s when the city really comes alive with outdoor festivals and events. I particularly love the Uptown Live Summer Festival in July – the whole neighborhood turns into one big street party!

But honestly? May and October can be pretty spectacular too. You’ll get fewer crowds and typically decent weather, plus the spring cherry blossoms or fall colors make for some incredible photo ops. Winter gets pretty rainy (it’s the Pacific Northwest after all!), but Christmas time in New West is magical, especially when they light up the downtown area.

How to Get There

Getting to New West is actually super easy – I’ve done it a million times! The SkyTrain is probably your best bet, with both the Expo and Millennium lines running right through the city. There are five SkyTrain stations scattered throughout New West, so you’re never too far from one.

If you’re driving, Highway 1 (Trans-Canada) connects directly to the city, and there’s also easy access from Marine Way and Stewardson Way. From Vancouver International Airport, it’s about a 30-minute drive when traffic behaves (which, let’s be real, isn’t always!).

Bus routes run frequently through New West, connecting it to surrounding cities. And here’s a cool tip – you can even arrive by riverboat from downtown Vancouver during summer months. I did this once and it was such a unique way to approach the city!

Tips for Visiting

Okay, here’s the inside scoop from someone who’s spent way too much time exploring New West! First off, wear comfortable shoes – the city’s built on a hill, and some of those streets are STEEP. I learned this the hard way during my first visit!

Parking can be tricky downtown, especially during events or peak shopping hours. I usually park at one of the SkyTrain stations and walk or take transit from there. Front Street’s parkade is another good option, and it’s right in the heart of things.

Make sure to grab the New Westminster Heritage Preservation Society’s walking tour map – it’s free and shows you all the coolest historic spots. And speaking of history, time your visit to catch one of the free guided tours at Irving House (they run weekends during summer).

For food lovers (like yours truly!), hit up River Market around lunchtime for the best selection from vendors. But save room for dinner – the restaurants along Columbia Street are amazing, especially the Greek and Italian spots.

Don’t forget to check the city’s event calendar before your visit. There’s usually something happening on weekends – from food truck festivals to outdoor movies in Queen’s Park. And if you’re into photography, sunrise or sunset at Westminster Pier Park gives you stunning views of the Fraser River.

One last piece of advice – the weather can change quickly here, so pack a light raincoat even in summer. Trust me on this one – I’ve been caught in sudden downpours more times than I care to admit!

Location

Places to Stay Near New Westminster

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