Things To Do
in New Westminster
New Westminster, located in British Columbia, Canada, is a historic city with a charming small-town feel. It is situated at the confluence of the Fraser River and the Brunette River, offering picturesque waterfront views. The city is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and theatres to explore.
New Westminster also boasts a variety of parks, shops, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for both residents and visitors.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2.75 - $3.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $75 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your morning with a walk along the scenic New Westminster Quay. Enjoy the fresh air and views of the Fraser River.
Visit the Royal City Centre for lunch and some shopping. Afterwards, take a stroll through the historic Queen's Park.
Dine at a local restaurant along Columbia Street. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps catch some live music.
Begin at the New Westminster Museum and Archives to learn about the city's history. Take your time exploring the informative exhibits.
Explore the nearby Irving House, a preserved Victorian home. Join a guided tour to dive deeper into the local history.
Relax at the Anvil Centre for an art exhibit or performance. Cap off your evening with a light dinner at a café nearby.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and beautiful heritage buildings
- Strong sense of community and local culture
- Access to the Fraser River and numerous parks for outdoor activities
- Good public transportation options, including SkyTrain
- Diverse dining and shopping options
- Proximity to Vancouver, offering additional amenities and opportunities
- Cost of living can be high compared to other areas
- Traffic congestion during peak hours
- Potential for flooding in certain areas due to proximity to the river
- Limited nightlife compared to larger urban centers like Vancouver
- Ongoing development may disrupt local neighborhoods
- Weather can be rainy and overcast for extended periods
Best Activities in New Westminster
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful Queen's Park with its tree-lined pathways, rose gardens, sports facilities, and a petting zoo.
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront boardwalk, take in the stunning views of the Fraser River, and relax in the park's green spaces and playgrounds.
Hike or bike through the scenic trails of Glenbrook Ravine Park, surrounded by lush greenery and a peaceful creek.
Tours
Uncover the best of New Westminster with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in New Westminster
Visit one of these nice places.
Located along the Fraser River, this park offers stunning views of the city skyline and the river. It's a great spot for photography and enjoying the waterfront.
This park features beautiful landscapes, gardens, and a rose garden, providing picturesque settings for photography and scenic views of New Westminster.
The boardwalk along the riverfront at the Quay offers panoramic views of the city, the river, and the surrounding area, making it a prime location for capturing memorable photos.
Food in New Westminster
New Westminster Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular indigenous dish featuring smoked salmon that can be found at the Wild Rice Market Bistro.
Must-Try!
A Canadian classic of fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy, best enjoyed at Re-Up BBQ or The Terminal Pub.
Unique Experiences
Get to know New Westminster better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant market offering a variety of locally sourced produce, artisanal goods, and ready-to-eat meals, including delectable street foods like gourmet tamales and fresh crepes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
It is polite to greet people with a handshake and a smile when meeting them for the first time in New Westminster, Canada.
New Westminster is a diverse city, so it is important to respect and appreciate the cultural differences of the people living there.
Using 'please' and 'thank you' is highly valued in New Westminster, and shows respect towards others.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of New Westminster with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in New Westminster
Ensure a smooth experience
In New Westminster, Canada, tipping is generally expected in restaurants, bars, and for other service providers such as hairstylists and taxi drivers. The customary tip is around 15-20% of the total bill.
Payment in New Westminster, Canada, is commonly made using credit/debit cards, cash, and mobile payment methods. Most businesses accept major credit cards, and contactless payment options are increasingly popular.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into New Westminster.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit New Westminster as the city comes to life with blooming flowers and budding trees. Visitors can enjoy pleasant weather and take part in outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.
Summer is the peak tourist season in New Westminster due to warm weather and a variety of outdoor events and festivals. Visitors can explore parks, enjoy outdoor dining, and take part in water activities along the Fraser River.
Fall brings cooler weather and beautiful autumn foliage to New Westminster. Visitors can enjoy the changing colors of the trees in the parks and along the river, as well as take part in fall-themed events and harvest festivals.
Winter in New Westminster can be cold and wet, but the city is beautifully decorated for the holiday season. Visitors can experience winter festivities, visit holiday markets, and enjoy cozy indoor activities such as visiting museums and art galleries.
New Westminster at Night
Hiking in New Westminster
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful park with various trails, offering scenic views of the city and gardens, perfect for a leisurely hike.
Located just a short drive from New Westminster, Burnaby Mountain features extensive hiking trails and breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
A picturesque loop around Sasamat Lake with nature trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing, ideal for a relaxing hike.
A large urban park with a network of walking trails surrounded by forests, perfect for hiking and enjoying nature.
A scenic trail that follows the banks of the Fraser River, offering beautiful views and a peaceful hiking experience.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into New Westminster through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach New Westminster by plane.
The primary airport serving Vancouver and surrounding areas, located approximately 12 kilometers from New Westminster.
An international airport located in Bellingham, Washington, about 90 kilometers south of New Westminster, offering various international flights.
Located in Seattle, Washington, about 230 kilometers south of New Westminster, this airport serves as a major hub for international flights.
Situated in Abbotsford, British Columbia, about 60 kilometers east of New Westminster, this airport provides limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Approximately 47.3% of the population identified as White, making it the largest demographic group in New Westminster.
Asian populations, including South Asian and Chinese communities, comprise around 38.9% of the population.
Indigenous peoples represent about 3.7% of New Westminster's demographic composition.
Black individuals account for approximately 2.4% of the population.
Latino groups make up around 1.5% of the population.
Individuals identifying as part of other racial or ethnic groups represent about 6.2%.
The Soul of New Westminster
Discover the essence of New Westminster through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is a widely popular sport in New Westminster, with many local clubs and leagues for various age groups and skill levels.
Basketball is played at both recreational and competitive levels in New Westminster, with numerous schools and community organizations hosting games and leagues.
Ice hockey has a strong following in New Westminster, with several minor and adult leagues, as well as local teams participating in the junior hockey circuit.
Lacrosse is a traditional sport in Canada and has a significant presence in New Westminster, known for both box lacrosse and field lacrosse.
Given its location along the Fraser River, rowing is a popular sport, with local clubs offering programs for various age groups.
Track and field events are popular in schools and community sports, providing a variety of athletic competitions for athletes of all ages.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting New Westminster.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
New Westminster is accommodating to vegetarian and vegan diets, with many cafes and restaurants offering plant-based options. Standouts include Spade Cafe and Old Crow Coffee Co.
Individuals with gluten restrictions can indulge in gluten-free treats at Pamola Bakery, known for its delightful assortment of gluten-free baked goods.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of New Westminster with these cultural adventures.
