Where to stay in New Westminster
Vacation house with a pool or hot tub in New Westminster
Pet friendly vacation homes in New Westminster
Where Is New Westminster?
A narrow slice of city and a suburb of Vancouver, Canada’s New Westminster is enveloped by Burnaby, and located across the Fraser River from Surrey in British Columbia. It is easily accessed from downtown Vancouver by a short SkyTrain ride. Getting around New Westminster is quite a breeze, thanks to five SkyTrain stations scattered throughout town.
What Is New Westminster Known For?
For a brief period, New Westminster enjoyed prominence as the capital of British Columbia from 1858 to 1866, but that importance waned after Victoria became the new capital. Guarding the city is The Tin Soldier, a friendly 30-foot tall soldier statue that stands on the banks of the river in memoriam to the Royal Engineers who built New Westminster. It is listed in the Guiness Book of World Records as the World’s Tallest Soldier. Today, the city mostly functions as a suburb of Vancouver with a few unique cultural offerings.
A Quick Guide to New Westminster
- Anvil Centre: A multifaceted cultural and commercial hub inside a stunning contemporary building, Anvil Centre is home to three museums, including the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame, New Westminster New Media Gallery, and the New Westminster Museum and Archives. You’ll also find an intimate theatre and a conference center.
- Irving House Historic Centre: The oldest intact house in the British Columbia Lower Mainland is Irving House Historic Centre, which has been around since 1865 and has been preserved to display Victorian lifestyle and technologies. Inside are archival documents, photos, vintage furnishings, and artifacts. Guided tours are also provided by staff who are dressed in Victorian costume.
- Westminster Pier Park: Westminster Pier Park is a boardwalk promenade along the riverfront lined with benches, hammocks, sand volleyball pits, and a playground. At one end is a huge public art installation of shipping containers in the shape of a “W.”
- Queen’s Park: A forested urban park found at the eastern border of the city, Queen’s Park is filled with gentle, paved walking or biking paths, a skate park, tennis courts, sporting events, picnic areas, and a petting zoo. At Queen’s Park, there’s something fun for everyone, no matter the season.
Popular Destinations Near New Westminster
- Vancouver: Only two towns away from New Westminster, Vancouver is incredibly easy to get to by car or train. There is so much to do both indoors and outdoors — from Stanley Park to Granville Island, the Aquarium to the Seawall and all over downtown. You can explore this internationally-known city by foot, car, train, or seaplane, but you might need a few days here to get the full experience.
- Crescent Beach : Jutting out on a peninsula in the bay that is divided in half by the Candian-United States border, Crescent Beach sits along a promenade creating fantastic views of the water and the mountains in the distance. The walk could be turned into a loop for the ambitious wanderers who enjoy long walks on the beach. The area is quiet, but there are a few good restaurants nearby.
Best Neighborhoods Near New Westminster
- Front Street: Along the banks of the Fraser River is a uniquely urban neighborhood that has stood in for Chicago, the Bronx, and Philadelphia in different films. Sometimes known as “Antique Alley,” the Front Street neighborhood is the site of the city’s second-hand industry and vibrant antiques. Thrifters will love it here! Plus, this is where the bulk of local restaurants and cultural attractions reside.
- Queensborough: On the eastern end of Lulu Island and the far western end of New Westminster is Queensborough. There are a lot of neighborhood parks, a few restaurants, the Starlight Casino, and an outlet mall found directly against the river.
Popular rental amenities
Price trends in New Westminster
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Nearby destinations
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