Sitting on the boardwalk of the New Westminster Quay on a rare sunny afternoon in March, my husband and I watched tug boats of all sizes navigate the Fraser River while hauling lengthy log booms, empty barges and oversized containers of sawdust.
And we weren’t the only ones watching this working river in action. We were joined by dozens of curious couples, families and individuals watching with rapt attention while enjoying the warm, sunny afternoon, many sipping coffee and enjoying a treat from the adjacent River Market.
It was not that long ago the quay was pretty much the main attraction to New Westminster — besides shopping for a wedding dress — but that is no longer the case. While the quay is certainly still a very popular spot, due to the city’s more affordable real estate, lower retail rental costs, access to transit and a surge of new and often younger residents, New West is flourishing with an influx of popular eateries, galleries, events and festivals — all just a short SkyTrain ride from Vancouver.
History is also a very important part of the city’s fabric — and a boost to tourism. In 1859, after Queen Victoria named the area the City of New Westminster after her favourite part of London, it became known as the Royal City. New West is also the original capital of B.C., an honour it held until the City of Victoria garnered that title in 1871.
With so much to do in New West, here are some ideas to help narrow down your choices for a first visit. Return trips to take in more great food and experiences are just a short SkyTrain ride away from Vancouver.
If you go:
Food and drink
Because my husband and I haven’t been able to get to every great spot to eat in New West — yet — I’ve also included some suggestions from my learned colleague Lindsay William Ross, senior writer from Vancouver is Awesome.
We were lucky enough to visit this waterfront restaurant during “Crab Fest,” so dug into a decadent seafood-themed dinner while enjoying views of the Fraser River and the quay’s boardwalk.
Touted as offering one of the best breakfasts in New West, this cozy family-run operation on the quay serves up Dutch Pannekoeken, with plenty of sweet or savoury options. Tip: get there early to avoid long lines.
This modern Italian restaurant in the Anvil Centre was a greatly anticipated addition to New West's culinary scene. Look for boar meatballs, salumi boards, fresh pizzas and pastas, and an array of vegetarian (and vegan) options for lunch and dinner.
My husband and I were immediately charmed by this quirky little hole-in-the-wall, which serves up a wide range of artisan pierogies, including pork and beef and various potato versions, cabbage rolls and, for dessert, strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry pierogies.
Kelly O’Bryan’s/Carlos O’Bryan’s
A visit to Kelly O'Bryan's/Carlos O'Bryan's gives diners and drinkers the chance to get inside a historic location that’s been closed for years. The 1898 Canadian Pacific Railway building on Columbia Street had been a Keg from 1973 to 2013, but this fall became an outpost of the pub Carlos O’Bryan’s and restaurant Kelly O’Bryan’s.
Events
This family-friendly night market will run every Friday from July 6 to Aug. 24 on the 600-block of Front Street. Enjoy live music, food trucks and the Vagabond Bar Truck, serving local Steel & Oak beer and Pacific Breeze wine.
New West Grand Prix: July 10
The New West Grand Prix is the latest addition to the B.C. Superweek race series. The criterium-style race features a mass start and 935-metre circuit, which cyclists navigate for an expected 45 to 55 laps. More than 200 men’s and women’s cyclists will pass by every minute, making the New West Grand Prix a thrilling spectator experience.
Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Festival: July 28
What’s better than more than 150 vendors, including 90 food trucks, eight beer gardens and live music? Free admission to the StrEAT Food Truck Festival.
New West Pride: Aug. 11 to 18
Compared to the politics surrounding Vancouver Pride Week, New West’s version is still about celebrating the community and inclusivity for all. Last year’s festival included a family picnic, river cruise, Rainbow Beer Bash and the Royal City Farmers Market Pie for Pride Contest.
Now in its 15th year, the New West Cultural Crawl brings together members of the community to participate in a two-day free arts and cultural festival showcasing the city’s creative talent. The “Crawl” has evolved from an one-day art walk in 2003 with eight venues, a handful of artists and less than 400 participants, to showcasing more than 150 artists and 4,200 visitors at 37 venues in 2017.
Attractions
Designed to accommodate a wide range of events, arts and cultural activities and city and community-led programs, the Anvil Centre is a vibrant gathering space and New Westminster’s newest commercial and cultural hub.
New Westminster’s Museums and Archives
The museum and archives are managed across three city locations, the Anvil Centre, Irving House and the Samson V Museum. Exhibits focus on the land, people and development of New Westminster.
This interpretive centre showcases the Fraser River’s role in shaping B.C.’s ecological, cultural and economic diversity through interactive exhibits and interesting programs. Its vision is to connect communities while celebrating the living, working Fraser River.
Where to stay
We stayed at the Inn at the Quay, which couldn’t be more central to all the action. The hotel offers great water views of the Fraser River and is within walking distance of transit, shopping, restaurants and attractions, including the Anvil Centre. The hotel was built on stilts so the guest rooms sit above the river. An interesting fact -- the hotel is managed and operated almost entirely by women. The Inn at the Quay is the number one TripAdvisor hotel on the Fraser River Boardwalk.
@sthomas10
