- The city is nicknamed the Royal City after Queen Victoria selected the name in 1859.
- It contains the first public library established in British Columbia.
- The city's downtown core sits on a steep slope, leading to the creation of unique elevated pedestrian bridges known as overpasses that connect higher streets to the waterfront.
- It is the only city in Metro Vancouver that maintains an independent municipal electrical utility.
- Due to its role as a colonial capital, the city was once the primary site for government infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest before the capital moved to Victoria.
About New Westminster
New Westminster, the oldest city in Western Canada, served as the initial capital of the Colony of British Columbia in 1858. Situated on the north bank of the Fraser River, it functions as a primary transit hub for the Metro Vancouver region. Visitors can explore the historic greenery of Queen's Park or enjoy the modern waterfront infrastructure at Westminster Pier Park. The area retains significant cultural depth, anchored by community landmarks such as the nearby Burnaby Village Museum.
Highlights of New Westminster
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
This Victorian-era park features mature gardens and extensive sports facilities within a historic residential setting.
Parks
A revitalized waterfront space offering a floating walkway and panoramic views of the Fraser River.
Museums
An open-air museum that replicates a 1920s village, complete with a working carousel and historical demonstrations.
Top things to do in New Westminster
The 97 highest-rated places in New Westminster, ranked by travellers.
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Historical places
The Peace Arch is a bi-national monument straddling the international boundary between Surrey, British Columbia, and Bla...
2
Parks
Deer Lake Park is a sprawling municipal park in Burnaby that centers on a glacial lake and serves as a primary cultural...
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Parks
Central Park in Burnaby is a 90-hectare urban park featuring a mix of mature forest trails and managed recreational faci...
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Museums
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Parks
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Places of interest
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Temples
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Temples
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Parks
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Beaches and ponds
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Parks
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Temples
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Temples
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Museums
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Museums
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Venues
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Amusement parks
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Venues
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Parks
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New Westminster on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to New Westminster
Late spring through early autumn, as the temperate climate is most suitable for exploring the Fraser River waterfront and outdoor municipal parks.
2 days, which provides sufficient time to tour the historic downtown, the riverfront parks, and nearby cultural museums.
The city is served by the SkyTrain Expo Line, providing direct rapid transit access to Vancouver and Surrey, complemented by a walkable historic downtown.
Stay in the Downtown area for proximity to the SkyTrain stations and riverfront views, or choose the Uptown district for access to retail and historic residential architecture.
Mid-range; while accommodation is generally more affordable than downtown Vancouver, local service costs remain consistent with the regional average.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 97 curated attractions in and around New Westminster, ranked by traveller ratings.
Peace Arch is the highest-rated place to visit in New Westminster right now.
The largest category is parks, with 66 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Toronto, Montreal, North Vancouver (city).
Explore more of Canada
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.