The busy working boats of the harbour display the economic buzz that has been generate along its shoreline for almost one hundred years.
A long swim, bike ride, picnic, touring the heritage buildings, playing a round of golf or possibly catching some theater are only a few of the day time plans travelers can choose from! Indoor activities are also available at the local recreational center if the warm weather or rain has impeded on your outdoor plans.
For the evening take in a movie, dine at a local seafood restaurant, plan a night of striking it rich in the casino or visit a comedy house for a good laugh.
The Sky Train offers direct, thirty minute "car free" access into downtown Vancouver and runs on regular return schedule. This is the perfect hassle free trip that is appreciated by resident commuters as well.
There are many distinct areas to New Westminster; Columbia Street and the West End which include commercial/retail, Westminster Quay the former Expo-site and condo development which offers a large market and hotel, Sapperton which is the original suburb of decommissioned Royal Engineers the "Sappers" and holds historic significance and burial sites, Uptown which offers the Royal City Mall (library, shopping and Moody park), Queensborough which is new condominium area on Lulu Island across the north arm of the Fraser River connected by a foot bridge or the highway, and Front Street Promenade along with one of British Columbia's earliest China Town's in the mainland colony, which was only partially rebuilt after a fire in 1898.
Population: 55,000
Highlights:
Shopping
Walking Tours
Casino
Festivals & Events
Great Golfing
Museums and Art Galleries
Parks, Gardens & Recreation
Theatre
Nightlife and fine dining
Tours
Things To Bring:
Often the mountain ranges in behind the city cause rainfall and the appropriate clothing is recommended for the months between November and February.
History:
Most of the Sunshine Coast and surrounding islands were populated by the First Nations aboriginals, who happened to inhabit the area from the time of the last Ice Age. In the Chinook (native language), "Koonspa" is the usual name for New Westminster as a whole.
These people inhabited the area until the early 1800's, when white journeys men, explorers and pioneers came in search of new land and eventually gold! In 1859, New Westminster was announced the first capital of the new Colony of British Columbia by Queen Victoria. (Later, to the disappointment of the city, Victoria on Vancouver Island would be named the capital of BC.) The area served well as a steamboat and supply port during the province's gold rush.
Climate:
Summer average 18 degrees Celsius
Winter average 5 degrees Celsius
