Are you in need of a getaway? Well, the time is finally here to start your vacation close to home! We welcome you to New Westminster, the city with everything you need to plan the perfect getaway. Keep reading to find inspiration for the ultimate staycation in the oldest community in New West, Sapperton.
Stay
Following your visit around the Original Downtown, you can book a night at The Met Hotel. Perfectly located on East Columbia, The Met is a boutique hotel in a charming heritage building with all the comforts of home inside and is situated near Columbia Station so you can start your next adventure to the neighbourhood of Sapperton- just one SkyTrain stop away.
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Do
Sapperton offers a blend of historical and cultural experiences. There are many destinations within this neighbourhood which tell the stories of the past, so grab your bike or walking shoes and check out these historical sites:
- Sapperton Landing
- Glenbrook Ravine
- BC Penitentiary
- Woodlands Memorial Garden and Victoria Hill
- Brunette Creek
Each of these sites hold a unique story that is part of the development of New Westminster. Although some have a grim story to tell, these stories play an important part in the city’s history.
For immersion into art and culture, book an appointment to visit the Van Dop Gallery. There are over 100 artists showcased in this gallery, with pieces displayed throughout the home and garden. If you are interested in meeting the artists themselves and learning more about the contemporary art scene, check out the events that are hosted at 100 Braid Street Studios, a co-working studio for local artists.
If the kids need to burn off some energy, visit the Hume Park playground and Spray Park or the Sapperton Park playground. If they are still bouncing with energy, stop by the Extreme Air Park for some trampoline fun. Bring out your competitive side and buy a ticket for the Capital City Arcade. Try to beat the top scores on their old-school arcade games! While exploring Columbia street, be sure to stop into some of their specialty shops, like Holland Shopping Centre, Barley’s Homebrewing Supplies, or a Sapperton classic – Cap’s Bicycle Shop featuring the Original Bike Museum.
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Eat
Sapperton has restaurant options for every mood and every meal. For weekend brunch, Browns Socialhouse has mimosas, bennys, and all your other favourites until 2pm. Enjoy breakfast in the sunshine on their patio.
Do you need to quickly refuel between activities? Stop by Greens and Beans for an epic sandwich that is loaded with all the good stuff or get your donair fix at Donair Town.
For dinner, you can’t beat one of New West’s favourites, Gino’s Restaurant. This family-run restaurant has been serving up delicious Greek and Italian food since 1972! Craving some good Mexican food? The Taco Factory has fresh tacos, Mexican popsicles, and churros amongst other authentic bites.
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Drink
After a day of exploring the neighbourhood of Sapperton, cool off on the patio at Another Beer Co. Equipped with a bike rack at the patio, this is the perfect stop after exploring the neighbourhood on two wheels all day.
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The Sapperton District Taphouse is the place to go for drinks and tapas with some friends. Take advantage of their Late-Night Happy Hour starting at 10pm every night and try out their flight of shots.
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We can’t wait to see you out exploring the neighbourhood of Sapperton and don’t forget to check back for our blog on what to do in Queensborough!
To catch up on the rest of our Staycation Series, click here: Ep. 1: the Original Downtown, Ep. 3: Diverse Queensborough.
