Looking for the perfect Spring getaway? Discover an exciting world of food, culture and arts alongside relaxing riverside views with a weekend in New Westminster. Whether you’re planning a vacation for Easter or the May long weekend, or simply need a night away, leave the ordinary at home and unwind in a city that knows how to take it easy.
Easily accessible to and from Downtown Vancouver and almost all of Metro Vancouver by car or SkyTrain, New Westminster is an exciting and refreshing way to celebrate Spring. Here’s just a taste of what’s happening this season!
What to See & Do
THEATER & PERFORMANCE
Vagabond Players
Local theater group Vagabond Players Productions perform at the Bernie Legge Theatre in Queen’s Park.
What’s on this season:
- Laughter on the 23rd Floor (April 6 – 29)
- Our Town (June 1 – 24)
Hidden Wonders
Prepare to be awed by Hidden Wonders! This speakeasy-style magic show focuses on intimate experiences over grand illusions, with every performance designed for a small audience. The venue is hidden in New Westminster’s historic downtown, and confirmed guests are only given an address once tickets are purchased.
Photo credit: Hidden Wonders
Anvil Theatre
Located within the Anvil Centre, the city’s hub of local arts and culture, the state-of-the-art Anvil Theatre holds diverse performances all year around.
What’s on this season:
- Ali Hassan: Does This Taste Funny? (April 19)
- Welcome To The Family with Mike Marino and Maria Manna (April 21)
- Huu Bac Quintet (May 6)
- 55 Years of #1 Hits (May 13 & 14)
- Jane Coop & Seattle Symphony Players (May 28)
GALLERIES AND EXHIBITS
The Gallery in Queen’s Park
The Gallery in Queen’s Park from the Arts Council of New Westminster showcases visual arts year round. This season the gallery is exhibiting “Travel into Subconscious” by Vladimir Kolosov (running April 12 – 30, gallery hours: 10am – 2pm Wednesday – Sunday)
New Media Gallery
The New Media Gallery champions art and ideas that explore the creative potential and enigmatic meaning of technology in our lives. The current exhibition ‘aBIOTIC,’ includes three installations that abstract and synthesize the ethereal, scientific and mysterious behaviours of water. (until April 23)
WORKSHOPS
Batik Workshop
Presented by the Arts Council of New Westminster, the Batik Workshop teaches the Indonesian technique of wax-resist dyeing applied to whole cloth. The next workshop is scheduled for April 22.
Turkish Lamp DIY Workshop at Mosaic Art Studio
Photo credit: Mosaic Art Studio
The Mosaic Art Studio regularly hosts a Turkish Mosaic Lamp DIY Workshop, where you can learn to build a traditional Turkish lamp piece by piece by using different-shaped hand-cut glasses and beads.
New Media Gallery Workshops
The New Media Gallery hosts a variety of single session workshops this spring. Upcoming New Media Gallery Workshops include sessions on 3D Modeling and Printing, Intro to DIY Synthesizers, Women in Film and more.
Where to Stay
There’s so much to do and see in New Westminster, it’s worth making your trip more than one night. Why rush home when you can stay at one of New Westminster’s many charming hotels.
If your vacation includes a furry friend, book a room at the pet-friendly Inn at the Quay where you’ll also enjoy incredible riverside views.
Photo credit: @innatthequay
To check in with New West’s famed history, enjoy the elegant ambience of a boutique hotel, like The Met Hotel built at the turn of the last century, or Arundel Mansion Hotel and its luxury Edwardian-era suites.
Where to Eat & Drink
DRINK HERE
New Westminster is famous not only for its idyllic quay and local history, but also a vibrant local craft beer scene. Stop by Steel & Oak Brewery and grab a seat on the patio while sampling what’s on tap, or swing by Another Beer Co. who are known for their playful flavours. We recommend going on a Friday when they often drop new brews.
Photo credit: @pacificbreezewinery
If wine is more to your taste, the Pacific Breeze Winery is the first “Garagiste” (otherwise known as Garage Winery) in Canada. Family-owned and operated, this international award winning winery produces hand crafted small lot wines. Seasonal patio seating available.
EAT HERE
New Westminster’s culinary scene is packed with global flavours and patios a-plenty. Plan a date night with comforting modern Italian at Piva, or enjoy the bright Mexican cuisine at El Santo.
Photo credit: @pivamodernitalian
If you’re searching for something a little more casual, you can’t go wrong with classic fish and chips by the water at Angelina’s Dutch Corner or a stroll through River Market when you can’t decide on just one cuisine.
Don’t forget to Enter our Spring Contest!
