Looking to level up your date night this April?
New Westminster has plenty of ways to turn an ordinary night out into something a bit more memorable this Spring.
Between cafés, creative studios, independent shops, and a globally diverse mix of restaurants, alongside live venues, you can stay in one neighbourhood or move between spots using the SkyTrain, Lime e-bikes, or a quick walk.
This guide brings together a range of options so you can shape the night however you want.
Build your own date night
There is no fixed way to do it.
Start wherever makes sense, change pace as you go, and build the evening around what you feel like in the moment.
Everything sits close enough together that you can adjust on the fly without overthinking it.
Ease into the Day with Coffee and Treats
Start your date slow with a coffee, pastry, or brunch in one of New Westminster’s cozy cafes.
Delicia Cafe & Bakery – Cozy Coffee Start
Start your day with a coffee and something sweet at Delicia Café & Bakery, then wander along Columbia Street at your own pace, exploring whatever catches your eye.
If you’re in the mood to explore more café options, nearby favorites include Coasters Coffee, Craft Café, and Waves Coffee, along with welcoming sit‑down spots like Green & Beans Deli, Flavor Balance Espresso Bar, and The Hide Out Café.
📍 656 Columbia Street
Angelina’s Dutch Corner – Brunch Date Favourite
For a fuller start to the day, make it a brunch date at Angelina’s Dutch Corner, known for its waffles, hearty breakfasts, and riverfront setting.
You can also try brunch at Bruncheria or Banette, or pick up pastries and treats from Pamola Bakery & Deli, Bak’d Cookies, or Yum Gourmet Donuts to enjoy later by the river or in one of New West’s parks.
📍810 Quayside Drive, Unit 122
Mükasi Coffee Roasters – Hidden Gem on Front Street
Tucked along Front Street, Mükasi Coffee Roasters is a cozy, almost hidden café and roastery pouring micro‑roasted coffee beans from around the world. Sip a carefully crafted latte or pour‑over in the warm, loft‑style space, and know your cup was roasted in small batches on site for maximum freshness.
Start With Something Hands-On
Skip the small talk and jump into something creative you will both remember.
Aromatica Parfums – Custom Scent for Two
Craft a custom fragrance side-by-side at Aromatica Parfums for a unique date activity you can take with you after the night is over. Blending scents together is a playful way to learn each other’s preferences and create a personalized souvenir of your time in New West.
📍672 Columbia Street
Mosaic Art Studio – Creative Workshop
Create your own Turkish mosaic lamp together in a warm, romantic studio setting at Mosaic Art Studio’s workshop. You will choose your colours, place each glass piece by hand, and head home with a glowing reminder of your night out.
📍332 Columbia Street
Origins Chocolate Bar – Chocolate Tastings
At Origins Chocolate Bar, step into their cozy shop and explore shelves of chocolate together, then choose a few bars to share. If you want to make it extra special, you can also look into booking one of their private chocolate tasting experiences for a more in‑depth evening.
📍538 Victoria Street
Boorman Archery – Learn to Shoot, Side by Side
Boorman Archery offers private lessons that are perfect for date night, with coaches who walk you through the basics, help you dial in your aim, and keep things fun and low-pressure so you can enjoy trying something new together.
📍422A E Columbia Street
Gong Cha – Bubble Tea Making Workshops
Ever wondered what goes into your favourite bubble tea? Gong Cha’s hands-on tea-making workshop lets you build your own drink from scratch, choosing your tea base, toppings, and sweetness level. April sessions are currently sold out, but you can still stop by for bubble tea, or keep an eye on the Flock Social app to catch the next round of workshops.
📍900 Carnarvon Street
Savour a Meal in New West’s International Food Scene
New Westminster’s restaurant scene is packed with globally inspired flavours, from cozy Italian dining rooms to bold Mexican and Korean spots, and so much more.
Piva Modern Italian – Romantic Italian Dinner
Settle into a candlelit table at one of New West’s beloved Italian restaurants, with comforting plates of pasta, rich sauces, and a slow, lingering meal. Piva Modern Italian is a local favourite for date nights, with stylish interiors and shareable dishes, alongside other romantic options like Gastronomia Italia, Rozzini’s, and Artusi.
📍787 Columbia Street
El Santo – Modern Mexican Night
For a lively atmosphere, El Santo brings modern Mexican flavours and creative cocktails to Downtown New West, making it great for a fun, flavour‑forward evening out. Their elevated dishes and warm hospitality have made them a go‑to recommendation among locals, and Taqueria Playa Tropical offers a more laid‑back experience, if you are in the mood for something casual.
📍680 Columbia
Simya Korean Chicken – Late-Night Korean Comfort Food
End the night with bold flavours from around the world. Simya Korean Chicken is a go-to late-night spot for crispy, Korean-style fried chicken that is impossible to resist, staying open until 3 am most days so you can keep the night going. If you are looking for Korean BBQ instead, Galbi Korean BBQ offers tabletop grills and shareable plates just steps from New Westminster Station.
📍1122 5th Ave
💡New West truly is one of Metro Vancouver’s most diverse dining destinations. Explore even more global cuisines on our Eat & Drink page.
Make It a Playful Night Out
Capital City Arcade – Retro Games from the 70s to 90s
Head to a local arcade like Capital City Arcade or Industry Arcade for a throwback date filled with pinball, classic cabinets, and friendly high‑score competitions. It is a low‑pressure way to keep the energy up after dinner, and perfect if you both like a bit of nostalgia and lighthearted competition.
📍457A E Columbia Street
Starlight Casino – Classic Casino Night Out
Starlight Casino brings a touch of old-Vegas glamour to Queensborough, with lively gaming floors, on-site restaurants, and late-night entertainment all under one roof.
📍350 Gifford Street
Exit Escape Room – Crack Clues & Beat the Clock
Put your teamwork to the test at EXIT New Westminster, an immersive escape room right by SkyTrain, where you’ll solve puzzles, crack clues, and race the clock together for a memorable, laughter-filled date night.
📍800 Carnarvon Street
Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy – Stand-Up & Laughs
Catch a comedy show at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy for touring headliners, or check out themed nights like Comedy Exposed at the Flapper Lounge for a more intimate, local feel. A night of shared laughs is an easy way to reconnect and keep the energy high.
📍530 Columbia Street
Live Music, Theatre, and Local Events – What’s on this April
Check local listings for live performances at venues like Massey Theatre, Anvil Theatre, and the Douglas College Studio Theatre, as well as community galleries and arts spaces around the city. From concerts and plays to special one‑night events, there is almost always something on the calendar to turn your date into a shared night at the theatre or a live show in the city. For a more casual option, you can also head to Movie Night at Hops, where cult classics play every Sunday at 8:00 pm with cheaper‑than‑cinema drinks, $2 popcorn, and the freedom to bring your own food.
Check out our events page for more!
Key Highlights for April
- April 4 – Steel & Oak Run
- April 4 – East Columbia Eggstravaganza
- April 9 – Comedy Exposed
- April 11 – Just the 2 of Us
- April 17 – May 3 – Shrek The Musical
- April 24/25th – 31st Annual FVACC Vintage Antiques Collectibles Show
Sip, Stroll, and Soak in Spring
Round out the evening with something relaxed and scenic, especially with longer April days and the first signs of spring popping up along the river.
Steel and Oak Brewing Co. – Riverside Brewery Stop
Enjoy a pint at Steel & Oak Brewing Co., a cozy brewery tucked just west of the Quay along the Fraser River. It is an easy walk from River Market and a relaxed spot to linger over a couple of craft beers.
📍1319 3rd Ave
Landmark Cinemas – Movie Night
For a classic finish, head to Landmark Cinemas for a movie. It is an easy date‑night option in the heart of downtown, with plenty of nearby spots if you want to grab a bite or a drink before or after the show.
📍Skytrain Station, Level 390-800 Carnarvon Street
Riverside Walks and Spring Views – Boardwalk Stroll by the Fraser
Take a stroll along Westminster Pier Park and the Quayside Boardwalk, where the Fraser River, public art, and fresh spring greenery line a 2.5‑kilometre waterfront path. As the days get longer, it is an easy place to walk, talk, and pause on a bench or viewpoint together.
If you are feeling adventurous, hop on a Lime bike and follow the Central Valley Greenway or cruise along Columbia Street, pausing to browse River Market.
📍 Starting point suggestion: Westminster Quay
