About New Westminster

New Westminster Yesterday

For a brief history, turn your calendars back to 1859. Impressed by the area’s natural beauty and strategic location, New Westminster’s founders set camp along the Fraser River. Equally impressed, Queen Victoria named the city after Westminster, England — her favourite city — a designation that earned New Westminster the moniker The Royal City.

The city’s inhabitants were hardworking and dedicated to the community. After an unsparing 1898 fire, they rose from the flames, scathed but not defeated, to rebuild the historically and culturally resplendent New Westminster of today.

New Westminster Today

Today there is plenty to discover and experience in the Royal City’s six eclectic neighbourhoods, known as Historic Downtown, the Quay, Uptown, Sapperton, West End, and Queensborough. Whether you’re looking for great eats, fantastic shopping, fun parks and activities, celebratory festivals, some relaxing time at the spa or to learn more about the city’s heritage, this website is designed to help you find it — and discover the best of New West.

New Westminster Tomorrow

New Westminster is ever evolving, so don’t forget to check back with us! Projects in the works include Westminster Pier Park, with a spectacular view of the Fraser River; a Multi-use Civic Facility, featuring a 350-seat theatre, two museums, convention rooms, art studios, and a gallery; River Market, a destination for fun times and delicious eats; and the Plaza, a much anticipated development that brings transit, must-have amenities, food and entertainment all under one roof.