Greater Vancouver, BC Tourism Guide with hotels, events and attraction in the historic city of New Westminster.

Shop Historic Downtown

Downtown New Westminster was the first commercial area of the city. Its proximity to the river and steamboats ensured a steady supply of goods and settlers. Other parts of the city had small commercial areas but this was the central shopping area for many years. The Great Fire of 1898 wiped out the downtown core but it rebounded quickly. Major stores, theatres, hotels, restaurants, and even an opera house made historical downtown the place to be.

Today, Downtown is known for its wide range of shops including antique stores and wedding shops. Potential brides and grooms from all over the Lower Mainland know that Downtown New Westminster is the place to visit to create the wedding dreams are made of. Bliss Bridal, Whiteday Wedding, The Bridal Gallery and Lisa’s Bridal Salon are just a few of the dozens of bridal shops that call Columbia Street home. Yet Downtown New Westminster is much more than tulle and tuxedos.

Against the backdrop of the iconic Army and Navy department store (502 Columbia Street,) remarkable growth is afoot. New retailers, galleries, and boutiques are calling Columbia and Front Street, the main downtown thoroughfares, home.

More specialty stores with products as varied as maps, specialty papers, antiques and more are moving in, creating an eclectic mix similar to Vancouver’s Broadway corridor, all with a small town charm. Traffic in the area is kept to minimum due to posted 30km speed limits, making this a great area to park and take a stroll.

A delightful eatery, Heritage Grill (447 Columbia) is a great spot to begin your Downtown exploration. Offering an eclectic West Coast / European menu this local hot spot serves up live music every night. Whether it be lunch or dinner Heritage offers your favourite mains with a unique twist: seared halibut with mango salsa, chorizo sausage penne marinara or the delectable Heritage lamb burger – all amazingly priced under $9.99.

There are a number of other eateries located downtown. Take a walk and you’ll be sure to find something that tempts your palate: Taverna Greka (326 Columbia,) Stefanos Restaurant (315 Columbia,) The Old Spaghetti Factory (just off Columbia, at 50 Eighth Street) and The Keg (800 Columbia) in the restored train station, to name a few. In Columbia Square (1005 Columbia) you’ll find Boston Pizza, Cockney Kings Fish and Chips, as well as the famous Burger Heaven (77 – 10th Street) across the street.

If you are looking for a few (hundred) laughs, visit Lafflines Comedy Club at the new Columbia Theatre (530 Columbia Street) open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Lafflines has hosted international and local comedians and comedy troupes at their New Westminster location for over 20 years.

Looking for espresso? Tucked behind the Provincial Law Courts, just one block up from Columbia, you’ll find The Hideout Café (716 Carnarvon Street) – a newly opened coffee house serving locally roasted espresso, old-fashioned milkshakes, incredible salads, paninis, wraps, and pastries. Of course there’s also Starbucks conveniently located on the main drive: 601 Columbia and Waves Coffee House at 715 Columbia Street.

Next to Starbucks, you'll find Drink Urban Lounge (609 Columbia Street) - New Westminster's hottest martini bar! Enjoy a large selection of martinis and cocktails in a chic urban decor. Great spot with a group of friends to start off the night.

Back on the 600-block of Columbia Street you’ll find fabulous shops side-by-side: Lofty Living Furniture Co.,Polkadot, Karmavore Vegan Store, and The Urban Gypsy, home furnishings that range from hand-knotted carpets and classic dining tables to funky collectibles from India and the far reaches of the South East.

New Westminster may be best known for antiquing which is no surprise considering the city’s rich historical past. Both Front and Columbia Street house thousands of square feet of furniture and collectables spanning from as far back as the late 19th century. Here you will find Mid-Century Modern Home, Scholar's Quay Antiques Mall (off Front and 6th Street), Not too Shabby and Sherlock’s Cafe (659 Columbia Street) which has 4500 square feet of everything British, from antiques, soccer merchandise and a brand new tea room. Don’t forget historic Copp’s Shoes (638 Columbia,) British Columbia’s oldest shoe store.

Plans are in place for a new Multi-Use Civic Facilty set to open early 2014. The new civic centre will feature an art gallery, museum, meeting and convention space, performing arts theatre and the New Westminster Visitor Centre. There are also a number of commercial and waterfront developments which are set to complete in early 2012 such as Plaza 88 and the Westminster Pier Park. Keep your eyes open for many exciting new developments...