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

Relax at the Quay

At one time, the waterfront of New Westminster was definitely not a place for the public to visit. This area was completely industrial with warehouses, mills, industries, rail lines, cold storage buildings, fish plants, shipping, and ocean-going freighters at the dock. It’s hard to imagine all that now, since the Quay is an attractive and bustling, people-friendly neighbourhood with modern condominiums, flowers, beautiful walkways, market, restaurants, shops, boat cruises, museums and park areas.

Today many residents and businesses call the Quay home. Walkers take their daily stroll along the Quay boardwalk and fresh breads, produce and meats are purchased at the public market.

Tucked into the Quayside neighbourhood is well-loved Angelina's Café (960 Quayside Drive.) Angelina's is a quaint location for breakfast or lunch. Enjoy delicious Panekoek (a Dutch version of pancakes) and Eggs Benedict, but be warned they are packed on the weekends. You're best trying your luck on a weekday before 2pm. Next door to Angelina's is Essence Home Décor (118-960 Quayside Drive) where you'll find wonderful gifts and unique home adornments.

Nestled between Angelina’s and the Westminster Quay is New Westminster’s most intimate and luxe hotel: the Inn at the Quay (900 Quayside Drive.) The newly renovated 126 guestrooms feature water views of the Fraser River, most with private balconies. At the foot of the hotel you’ll discover New Westminster’s Boathouse Restaurant which serves up an extensive seafood menu, excellent service and lovely waterside ambiance.

The Quay boardwalk is the perfect path for a leisurely stroll. Enjoy the view of the busy Fraser and afterwards, step aboard a moored heritage vessel to learn more of the history of this active waterway. The Samson V Maritime Museum is located aboard a moored riverboat: the last steam paddle wheeler to service Western Canada. For a unique way to explore the living, working river, consider the Paddlewheeler Riverboat Tours, located at 780 Quayside Drive in the old BC Mill House.

On the east end the boardwalk you'll find the Fraser River Discovery Centre (788 Quayside Drive,) a river museum that focuses on the environmental, economic, historical and cultural importance of the Fraser River. Begun as an interpretive centre in 1986, the newly renovated museum displays new exhibits where you can learn about the impacts of one of the world’s great rivers. Inside the Discovery Centre you'll also find the New Westminster Visitor Centre. Discover more about BC's six unique regions and let the knowledgeable staff help you plan your next British Columbia vacation.

The former Westminster Quay Public Market is undergoing renovations until Summer of 2010. Full-service restaurants including, the Paddlewheeler Pub and Top Gun Sushi will remain open. The new River Market is scheduled to re-open early to mid 2010.

The Quay is an excellent location to visit as a family, a couple, or simply out on your own. The neighbourhood has seen a lot of change since it was built to coincide with Skytrain launch of Expo ’86, with its lasting riverside appeal the Quay neighbourhood will continue to play an important part of Royal City life.