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

Begin your walk in Hyack Square, at the foot of 8th Street. Hyack is a Chinook Indian word meaning "hurry up" and was used by the early fire department. Running straight up the hill is Eighth Street, formerly Douglas Road, which was the main trail to Burrard Inlet and what would later become Vancouver. On your left is the old Canadian Pacific Railway Station, built in 1899, and now the Keg Restaurant. On your right is the former BC Electric Railway Station, where streetcars and interurbans from Vancouver and the Fraser Valley stopped in New Westminster.

Proceeding up 8th Street you can't miss the SkyTrain station and guideway -- bringing modern transportation to this historic area. Turn along Carnarvon Street to the McInnes Overpass. It's a bit steep, so take your time and enjoy the spectacular views of the riverfront development and Columbia Street. See some wonderful new architecture as you stroll along Quayside Drive, then head for the water's edge.

The scenic esplanade along the Fraser River, is a 1.6 mile flower-lined walkway that provides unparalleled views of the working river, with tugs, fish boats, yachts, barges, freighters, and log booms almost close enough to touch. At certain times of the year you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive seals and sea lions that visit the Fraser. Be sure to stop for a look at the informative and fun interpretive signs of the Fraser River Discovery Centre that dot the railing. Those who visited the area for Expo '86 can relive the experience by taking a "dive" on the submarine from Highway '86 in Quayside Park, or playing captain at the Expo Tugger near the Public Market. The esplanade is also part of a larger trail system, the John Molson Way (for walkers) and the 7-11 Bicycle Path, which parallels the SkyTrain route from New Westminster to Vancouver.

When you arrive at Westminster Quay Public Market you are near the spot where the Royal Engineers landed in 1859, and began to carve a city out of the forest. In the early years the Quay area was home to canoes, sailing ships, and paddlewheel steamboats. In later years it saw large cargo carrying ships, as New Westminster was a major river port. Come face to face with Simon Fraser (or at least a bronze sculpture of him) on the boardwalk in front of the Market. Fraser navigated the river that now bears his name back in 1808. Step in the door of the Market right beside Simon Fraser and you'll discover the Eastward Ho! Canoe, which was used in the 1967 Canadian Centennial adventure of four residents who paddled from the Royal City along the rivers of Canada to Montreal and Expo '67.

Finish your tour at the Samson V Maritime Museum, a retired federal government paddlewheeler, now moored in front of the Market and open to visitors. Step aboard to learn more about our maritime heritage, and the colourful captains and steam-powered vessels and that used to ply the Fraser River.