Complete Travel Guide to New Westminster, Canada

New Westminster New Westminster is a city in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, Canada, and a member municipality of the Metro Vancouver Regional District. It was founded by Major-General Richard Moody as the capital of the Colony of British Columbia in 1858 and continued in that role until the Mainland and Island colonies were merged in 1866. It was the British Columbia Mainland's largest city from that year until it was passed in population by Vancouver during the first decade of the 20th century. As a municipal center, New Westminster serves as an important administrative and economic hub for the surrounding region, providing essential services and infrastructure that support both urban and rural communities. Positioned at coordinates 49.20678°N, -122.91092°E, New Westminster occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of New Westminster place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 60.0 meters above sea level, New Westminster benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of New Westminster creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 70996 residents, New Westminster maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of New Westminster represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in New Westminster reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout Canada, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of British Columbia province, New Westminster contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines Canada's regional character. The role of New Westminster in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to New Westminster discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of Canada while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of New Westminster

History A view of New Westminster from the Fraser River, c 1865 The area now known as New Westminster was originally inhabited by Kwantlen First Nation The discovery of gold in BC and the arrival of gold seekers from the south prompted fear amongst the settlers that Americans may invade to take over this land.

Richard Clement Moody arrived in British Columbia in December 1858, at the head of the Royal Engineers, Columbia Detachment, having been hand picked to "found a second England on the shores of the Pacific" : 71 Moody "wanted to build a city of beauty in the wilderness" and planned his city as an iconic visual metaphor for British dominance, "styled and located with the objective of reinforcing the authority of the Crown and of the robe".

: 26 Subsequent to the enactment of the Pre-emption Act of 1860, Moody settled the Lower Mainland and selected the site and founded the new capital, New Westminster Moody and the Royal Engineers were trained in settlement and selected the site because of its defensibility: it was farther from the American border than the site of the colony's proclamation, Fort Langley, possessed "great facilities for communication by water, as well as by future great trunk railways into the interior",: 174 and possessed an excellent port.

: 26 Moody was also struck by the majestic beauty of the site, writing in his letter to Blackwood: > The entrance to the Fraser is very striking—Extending miles to the right & > left are low marsh lands (apparently of very rich qualities) & yet fr > [_sic_] the Background of Superb Mountains—Swiss in outline, dark in woods, > grandly towering into the clouds there is a sublimity that deeply impresses > you.

Everything is large and magnificent, worthy of the entrance to the > Queen of England's dominions on the Pacific mainland ] My imagination > converted the silent marshes into Cuyp-like pictures of horses and cattle > lazily fattening in rich meadows in a glowing sunset.

] The water of the > deep clear Frazer was of a glassy stillness, not a ripple before us, except > when a fish rose to the surface or broods of wild ducks fluttered > away : 7 Moody likened his vision of the nascent Colony of British Columbia to the pastoral scenes painted by Aelbert Cuyp.

It was suggested by Moody and the Royal Engineers, Columbia Detachment that the site be proclaimed "Queensborough" Governor James Douglas proclaimed the new capital with this name on February 14, 1859 : 175 The name "Queensborough", however, did not appeal to London and it was Queen Victoria who named the city after Westminster,: 175 that part of the British capital of London where the Parliament Buildings were, and are to this day, situated.

From this naming by the Queen, the City gained its official nickname, "the Royal City" A year later New Westminster became the first City in British Columbia to be incorporated and have an elected municipal government It became a major outfitting point for prospectors coming.

The historical trajectory of New Westminster demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in New Westminster reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in New Westminster remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

Geography New Westminster is located on the Burrard Peninsula, mainly on the north bank of the Fraser River. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of New Westminster, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. It is 19 kilometres (12 mi) southeast of the City of Vancouver proper, adjacent to Burnaby and Coquitlam and across the Fraser River from Surrey and Delta. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of New Westminster, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. A portion of New Westminster called Queensborough is located on the eastern tip of Lulu Island, adjacent to Richmond. The total land area is 15. 62 square kilometres (6. Aerial view of New Westminster from Uptown, looking east towards the Fraser River and Surrey City Centre #Historical urban geography New Westminster has changed markedly over time and by the results of its incorporation into the wider urbanization of the Lower Mainland. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of New Westminster, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. (See also: Architecture of Greater Vancouver. ) ##BC Penitentiary Main article: British Columbia Penitentiary The BC Penitentiary being constructed c. 1877 In 1878, the Government of Canada opened the British Columbia Penitentiary, the first federal penitentiary west of Manitoba. "BC Pen", or simply "the Pen", as it was known (and also in old days as the "skookum house" in the English-Chinook Jargon patois common in early BC), was located between the Sapperton neighbourhood and what is now Queen's Park. It housed maximum- security prisoners for the next 102 years, closing in 1980. The original centre block of the Pen still stands and has been converted into offices. The Gatehouse, steps leading up to it and old Coal House still stand. The rest of the Pen's grounds have been filled with newly built townhouses and condominiums and parkland. Below the main complex on the waterfront the prison's old armoury still stands as part of a new waterfront park; this was also the location of the prison's wharf which was much-used when steamboat was the main means of transportation within the Lower Mainland and for some years after. ##Woodlands The mental hospital for children, was located to the west of the BC Pen and was adjacent to the offramps of the Pattullo Bridge. After it was closed, the derelict main building was, except for the tower entrance, destroyed by fire on July 9, 2008. In October 2011, all remaining old structures were leveled and cleared, to the joy of some former residents who had bad memories of their childhood experiences. [_citation needed_] ##Chinatown New Westminster's Chinatown was one of the earliest established in the mainland colony and initially the second-largest after Victoria's. : 49 Prior to the rise of Vancouver's Chinatown it was the largest on the mainland following Barkerville's wane as a centre of population. [_citation needed_] It was located along Front Street. : 1 A second Chinatown opened in an area known as "The Swamp" at the southwestern edge of downtown,: 1 bounded roughly by Royal Avenue, Columbia Street, and 8th and 12th Streets. The "Swamp" name is because area was then boggy ground of low value for the stone and brick buildings of the main part of downtown up Colum.

The topographic characteristics of New Westminster result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the New Westminster region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the New Westminster area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in New Westminster has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in New Westminster demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of New Westminster create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

The climatic regime of New Westminster reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in New Westminster create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in New Westminster determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in New Westminster create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in New Westminster demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to New Westminster include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Demographics Historical populationsYearPop. The demographic composition of New Westminster reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. ±% 192114,495— 193117,524+20. 9% 194121,967+25. 4% 195128,639+30. 4% 195631,665+10. 3% 196638,013+13. 0% 197142,835+12. 7% 197638,393−10. 0% 199649,350+13. 2% 200154,656+10. 1% 201165,976+12. 6% 202178,916+11. 2% Source: Statistics Canada In the 2021 Canadian census conducted by Statistics Canada, New Westminster had a population of 78,916 living in 36,099 of its 37,737 total private dwellings, a change of 11. The demographic composition of New Westminster reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 2% from its 2016 population of 70,996. The demographic composition of New Westminster reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. With a land area of 15. 03 sq mi), it had a population density of 5,052. The demographic composition of New Westminster reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 2/sq mi) in 2021. New Westminster had the second highest population density of any Canadian city, trailing only Vancouver. The demographic composition of New Westminster reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. #Ethnicity A legacy of early 20th century settlement, the Queensborough neighbourhood has a large South Asian population, primarily of Punjabi Sikh descent. The demographic composition of New Westminster reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Panethnic groups in New Westminster (2001−2021) Panethnic group 2021 2016 2011 2006 2001 Pop. % European[a] 39,080 50. 11% East Asian[b] 11,075 14. 15% South Asian 8,105 10. 84% Southeast Asian[c] 8,065 10. 19% African 2,695 3. 08% Latin American 2,560 3. 65% Indigenous 2,425 3. 95% Middle Eastern[d] 1,775 2. 26% Other/multiracial[e] 2,275 2. 74% Total responses 78,055 98. 45% Total population 78,916 100% 70,996 100% 65,976 100% 58,549 100% 54,656 100% Note: Totals greater than 100% due to multiple origin responses. The demographic composition of New Westminster reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. #Languages The 2016 census found that English was spoken as mother tongue by 50. Linguistic diversity in New Westminster demonstrates the region’s role as a crossroads of cultural interaction and historical influence. 47% of the population. The demographic composition of New Westminster reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. The next most common mother tongue language was Tagalog, spoken by 4. Linguistic diversity in New Westminster demonstrates the region’s role as a crossroads of cultural interaction and historical influence. 5% of the population, followed by Mandarin at 4. The demographic composition of New Westminster reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 4%, and Punjabi at 3. Rank Mother tongue Population Percentage 1 English 42,925 63. The demographic composition of New Westminster reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 1% 2 Tagalog 3,075 4. 5% 3 Mandarin 3,015 4. 4% 4 Punjabi 2,410 3. 5% 5 Cantonese 2,105 3. 1% 6 Spanish 1,265 1. 9% 7 Korean 1,245 1. 8% 8 Russian 1,035 1. 5% 9 French 790 1. 2% 10 Romanian 740 1. 1% #Religion According to the 2021 census, religious groups in New Westminster included: * Irreligion (36,595 persons or 46. 9%) * Christianity (30,345 persons or 38. 9%) * Sikhism (3,750 persons or 4. 8%) * Islam (2,655 persons or 3. 4%) * Hinduism (2,000 perso.

Arts and culture The city has several live performance venues, ranging from the Massey Theatre adjacent to New Westminster High School, to the Burr Theatre, a converted cinema on Columbia Street, and two theatrical venues in Queens Park (One being the Bernie Legge Theatre, home of the Vagabond Players, which were formed in 1937. ) The Royal City Musical Theatre, a long-established New Westminster tradition, uses the Massey, while comedy and mystery theatricals use the stages in Queens Park. Also in Queens Park is the Queens Park Arena, longtime home to the legendary New Westminster Salmonbellies professional lacrosse team, as well as an open-air stadium used for baseball and field sports. The Burr Theatre (originally the Columbia Theatre), named for New Westminster native Raymond Burr, was operated by the Raymond Burr Performing Arts Society who produced professional -quality mysteries and comedies between October 2000 and January 2005. February 2005 saw the theatre reopen as a vaudeville theatre with three major productions by The Heartaches Razz Band and in February 2006 collaboration with The Screaming Chicken Theatrical Society produced the first Annual Vancouver International Burlesque Festival. The theatre was sold by the City of New Westminster through a public request for proposal process to the owner of Lafflines Comedy Club. After extensive renovations to convert it into a cabaret style theatre, it is now called The Columbia, home of Lafflines Comedy Club. Douglas College also offers post-secondary training in theatre, stagecraft and music, as well as non-credit courses in music for all ages and ability levels, through the Douglas College Community Music School. Theatre productions and music concerts at Douglas College take place in the Laura C. Muir Performing Arts Theatre and the smaller, more intimate Studio Theatre from September to April. Every year, New Westminster hosts the New West Cultural Crawl to showcase the city’s unique and talented artists. The unique Mushtari Begum Festival of Indian Classical Music and Dance, debuted in 2012, is produced by internationally acclaimed artists Cassius Khan and Amika Kushwaha to preserve the rare Indian arts, and is partnered with the Massey Theatre. “Douglas College Community Music School”. Archived from the original on October 26, 2008. Retrieved November 4, 2008.

The cultural landscape of New Westminster represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in New Westminster reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in New Westminster continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in New Westminster provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in New Westminster demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in New Westminster provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

The economic structure of New Westminster reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in New Westminster often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in New Westminster serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in New Westminster demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in New Westminster has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in New Westminster focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

Transportation #Road network New Westminster Bridge Much of New Westminster’s street network still conforms to the original grid laid out by the Royal Engineers at the time of settlement. The grid is oriented to the riverfront and therefore deviates from the compass directions: streets run northwest to southeast, and avenues run southwest to northeast. The Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) is accessible from nearby Coquitlam, via the Brunette Avenue interchange, and Burnaby, via the Cariboo Road and Canada Way interchanges, and provides expressway access to Vancouver, the North Shore, and the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal (to the west), and to the British Columbia interior and the communities of the Fraser Valley (to the east, via the Port Mann Bridge). On its northern and western edges, New Westminster is connected to Vancouver by the street system of the city of Burnaby. The three major arterial streets in Burnaby connecting New Westminster and Vancouver are Canada Way (until 1967 named the Grandview Highway, and called 8th St. once it enters New Westminster), Kingsway (12th St. ), and Marine Way (Stewardson Way). Kingsway connects New Westminster with the major shopping and entertainment district of Metrotown, in central Burnaby, and then proceeds to downtown Vancouver. The Queensborough Bridge (part of Highway 91A) connects mainland New Westminster to Queensborough, Richmond, and, via the Alex Fraser Bridge, Delta. The Pattullo Bridge links New Westminster with Surrey. The lesser-used Derwent Way Bridge connects Queensborough with Annacis Island of Delta. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the city reallocated road space in New Westminster for cyclists and pedestrians as part of Streets for People in 2020 initiative. #Public transit An Expo Line train approaching New Westminster station Q to Q passenger ferry arriving at the Quayside dock Public transportation is provided by TransLink. Along with a number of bus routes, the city is served by the following stations on the SkyTrain system: * 22nd Street station (Expo Line) * Braid station (Expo Line) * Columbia station (Expo Line) * New Westminster station (Expo Line) * Sapperton station (Expo Line) The city is located within Zone 2 of TransLink’s fare structure. A passenger ferry runs from the Quay to the neighbourhood of Queensborough on Lulu Island. #Railways The city is served by four railways: Canadian National Railway, Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), Burlington Northern and Santa Fe, and the Southern Railway of British Columbia shortline. None offer passenger service. #Streetcars and the interurban Until the 1950s, New Westminster was linked to Vancouver and other municipalities by the BC interurban tram network (a type of interurban electric railway) under British Columbia Electric Railway. The Central Park Line was operated from 1891 to 1958. [citation needed] 1. “Streets for People”. Archived from the origin.

Transportation infrastructure serving New Westminster reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout Canada. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring New Westminster.

Regional connectivity from New Westminster provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Educational Institutions and Learning Opportunities

Education Douglas College, a major post-secondary institution in Greater Vancouver, has a campus in New Westminster. The college has an enrollment of 14,000 students and offers degrees, associate degrees, and two-year career and University Transfer programs to local, national and international students. The Justice Institute of British Columbia offers training to municipal police forces, fire departments, provincial corrections, court services, and paramedics with the British Columbia Ambulance Service. The Institute operates a Centre for Conflict Resolution, a Centre for Leadership and Community Learning, Executive Programs, a Public Safety Seminar Series, and the Aboriginal Leadership Diploma Program. Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM), the only Naturopathic medical school in western Canada, offering the N.D. degree in Naturopathic Medicine in both 4-year and 6-year programs is located here. There is also a campus of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT) located on Columbia Street. School District 40 New Westminster has one high school (New Westminster Secondary School), three middle schools, and ten elementary schools. #Other institutes * Sprott Shaw College * Winston College

Educational institutions in New Westminster serve as important centers of learning and cultural preservation that contribute to community development while maintaining connections to traditional knowledge systems and contemporary educational standards.

Planning Your Visit to New Westminster

Successful visits to New Westminster require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in New Westminster often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting New Westminster include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting New Westminster extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.