We all know our way around the much loved Columbia Street, and a block or two around the Skytrain stations, but there is much more than meets the eye in this happening neighborhood. From Columbia Street to Royal Avenue to 6th Street and beyond, New Westminster has just about anything you could want. Chill café’s? They’ve got plenty! Dope vintage and consignment store? Deals are everywhere! Parks to hang out in? Grab your friends, because lush green parks are waiting for you! The blue trees will be there too. A Vancouver Biennal public art piece, call the royal city home. Gorgeous bridal shops, Judge Begbie’s Tavern, The Spud Shack, and Burger Heaven are staples in New West, and are tried and true legends in the city. But New Westminster is so much more than that! With innovative galleries, and awesome local business’ sprinkled throughout the city, New Westminster has something for whatever mood you’re in. Make sure to let the royal city treat you like the majestic queen/ king you are!
The Hideout Café
This café is just like your cool best friend’s apartment: there’s cool tunes, eclectic décor, and staff that is talkative and genuinely like to hear about your day. With local fresh food and awesome drinks that really do taste like extra love has been put in. This café also boasts a lunch menu filled with hearty and fresh wraps and salads, perfect for whatever mood you’re in.
Photo from @downtownnewwest taken of @thehideoutcafe
Cloud 9 Specialty Bakery
Hidden behind Save-on-Foods and snuggled between consignment stores, Cloud 9 bakery may be gluten free, but its full of flavor. The bakery is fully stocked with cupcakes, cookies, and squares to keep any gluten-free foodie satisfied. They even sell dry mixes, so you can indulge when the bakery is closed. This will no doubt be the new place to grab coconut flour, gluten-free pancake mix, and of course, cookie dough. The absolute best part? The gluten-free treats taste just as good, dare I say better, than their gluten filled counterparts. Cloud 9 will really be a heaven to you.
Old Crow Coffee
Local artists and coffee lovers alike are already well aware of Old Crow Coffee. Located om Front Street, this café is the perfect for getting the sights of New Westminster, while enjoying the local espresso.
Steel & Oak Brewery
Did you know New Westminster is home to a craft brewery of it’s own? Any beer lover in the city will be able to recognize the movers and shakers that is Steel & Oak. The menu has something for everyone, and tours and tasting are available to get a whole day of delicious drinks in.
River Market
The appropriately named River Market is the go-to place to find bakeries, homemade furniture, and more of the best food in New West. Gelato shops and clothing stores, and the locally loved Donald’s Market, merge together to make sure everything you need can happen in one stop. The best part of the market is the view. Patio’s and benches over look the Fraser River, and lead to lush parks along the banks where you can spend a day.
Truffles Fine Foods
Not only do they have a great selection of in-house foods, but the to-go meals (the chicken caesar salad is my personal favourite) are fresh, fast, and filling. The store, in the downtown core inside the Anvil Centre, is a modern, clean, and sophisticated place to grab one of their signature drinks, sandwiches, or baked goods.
Big Star Sandwiches
If you have been looking for a modern sandwich shop with store 1950’s chill vibes, then Big Star Sandwiches is for you. If you haven’t been looking for that, this sandwich shop is still for you. Their selection of hard to find sodas (in glass bottles, of course) and chips pair perfectly with their unique take on classic favourites. “Oh you want a classic turkey sandwich? Let’s zest it up and add some pesto mayo, artisan bread, and make it as big as your head” – what I assume the owner’s said when they made their menu.
Hearty lunch photo from @bigstarsandwichnw
Columbia Street Sandwiches
For a breakfast sandwich that isn’t on an English muffin and bland, the best place is Columbia Street Sandwiches. Of course, the sandwich shop has delicious food for any meal of the day. Friendly staff + great location + comforting and delicious sandwiches = a great place for lunch.
Raincity Juicery
The freshest juice in the city can be found in this Front Street store front. This sustainable juice company cold presses their juices, and a stop by their store will show you their friendly staff hard at work, with all the fresh produce they can handle. Bring in your own mason jar (or purchase one for $2.00) and you will be sipping any of their delicious flavours in no time. The best part? You can fill up a growler! Raincity is proud to be the go-to juicer in the lower mainland to offer customers growlers full of delicious juice.
New Media Gallery at the Anvil Centre
As the third most visited gallery in the lower mainland, many contemporary art lovers have already discovered this suburban gem. The New Media Gallery inside the Anvil Centre is one of the most innovative galleries in the province. With interactive exhibits (6 a year) any visitor to this modern building will be able to explore the experimental art that the gallery houses. Friendly and knowledgeable guides are available for tours anytime, and you will no doubt have a personalized experience.
Sixth Street
The whole street has a great mix of modern and traditional stores. Pop-up shops are emerging, where you can catch a rotating mix of local designers. Home décor, restaurants, chic boutiques, and everything in between can be found along Sixth Street.
With beautiful views of the Fraser River, history around every corner, and local business' ready to offer you fresh and unique goods, and easily accessible by transit, New Westminster should be the next day-trip for you!
