Although not quite as large or as well-known as other major cities in Canada, New Westminster is a tight-knit and welcoming community. Known for its historical sites, as well as its annual festivals and large spaces for recreation, the city has a warm and inviting vibe that continues to draw tourists to it every year. This also makes it a great place for couples who are looking for a place to spend a romantic weekend getaway. Whether it is culture and arts, food and drinks, or outdoor activities that you and your love enjoy, New Westminster has something to offer. Here are just some of the best things that couples can do in New Westminster.
1. Watch a show or visit an exhibit at the Anvil Centre
The Anvil Centre is a multi-functional space, located right at the cultural hub of New Westminster. Famous for being home to several local artist groups, the Anvil Centre offers endless possibilities that art and theatre enthusiasts are sure to enjoy. Here, you can catch the latest shows and theatre productions with your loved one.
Anvil Centre
Address: 777 Columbia Street, V3M 1B6 New Westminster, British Columbia
Website: Anvil Centre
2. Take a tour of the Irving House
History buffs are sure to love the fascinating Irving House, where one can discover what the lives of the affluent were like in the early 1800s. Once the home of one William Irving, a well-known steamship captain and entrepreneur, this charming and lavish manor looks exactly as it did when it was built in the early 19th century – down to the beautiful wooden furnishings, vintage home appliances, and elegant decor. You and your partner could even request for a guided tour, to learn more about the history of the Irving House – the museum staff are known to be very knowledgeable and highly accommodating.
The Irving House
Address: 302 Royal Ave, V3L 1H7 New Westminster, BC, Canada
Website: The Irving House
3. Enjoy the view at New Westminster Quay
Located right by the Frasier River, the New Westminster Quay is a great place to enjoy on a lazy, sunny day with your loved one. You can take a quiet stroll along the boardwalk and just enjoy the view of the boats as they float down the river, or relax and soak in the sun together by the hammocks that can be found throughout the area. You can also visit the nearby Frasier Center or go on a fun Paddlewheeler Riverboat Tour, to learn more about the fascinating stories of the river’s past.
New Westminster Quay
Address: Quayside Dr, V3M 6B9 New Westminster, BC, Canada
Website: New Westminster Quay
4. Grab a bite at the River Market
They say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Whether or not that’s true, the River Market along Quayside Drive is definitely one of the best places to enjoy a good meal with that special someone! Foodies will marvel at the wide selection of restaurants and cafes along the Riverside Market that serve all sorts of mouth-watering cuisine – from Italian to Thai and to Vietnamese! In particular, the pastries and gelato are favorites among those who frequent the market.
River Market
Address: 810 Quayside Drive, V3M 6B9 New Westminster, BC, Canada
Website: River Market
5. Share a bottle of wine at the Pacific Breeze Winery
The Pacific Breeze Winery is a hidden gem in the city of New Westminster. This garage winery is somewhat small but only serves to make the atmosphere more intimate. The Pacific Breeze Winery sources the finest grapes from states like California, Oregon, and Washington, and produces quality wines at reasonable prices. You and your date could even request to go on a quick guided tour of the winery, followed by a private tasting, where you can try their selection of best wines.
Pacific Breeze Winery
Address: 6-320 Stewardson Way, V3M 6C3 New Westminster, BC, Canada
Website: Pacific Breeze Winery
6. Find your way out of Pandora’s Locks Mystery Room Adventures
If you’re looking for something thrilling and a little challenging to try on your next date, then you should definitely check out Pandora’s Locks Mystery Room Adventures! Here, you and your partner can choose from three different themed rooms, each of which is highly interactive and full of exciting mysteries to uncover. Your teamwork will be put to the test as you and your partner try to put together puzzles, hunt for various clues, and decode secret messages that will lead to your escape – all within just one hour!
Pandora’s Locks Mystery Room Adventures
Address: 405 Columbia St, V3L1A9 New Westminster, Canada
7. Spend a day under the sun at Moody Park
Moody Park has something for everyone. If you and your partner are the active, outdoorsy-types, you’ll love the park’s wide, open spaces and the endless outdoor activities you are free to try there – soccer, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, or even skating at the nearby arena. You can even rent bikes and ride around the park together.
Moody Park
Address: 600 8th St, V3M 3S2 New Westminster, BC, Canada
Website: Moody Park
8. Catch a show at the Massey Theater
Once British Colombia’s largest theatre when opened in the early 1940s, the historic Massey Theater stands to this day and continues to serve as space for the arts to flourish. It always has something new to offer its patrons. Here, you can catch the ballet or with your loved one and enjoy a night of music with the orchestra, to really set the romantic mood.
Massey Theater
Address: 735 Eighth Avenue, V3M2R2 New Westminster, British Columbia
Website: Massey Theater
9. Take a stroll along Queen's Park
Queen’s Park is another good place for couples who love to be active. You could take a stroll on the boardwalk in this open-air park and enjoy the beautifully manicured flowerbeds, as well as the view of the boats on the river. You can also challenge each other with a round of basketball at their court, or beach volleyball at the sand area.
Queen's Park
Address: 3rd Ave, V3M 1V2 New Westminster, BC, Canada
Website: Queen’s Park
10. Feel like kids again at Westminster Pier Park
Westminster Pier Park is the best place to just relax, loosen up, and enjoy all your favorite things from when you were kids. Conveniently obscured by trees from the city center, you and your love could bring all your favorite food and share a private picnic or simply read your favorite books together and enjoy each other’s company under the shade. There are lots of opportunities for play, as well.
Westminster Pier Park
Address: Begbie Street, V3M 6Z6 New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Website: Westminster Pier Park
Fall in love anew in New Westminster
They say that the best way to keep that fire burning in a relationship is not to forget to try new things and have fun together. With all that you can enjoy with your partner in New Westminster – from exciting activities to unique cuisine and fascinating displays of art and culture – you are sure to feel that warm, fuzzy, and exciting feeling, all over again!