Where We Spent a Wake Window: Fraser River Discovery Centre

Beyond VancouverStroller FriendlyIndoor Fun

Sep 1

Written By Mimi Sheriff

Location & Parking:

Location & Parking Tip:

After driving around in circles and getting confused, I finally found a solution that worked for me! Set your GPS for Kelly O'Bryan's Restaurant. Park in the garage directly opposite the restaurant. Cross the road toward O'Bryan's, and you’ll see a large staircase over the SkyTrain station. This leads you straight to the Boardwalk where the Discovery Centre is located.
Please feel free to let me know of a better parking space! I could never find one.

Set your GPS to: 800 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 5V2, Canada

Official info: https://fraserriverdiscovery.org/aboutus/

The Damage Report ($):

Under 2: Free

Kids (3-12): $5

Adults: $8

Wheely Friendly?

Yes - Once you are inside, you can take your stroller everywhere. However, if you use the "shortcut" staircase mentioned above, you will have to carry your stroller over the stairs.

Yuyu was so engaged with the exhibits that she didn't even want to be in her stroller, so it’s very walker-friendly!

Digging for items in the sandpit was a favourite activity.

The Snack Situation:

Food and drinks are not allowed inside the centre. However, you are right on the Westminster Quay boardwalk. You’re steps away from a fresh food grocery store and plenty of cafes for a post-discovery snack if you didn’t pack anything.

Potty Proximity:

There is a bathroom on the 1st floor and it includes a change table. It is conveniently located right next to a play area.

Mum Musings:

After a few other New Westminster visits, we finally came to the Fraser River Discovery Centre. It’s a cool hybrid museum/ interactive science centre. It’s all about the river, but they make it hands-on for the little ones.

Little girl standing in front of a puppet show. — Kids puppet stage.

Staff Insider Tip :

While most of the exhibits are permanent, a staff member mentioned that they rotate a few exhibits periodically. It’s worth checking their website before you go to see what’s new. It keeps the "discovery" fresh for repeat visits.

2nd Floor:

We visited during the "Winter Discovery Days," which had a great mix of stations. There was an activity to build an Indigenous pit house. Yuyu was a bit young for the "architecture" of it, but she loved the sand-play involved!

The Puppet Theatre: There were about 7- 8 stations, including a puppet theatre. Yuyu started by "hoarding" all the puppets, but she actually started sharing with the other kids by the end. Proud/relieved mum moment!
Station Variety: They also had a sand pit for "digging up history," building blocks, felt flower making, and coloring.
Note: There is a lot for adults to read and learn here, so I tried to read while Yuyu ran from station to station.

1st Floor :

I’m glad we saved this for last because I would have had a hard time getting her to leave!

Yuyu loved the small ball pit, the slides, and the play boat.
The Cargo Challenge: I found myself getting sucked into one of the ship exhibits, trying to balance cargo boxes. It’s a lot harder than it looks!
The Gift Shop: I managed a quick browse through the shop on the way out, they have some lovely local finds.

It was hard to get Yuyu to leave the ball pit.

Toddler Tolerance Level:

2 hours - Yuyu was happily engaged. We only left to eat our lunch outside.

Nap Roulette Options?

there is so much to do around the centre to stretch a wake window or induce a car nap. Check out my blog on New Westminster Quay Boardwalk (A Riverside Stroll with Fun Finds!)

Author

Mimi of Mi & Yu things to do in Vancouver

I’m Mimi, the writer behind Mi & Yu. This blog was born out of a year spent exploring Vancouver with my toddler Yuyu and newborn son Gabe while my husband Jamie worked through a demanding fellowship.

What started as a way to survive the newborn phase turned into a collection of tried-and-tested family adventures, real reviews, tested logistics, and the occasional toddler meltdown included. Now back home in Newfoundland, I’m sharing those adventures so other parents can skip the decision fatigue and get straight to the fun part.