Where We Spent a Wake Window: New Westminster Quay Boardwalk.
Location & Parking:
Location & Parking Tip: After driving around in circles and getting confused, I finally found a solution that worked for me! You'll notice the address I provided is actually for Kelly O'Bryan's Restaurant. Right opposite O’Bryan’s is a parking garage that I’d park in. I’d then cross the road and next to O’Bryans is a large staircase over the SkyTrain station that takes you right to the Fraser River Discovery Centre, which is on the Boardwalk.
Set your GPS to: 800 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 5V2, Canada
Official info: https://tourismnewwestminster.com/neighbourhood/westminster-quay/
Free! Walking on the New Westminster Quay boardwalk is completely free. You can decide how much you want to spend at the various tempting places along the way.
Wheely Friendly?
Yes, but with a caveat. Once you're on the Quay, it's super stroller-friendly. However, getting over the staircase from the parking garage to the Boardwalk is a mission while trying to wrangle a toddler. But, I somehow did it! We have a magical lightweight travel stroller (shout-out to the Joolz Aer) that made it possible.
Our Elevator Adventure: On our first trip, a kind gentleman saw me struggling and told me he’d show us where the elevator was. About seven minutes into our walk, I did start to get wary that I didn’t know where I was. But before I could act on my rising panic, we got to the elevator as promised. I can’t pretend to be able to explain how we got there, and I never tried to find it again.
If you know a simple/ better way to get to the boardwalk, please let me know!
Eating ice cream, going for a walk ( and trying to protect Gabe from the sun)
The Snack Situation:
here are restaurants galore on the boardwalk, a food market if you want to do a quick fruit and snack run, or the River Market with various vendors. We had great gelato from Tre Galli Gelato Caffe.
Potty Proximity:
There are family-friendly bathrooms in the River Market, which is easily accessible from the Boardwalk. Yuyu enjoyed the small hand-washing stations that they had for kids.
Mum Musings:
I accidentally discovered the New Westminster Quay boardwalk after Yuyu and I went to a super early church service at the St. Mary, Ethiopian Orthodox Church. I was trying to find a church for my mum to attend when she came to stay with us for three months. Shout-out to the folks at Axum Restaurant for authentic Ethiopian food and for telling me where to find my church people!
What we love about the Quay:
Right outside the Fraser River Discovery Centre (also a great place to spend a wake window) there is a play area with the world's tallest tin soldier, pretend boats, and a climbing structure that Yuyu loves playing on. Apparently, there is also an actual park nearby, Quayside Park which we haven't visited but looks like it's worth going to.
Strolling along the boardwalk in the fresh air is peaceful and it's safe enough to let Yuyu roam around and feel like she has some autonomy. Pointing out the various paddle wheeler boats is also a fun pastime for her, and browsing the stores with her in the stroller is fun for me.
World’s tallest tin solider in front of the Fraser Discovery Centre
Yuyu loved the freedom of running along the boardwalk and spotting boats.
Toddler Tolerance Level:
1-3 hours, depending on what you do there. It's not a huge boardwalk, but it's enough for a nice little outing if you have a meal there too.
Nap Roulette Options?
There are many options of things to do in New Westminster after or before visiting the Quay. Check out my blog post on the Fraser River Discovery Centre.
Author
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.
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