These parks and play areas range from typical playgrounds worth checking out to ones by the water, with animals and more. We definitely think you’ll want to add these to your playground bucket list.

Take a look at these New Westminster playgrounds and start planning your next play date.

RELATED: 

• 8 Playgrounds in Richmond Kids Will Want To Explore At Least Once
• 7 Of The Coolest Playgrounds For Kids In The Tri-Cities

New Westminster Playgrounds To Check Out

Pier Park

This popular area recently got a makeover and it’s better than ever. New West reopened Pier Park Waterfront with a massive new playground. It is bright, appealing and has plenty of play structures, with a beautiful view of the water.

What’s not to love about this ‘natural feeling’ park which boasts lots of wooden structures perfect for climbing, sandbox and even a smaller structure for the littler ones. This playground is a climbing loving kid’s dream.

Queens Park

There is so much to do here at this park that is lovingly also called “Rainbow Playground” and it’s very well-known all over the Lower Mainland. Not only is the park and playground exceptionally large, but there is a splash pad as well as its own petting zoo (by donation). Come to play but you may spend a whole day here.

Ryall Park

Loads of fun for all ages at this park located at Queensborough. It has two playgrounds, one older big kids and one for littles ones. There is also a skate park, 2 tennis courts, and splash pad, so you have all sorts of play options here.

Hume Park

While at first glance it looks like a typical playground, there is a lot to do here simply because of the outdoor pool and splash park on a rubber pad. This park is catered to ages 5 to 12 but guarantees a lot of fun and cheer.

Quayside Park

This is a bright and fun park and fairly new (renovated in 2019). It has natural sand and water features, a wooden boat with a large slide, bouncy buoy’s that are a big attraction and tonnes of climbing areas as well. To add to that, there are also ping pong tables.

Moody Park

The design of this playscape is enough to check this playground out. Its circular and provides has a space vibe to it in fact it’s called space2place. There is also a spray park and the playground was created to reflect the community’s desire for innovative play. It makes it really worth checking out.

For more places to explore in beautiful BC, check out our Travel & Outdoors section.

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From vibrant parades to tantalizing food vendors and captivating live performances, . Get ready for a day filled with excitement and fun for attendees of all ages.

A Diverse Parade and Festival

The highlight of the Hyack Festival is undoubtedly its vibrant parade, which kicks off the day’s festivities with a burst of energy and enthusiasm. 

Beginning at 11:00 am on 6th Street and 8th Avenue in New Westminster, the parade features a dynamic procession of diverse cultures, local organizations, marching bands, and spirited mascots. 

Spectators lining the streets are treated to a visual feast of colourful floats, lively performances, and the infectious beat of music from around the world. It’s a celebration of unity and diversity that truly embodies the spirit of the New Westminster community.

Culinary Delights 

After the parade, the festivities continue at Tipperary Park, where attendees can indulge their taste buds with an array of delicious food. From savory street food to sweet treats, a diverse collection of food vendors offer something to satisfy every palate. 

Sample authentic international cuisines or savor local favorites while soaking in the lively atmosphere of the festival. In addition to the amazing food, the Hyack Festival also showcases a rich assortment of vendors, with artisans showcasing their crafts, interactive activities for all ages, and community booths highlighting their work in the community of New Westminster.

Family Entertainment

No festival is complete without live entertainment, and the Hyack Festival delivers with an impressive lineup of performers guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages. From talented musicians to cultural performances, this festival promises to get everybody dancing. In addition, families can enjoy interactive activities and games, while pet lovers can also bring their furry friends to enjoy free treats and explore market vendors offering pet products and services. With entertainment options for everyone, the Hyack Festival ensures that the fun never stops for a moment.

Embracing Community and Creating Memories

At its core, the Hyack Festival is about bringing people together to celebrate community spirit and create lasting memories, and whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, the festival offers a welcoming atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to join in the festivities. 

Meet new friends, reconnect with old acquaintances, and experience the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a vibrant community. As you stroll through the park, sampling delicious food, enjoying live performances, and soaking in the festive atmosphere, you’ll feel a sense of pride in being part of the New Westminster community.

As the Hyack Festival returns to New West, it brings with it a sense of joy, camaraderie, and celebration that is truly infectious. From the colorful parade to the exquisite fare and captivating entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this annual event. 

So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and come together to celebrate community spirit at the Hyack Festival.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit

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There are many areas in the city where the cherry blossoms have started to blossom and it’s stunning. The beautiful pink flowers make for some stunning photos amongst sunny Spring skies, and residents are loving the cheer this brings.

If you aren’t sure where to look for these spring flowers in New Westminster, we have rounded up some of the best spots around town.

RELATED: Here’s When Cherry Blossoms Will Reach Peak Bloom in Metro Vancouver This Year

Catch Cherry Blossoms in New Westminster

Queen’s Park

This popular park in New Westminster is known for the playgrounds, fields, petting zoo, and also a perfect spot to picnic with cherry blossoms around.

New Westminster Quayside

This beautiful waterfront area just got more beautiful. It’s perfect for a Spring walk and taking in the views. .

Hastings St. by Albert Crescent Park

This street is arguably one of the most unique photo opportunities in New Westminster. Here the cherry blossoms can be seen with the Pattullo Bridge.

Moody Park

Contrary to the name, this area is not “moody” at all. This park is a popular location for sports activities and even has a on-leash and off-leash area for dogs. It is a park for all.

Tipperary Park

This beautiful park surrounds city hall, and known for “friendship gardens” in the area. It seems fitting for the cherry blossoms to grow here.

7th Avenue & More

Take a stroll along 7th Avenue, between 4th and 5th Street and catch some cherry blossom views. There are many small streets in this area that host these flowers, making it perfect for a Spring walk.

With a combination of trees, water, and bridges, this city makes nice little tents of pink that makes for amazing pictures without having to head into Vancouver.

If you’re looking to go hunting for cherry blossoms yourself, here are some of the best spots to view these pink blooms in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and the Tri-Cities.

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Don’t miss out on the excitement of the B1G $1k tournament, the largest buy-in event in BC, happening every second Sunday of the month.

Plus, players can boost their winnings with the new $100 hourly high hand bonus, all while aiming for a chance to hit the impressive $500k bad beat jackpot.

Notably, Starlight’s Poker Room stands out as the only casino in BC to feature diverse game options including $2-3 No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em, $4-8 Limit Texas Hold ‘Em, and single blind $5 Pot Limit Omaha.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the game, there’s something for everyone at Starlight Casino’s poker tournaments. And here’s an added bonus: the first 10 active players from Monday to Friday will receive free breakfast, so fuel up and get ready to hit the tables!

Don’t miss your chance to ante up and win big!

Visit our Events Calendar for more local happenings near you

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An evening of magic & cocktails in vintage style at the Metro Hall.
Close-up magic before the show! Limited VIP seating. Get Tickets Here

Join host Rob Teszka as he presents fan-favourite magicians and variety artists in this special edition of Vancouver’s long-running Parlour Magic Show. Impossible feats of magic, juggling, mentalism, circus, sideshow, and more –you never know what you’ll get in this surprising and entertaining show!

VIP Experience – The full 1920’s night out! ONLY 40 AVAILABLE

• preferred front row seating at vintage cocktail tables
• delicious charcuterie platters brought directly to your table
• post-show entry to the Glam Lounge for an -exclusive- close-up magic experience with your host!
  Featuring a meet-and-greet photo session with the artists, collectible signed poster, and late-night access to the cocktail menu from the Flapper Lounge. Extra points if you dress up!

We are proud to perform in The Hollywood Ballroom at the historic Metro Hall in New Westminster. This glamourous venue has a special place in entertainment history, and truly luxurious vintage style. Doors open at 6–come early and enjoy a classic cocktail from the Metro Bar, with amazing pre-show close-up magic courtesy of the Fraser Valley Magic Company!

The event will be taking place for 1 night only on Friday, March 29th. Tickets are currently available online for $28 for general admission. 

The post The Parlour Magic Show: Cocktail Magic! appeared first on 604 Now.

Not just any playing cards, your playing cards. This is a BYOD (Bring Your Own Deck) event. Throughout the show Shawn will randomly have decks selected to be used in amazing demonstrations of sleight of hand. Each show is bespoke as the cards chosen will determine which effects are presented.

This event is a once per month experience and tickets are limited to just 30 people to insure everyone has a great seat. The first two rows are VIP and offer the best possible experience, along with popcorn and a beverage included.

IT IS MANDATORY FOR AT LEAST ONE PERSON WITHIN EACH GROUP BRING A DECK OF CARDS FROM HOME!      (Decks will be returned at the conclusion of the performance.)

The event will take place on the fourth Monday of every month from January until November from 7:00pm.

• Jan 22
• Feb 26
• Mar 25
• Apr 22
• May 27
• Jun 24
• Jul 22
• Aug 26
• Sept 23
• Oct 28
• Nov 25

General admission is $60 and you can purchase them online here.

The post 52 & YOU the Magic show – with Shawn Farquhar appeared first on 604 Now.

Although it’s not uncommon for ice to float down the Fraser River in winter, there was once a time when parts of B.C.’s longest river was frozen solid.

RELATED:  A Pond in Surrey Froze Over and People Went Skating

Not only did the Fraser River used to freeze over so that people could not only walk across it, but you could even skate and play hockey across its smooth surface.

Let’s take A Look Back

These extraordinary photographs from New Westminster Archives capture such a day in the 1920s.

Against the backdrop of the New Westminster Bridge in the distance, you can see nonchalant groups of Canadians chilling out. In fact, these early western Canadians are proof that once we in the Lower Mainland used to take snow days without so much as batting an eye, easily trading our umbrellas for hockey skates.

In fact, we can rely on the old school mode of transport, the river, not only as an express highway but also a skating rink.
Who says snow days have to be stay-at-home days?

Back in the early 20th century, it was easier for the Fraser to freeze since New Westminster wasn’t a heavily populated city. But the people that did live there sure made the most of their situation.

We can only imagine what it must have felt like to play without pay on the natural ice. But what were the ladies getting up to during the snow day?

In one photograph, there are women exploring the frozen terrain and making sure they got in some great shots in the process. Dressed in fur coats, two women are pictured here, making sure that no one in posterity will say to them “pics or it didn’t happen” when they remember that day they walked on the Fraser River.
Dogs were in on the action and it looks like they were having a good time too.

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The post The Last Time The Fraser River Froze Over appeared first on 604 Now.

Get your tickets before it’s too late!

BREAKING NEWS!!! The KING is returning to B.C.! Hometown boy, and now established ELVIS tribute legend – Robin Kelly – is coming back to B.C. for his first show here in more than a decade!

ONE NIGHT ONLY – at the Metro Hall in New Westminster on Wednesday, October 25th, 2023 at 7pm!

Be sure to get your tickets ASAP as there are a limited amount and I promise you – you won’t want to miss this show!

Robin Kelly, A Collingwood Elvis Festival Grand Champion (The largest Elvis festival IN THE WORLD during its run), and Las Vegas Headliner, has a hectic schedule playing the casino circuit in Alberta and eastern provinces, while also working with his brother – Darren Lee – an Elvis world champ! He hasn’t been able to perform in B.C. for a long time, and it may be another long time before he gets back due to demand!

SO GET YOUR TICKETS – at https://elvisisback.brownpapertickets.com/ and be part of this historical Elvis performance. He looks better than ever, and sounds even better than that! BE THERE FOLKS – you won’t regret it!

We are proud to announce that FLAPPER’S LOUNGE is our official sponsor – www.flapperlounge.com – and we encourage you to come in at 5pm for a pre-show cocktail and appies and hang out there after the show completes around 10pm and meet with Robin! You can check out their website for food and drink items on their menu! The perfect warmup for the evening’s entertainment – and it is in THE SAME BUILDING as the show – so REALLY convenient!

The post Elvis Is Back – Starring Robin Kelly & Brian ELVIS Simpson appeared first on 604 Now.

Whether you’re seeking the perfect pumpkin carving kit or a bewitching piece of art to adorn your haunted house, you’ll find it all at this enchanting annual market.

RELATED: 33 Fun + Freaky Halloween Events You Should Add To Your Bucket List

All Hallows’ Eve Craft Market 2023

Get into the Halloween spirit early at this 2-day long market with over 60 vendors displaying their wares. Anything and everything that will make your house more spooky, gothic, geeky, mysterious or unusual will be available.

Amidst the hauntingly decorated stalls, you’ll discover a treasure trove of handmade wonders.

 

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The vast array of items on display includes colorful costumes, spooky soaps, delectable kettle corn, cool horror movie action figures and creepy plague doctor masks. Stained glass, tarot cards, taxidermy, runes, and jewelry are other wonderful finds at the event.

Sunday has a special treat for the kids as well, as Marie the clown will be making fun balloon creations from 12pm – 2pm.

Join in the fun and get inspired by the enchanting All Hallows’ Eve Market.

Event Details

Where: All Hallow’s Eve Craft Market is located in Sapperton Hall at 318 Keary St, New Westminster.

When: Hours for the market are October 14 from 11am – 5pm and October 15, 2023 from 11am – 4pm.

Cost: Admission is $2 for adults, and kids 12 and under get in free.

For more upcoming events, check out our new events calendar.

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The renderings convey that the new cable-suspension bridge will have four lanes in total. They originally expected to open the new crossing in 2023, however it was announced that a 2024 completion date is looking more realistic.

The $1.377 billion project is being managed and supervised by Transportation Investment Corporation, a government-owned organization

RELATED: The Massey Tunnel Is Getting Replaced With an 8 ‘Lane Tube’

As many have noticed, the original 80-year-old bridge has been in dire need of a makeover. Not only is the bridge old, but it is no longer able to accommodate the number of daily crossings.

For this reason, the lanes on the bridge are being built 10% wider and will therefore accommodate heavier traffic.

In addition, the bridge will be built with the possibility to expand into six lanes.

Also, the bridge will have separated bike lanes and pedestrian paths on the edges in both directions.

Pattullo Bridge Replacement

The new bridge will be located just north and upstream of the existing bridge, and will provide:

• A safer crossing with wider lanes and a centre median that separates traffic travelling in opposite directions.
• Modern lane widths to increase capacity on the bridge by 10%.
• Improved community connections in New Westminster and Surrey.
• Separate pedestrian and cyclist paths.

The crossing is part of the Major Road Network, serving primarily as a connection between Surrey, New Westminster and Burnaby. As a result, it is a critical transportation link for the movement of people, goods, and services.

To facilitate the new bridge there will be a realignment and extension of Scott Road creating a direct connection to King George Boulevard. In addition, the bridge will connect with the westbound lanes of Highway 17.

Surrey Connection (Original Renderings)

New Westminster Connection (Original Renderings)

Updated Renderings (2023)

For more local updates across Metro Vancouver, check out our News section.

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