Explore New Westminster Parks with creative outdoor activities!

The Rest of New West provides free and unique opportunities in a variety of park spaces throughout the community. Explore our parks through movement, creativity and fun! 

Check back in June 2023 for new opportunities or try out one of the year-round self-guided walking tours below.

Need more details? Contact:

Activities

This list will be updated on the first of each month!

 

    • Park Trails Challenge

      Various Locations
      Ongoing

      Explore the outdoors using the Parks Trails Challenge Booklet to visit four of our city's park trails. Presented by: New West Family Place
      Download the Parks Trails Challenge Booklet: Park Trails Challenge Booklet

      Various Locations
      Ongoing

    • Downtown Public Art Walking Tour

      Downtown New Westminster
      Ongoing

      Explore downtown New Westminster on a self-guided walking tour of public art. A virtual map will reveal pictures, information, activities and games related to each piece of public art. 

      Presented by: The New Media Gallery, Heritage and Art Services.
      Find the map at: Downtown Public Art Walking Tour Map

      Downtown New Westminster

      Ongoing

    • Adventures on Twelfth Street

      Adventures on Twelfth Street

      Twelfth Street
      Ongoing

      Over the last 3 months the museum's summer students Daphne and Jacob have been visiting the community and businesses in and around Twelfth Street. Through quality time spent with the community and historic research, they have compiled photos, stories, and experiences – now shared in an interactive story map format!

      Start your adventure

       


    • The museum has created an exciting self-guided audio tour! 

      From Quayside to Queensborough, uncover local histories as you enjoy your Q to Q trip along the Fraser. The tour can be done while riding the ferry or while walking along the waterfront esplanade. 

      Open the tour


    • Play the Parks

      All Ages
      Westminster Pier Park, Hume Park, Moody Park
      September 2, 9, 16, 23

      Enjoy an evening of music in the park. Bring a blanket, chairs, family and friends, and enjoy an evening of great tunes and activities. Each night will feature a food truck and family-friendly entertainment featuring live musical performance starting at 7:00 pm.

      Play the Parks is a free, musically and culturally diverse concert series will spotlight over 100 diverse artists from Black, Indigenous, Chinese, South Asian and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, connecting Canadians throughout the rest of the summer. New Westminster is one of 13 Canadian cities chosen to host four Friday events in September. Presented by the TD Music Connected Series and curated by Canada’s Music Incubator (CMI).

      Friday, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

      *Situated in alcohol allowed zones. Adults (19+ years) are permitted to drink responsibility within designated areas, 11:00 am until dusk. Alcohol will not be permitted at the Moody Park event.

    • Westminster Pier Park 10th Anniversary Celebration

      All Ages
      Westminster Pier Park
      June 17

      Rest and relax by the river as we celebrate the 10 Year Anniversary of Westminster Pier Park. Sit down with friends, family, and neighbors for a picnic on the lawn, crafts, activities, and treats from the concession. Enter giveaways as you wait for the outdoor movie to begin.
      Westminster Pier Park
      Friday, June 17
      5:30 - 11:00 pm
      Free Event

    • Earth 2 Art - Eco Art Exhibition

      All Ages
      Queen’s Park Farm
      August 6 - 8

      An outdoor art exhibition featuring art made from natural found objects and up-cycled materials. Learn about the process of eco-printing and participate in demonstrations of this unique art form. Presented by: The Garden Gals and Floral Society.
      Queen’s Park Farm
      Friday, 3:00 - 8:00 pm
      August 6
      Saturday, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
      August 7
      Sunday, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
      August 8
      Free Event

    • Jane's Walk

      All Ages
      Various locations
      May 6 - 8

      Explore the community while participating in Jane’s Walk. Every year on the first weekend in May, people in cities all over the world celebrate the birthday of Jane Jacobs by going for a walk.  The walks are meant to connect people with their neighbours and the community.

      For a list of suggested walks and to find out more go to:  https://www.walkerscaucus.ca/janeswalk

      Presented by:  New Westminster and Burnaby Walkers' Caucus

    • Eco Art Workshops

      Children & Adults - Registration Required
      Queen’s Park Farm
      August 7 - 8

      Explore eco art by attending a workshop. The children’s workshop will provide an opportunity for children to creative using found object or create an eco-print during the adult workshop. Registration is required and space is limited. Presented by: The Garden Gals and Floral Society.
      Queen’s Park Farm
      Children’s Eco Art Workshop:
      Saturday, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
      August 7                                                                                                             
      Adult Eco-Printing Workshop:
      Sunday, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
      August 8
      Registration Fee: Free
      To register email:

    • Rhodo Photo Contest

      Queen’s Park
      April 1 - May 31

      Enter a photo that celebrates The Gallery at Queen’s Park’s unique natural environment. The subject is the beautiful and bountiful rhododendron bushes outside of the Centennial Lodge and inside Queen's Park. Simply take a picture and post on Instagram or Facebook using the tags listed below. All styles of photographs and editing are welcome (black & white, macro, portraits, landscapes, manipulated, selfies etc.) The purpose of the contest is creative expression and appreciation of nature! Want to capture and share a Rhodo outside of Queen's Park? Feel free to explore all of the great parks in New West.

      To be eligible to win, photographers are required to:

      1. Photograph rhododendrons

      2. Post your photograph on Instagram.

      3. Include the tags: @thegalleryqp #thegalleryatqueenspark #rhodophoto_acnw#artsNW #NWphotoclub

      Presented by: Arts Council of New Westminster and New Westminster Photography Club

      Queen’s Park
      April 1 - May 31

    • Poetry in the Park

      All Ages
      Queen's Park Farm Space
      July 6 - August 31

      Features established writers along with an open mic for optional audience participation. All colours, shapes and sizes are encouraged to share their work on stage-poetry, spoken word, short stories, and music. In the event of rain, readings will move to the Arts Council Gallery.
      Presented by Royal City Literary Arts Society in partnership with the City and Arts Council of New Westminster.
      Queen’s Park Farm  604.777.5100
      Wednesday, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
      July 6 - August 31
      Free Event

    • Royal City Sound Pier Nights

      All Ages
      Westminster Pier Park
      July 8, 22, August 5, 19

      Youth Services, Royal City Sound, DJ’s are back at the pier! Join us on Friday nights at Westminster Pier Park for some tunes. DJ’s will be mixing music and Youth Workers will be wandering the park with prizes and games.
      Westminster Pier Park
      Friday, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
      July 8, 22
      August 5, 19
      Free Event

    • Queen's Park Concert Series - Past

      All Ages
      Queen's Park Bandshell
      June - July

      Enjoy a music in the park with live performances featuring local musicians a stunning, retreat-like forest setting to create a relaxed environment. The series is offered in partnership with the New Westminster Arts Council.

      Queen’s Park Bandshell 604.777.5100

      Thursday, 7:00 pm
      July 14 – August 18

      Sunday, 2:00 pm
      June 19 - September 4

      Free Event

      Upcoming Performers

      Thursday, July 14, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
      Graham Brown Band
      Vancouver-based roots and rock band. Enjoy their Spirit and Soul songs that carries a high energy, melodic sound capturing resilience through love.
      www.grahambrownsongs.com

      Sunday, July 17, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
      Tess Anderson
      Vancouver-based singer-songwriter who invites listeners into her most vulnerable moments through honest and authentic storytelling. She combines the gloss of pop with the grit of alternative rock.
      https://www.tessandersonmusic.com/bio

      Thursday, July 21, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
      Foxx and Swann
      A husband and wife team debuting their west-coast roots and rock music that has beautiful harmonies. Influenced by Johnny Cash and June Carter, Tom Petty and Green Day.
      https://www.facebook.com/foxxandswann/

      Thursday, July 28, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
      Akhil Jobanputra
      A student, performer, teacher, and curator of Indian classical music. His music encapsulates elements of self-introspection, personal narratives, metaphysical beliefs, and artistic expression.  
      https://www.akhiljoban.com/

       

    • Summer Sounds

      All Ages
      Ryall Park Outdoor Stage
      July 22, August 12, 26

      After a busy week, relax at this free concert series. Bring a picnic, some lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy great tunes with friends and family. Summer Sounds is an initiative in partnership with the City of New Westminster and the Queensborough Special Programs Committee.
      Queensborough Community Centre 604.525.7388
      Ryall Park Outdoor Stage
      Friday, July 22, 6:00 pm -  Higglestock 
      Friday, August 12, 7:00 pm - Quayside Voices 
      Friday, August 26, 6:00 pm - Sweet Pan 
      Free Event

    • Local artist, Nickie Lewis, has created a variety of unique eco-art sculptures throughout the community. Nickie specializes in the creation of art installations that focus on nature and sustainability. Sustainable materials from local parks, green waste and natural jute twine are used to make these mythical creatures and sculptures. As you explore our Park spaces keep your eye out for one of her creations.

      NATURE ART MAP (PDF)

      • Aster the Dragon at Queensborough Community Centre: A big beautiful beast has taken up residence on the lawn of the Queensbourgh Community Center! Come meet Aster, the 25ft dragon made completely from greenwaste materials and jute twine! 
      • Community Mural at Queen’s Park: The mural depicts a creature named Wren, and features natural elements, such as sticks and twine, woven into the chain-link fence of the former farm site. Macramé cord through the fence creates a colourful backdrop. The community is invited to use natural materials such as sticks, leaves, and pinecones, to create their own creatures and artistic additions to the mural. Help the garden grow by watering Wren.
      • Hopeful Hybrids at Hume Park: Explore the trails of Hume Park and look out for two sculptures. Hopeful Hybrids celebrates our communities hopeful merging of why they were before the pandemic and who they have come after.
      • Reasons for the Seasons in Queensborough: Three magical creatures are spreading joy in Queensborough. Two sculptures can be found outside the entrance of Queensborough Community Centre. Say hello to Lex the Love Monster and Gili the most generous Llama when you visit the centre. There is also another sculpture hidden in the trails that lead to the Q to Q Ferry. Look out for Ulysses the Penguin.

    • Cymbeline

      All Ages
      Queen’s Park Bandshell
      July 23, 24, 30 & 31

      One of Shakespeare’s lesser known and least produced works. With a fairytale setting this comedic play is full of treachery, mistaken identities and the required happy ending. Family friendly and good for all ages. The closer you sit the better you’ll hear. Picnic blankets or lawn chairs are encouraged - bench seating available on a first come first serve basis. Presented by Shadows & Dreams Theatre Company.
      Queen’s Park Bandshell 604.777.5100
      Saturday & Sunday, 2:00 pm
      July 23, 24, 30 & 31
      Free Event

    • Community Canvas Project

      All Ages
      Various locations
      May - September

      Add your mark to a community canvas inspired by the location. Community members are invited to drop by the tent to add to the canvas that will then be displayed at Centennial and Queensborough Community Centre’s. Artist facilitator, Marko Elez will guide the process. All supplies are included. We look forward to seeing what the community creates!

      Saturday, August 20: Moody Park, near spray park
      Friday, September 9, 6:00 - 8:00 pm: Upper Hume Park

      Free Event

    • Letter Exchange

      All Ages
      Downtown New Westminster near River Market
      Ongoing

      An opportunity to write and exchange letters with your neighbours. Explore the Waterfront Esplande and spread a little kindness. Mailboxes can be found near the River Market along the Waterfront Esplande. Find out how the letter exchange works below:
      Letter Exchange Information (PDF)

    • Weed Pulls

      All Ages
      Glenbrook Ravine & Lower Hume Park
      May - October

      Volunteer to help us remove invasive species and enjoy the park. No experience is necessary and tools will be provided. Parent participation is required. Presented by City of New Westminster and the New Westminster Environmental Partners.

      Glenbrook Ravine
      10:00 am - 1:00 pm
      May 28, June 25, September 24, October 29

      Lower Hume Park
      10:00 am - 12:30 pm
      May 29, October 30

      Register to volunteer at https://iscmv.ca/events/

    • Family Seed Paper Workshop

      7 - 12 years
      Hume Park
      June 22

      Learn about growing healthy foods while having fun! Create your own seed paper to plant. Choose between kale and arugula seeds. Parent participation is required.
      Lower Hume Park Picnic Shelter 604.525.7388
      Wednesday, June 22
      4:00 - 4:30 pm, Course ID 151274
      5:00 - 5:30 pm, Course ID 151275
      Registration Fee: Free

    • Queen's Park Arts Festival

      All Ages
      July 7 - 10

      Enjoy live outdoor music! Featuring hands-on arts activities and artisan vendors. Bring your own chair or blanket to enjoy the performances. Find out more at https://artscouncilnewwest.org/queensparkartsfestival/.

      Queen’s Park Bandshell 604.777.5100
      Thursday, July 7, 7:00 pm
      Friday, July 8, 7:00 pm
      Saturday, July 9, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 7:00 pm
      Sunday, July 10, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 7:00 pm
      Free Event

    • Let's Try Ukulele

      All Ages
      Moody Park
      July 14
      Enjoy a day in the park with hands on instrument fun! Curious children and parents will explore and
      experiment with brightly coloured ukuleles. Friendly musicians, colourful tips, and guided activities are available to inspire everybody along the way!
      New Westminster Public Library 604.527.4677
      Moody Park
      Thursday, 1:00 - 1:45 pm
      July 14
      Free Event