Since being able to enjoy the local outdoors has become an indispensable part of our daily routine, sometimes we find ourselves wondering where to go and what to do. We all crave leisure activities that are fun while remaining safely distanced (avoiding crowds). Walking offers exactly that.
This week, we visited the renewed Pier Park in New Westminster. It officially opened on April 2nd, and we couldn’t resist visiting! Many might be aware of the unfortunate fire last year, and since then the City has been working relentlessly to reopen this delightful walking path.
We covered the fully accessible route from New Westminster SkyTrain station, right through the Boardwalk along the River, followed with the Pier Park, and then Front Street. In total, this path is around 3km and without any uphill! (From the overpass there is a steep inclined descent to Front Street. You may want to be cautious while rolling as the bottom is a host to a bunch of bike racks.)
Once there, you will notice that the train tracks and the River are the features of this playful area. If you are in a hurry, you could walk this in about 30 minutes, but we recommend making the most of it and give yourself time to soak it all in as if you were a tourist: slower pace and noticing details that you might see every day and never actually noticed how captivating they are.
The best way to get to the Quay from the New Westminster station is through the McInnes overpass. If you arrive by train, you need to go down one level. Since last summer, this overpass is part of the Streets for People program and has a lane dedicated to pedestrians.
McInnes Overpass from New Westminster Station exit
Turn left and enter the Boardwalk. The informational displays, the flowers and the businesses along it make it a perfect field trip day especially with kids.
There’s a diversion in place for Pier Park owing to the construction work ongoing. You may follow the map displayed onsite and walk whichever way you feel more comfortable with. We walked the accessible track, crossed the train tracks and on to the Columbia Street until 6th Ave to link back with the overpass to Pier Park.
Columbia Street is a distinguished commercial street. You will find everything from fancy dress shops, food places and the best of all, art that you can only see and truly admire when you walk alongside them.
If you haven’t been able to entertain your little ones while walking on this route yet, wait until you cross the overpass and there you will see the new park. It is designed for the whole family, poured rubber floor, swings, slides, and chess tables. A delight for the young ones.
It might get busy, but don’t worry, the previous playground still is open, a couple of meters ahead. On the esplanade, there are lounge chairs, picnic tables, grassy areas, and amazing views of the two bridges. Public washrooms are conveniently located so that you have all you need to extend your stay at this location.
To get back to a transit station, you could use the elevator to 4th, or go back on the overpass to New Westminster station. To close the loop, we walked along Front Street. This stretch has a unique character, small shops, mural art and the famous interactive street lamps. Wow!
Front Street, New Westminster
We turned at Begbie followed Columbia, passed by Hyack Square and the Anvil Centre. The station is just across. The accessible entrance is just around the block on Carnavon, don’t just tap your Compass Card in the first gates you see, go inside the mall and to the elevator first.
Hope you enjoy the virtual tour and take a walk on your own soon!
Happy Walking!
This blog post is written by BEST’s Isabel Garcia. #walkability
