The City of New Westminster is situated in the center of the Greater Vancouver Regional District, otherwise referred to as the Lower Mainland. The City, roughly 15 square kilometers in area, is attractively located on a hillside overlooking the Fraser River, 20 km east of Vancouver. The City Center slopes down from Royal Avenue to the Waterfront, offering excellent views up-river to the Golden Ears Mountains, southeast to Mount Baker and down river towards Richmond and Delta and the Straight of Georgia. The Downtown section of New Westminster with its sloping streets, waterfront views and heritage buildings reminds one of San Francisco.

As the oldest incorporated City in British Columbia, the Royal City has its historic evolution from pioneer settlement as a destination point along the gold rush route. The Royal City evolved into a stately Victorian town as is reflected in the fine period architecture of several commercial, residential and institutional buildings. The City of New Westminster was the first capital of British Columbia. The fortunes of the City have ebbed and flowed during its 126 year history. Today, New Westminster is re known for an excellent collection of Victorian and Edwardian buildings in all neighbourhoods of the City.

New Westminster is connected through SkyTrain, a light rapid transit system, to Vancouver by a 25 minute trip. With the recent announcement by the GVRD and the Provincial Government, New Westminster will be connected to Coquitlam by SkyTrain in the next few years. Tranlink bus service also plays a helpful role in moving people in and around the region. A major bus terminal is located in New Westminster at Eighth Street.All of the major transportation systems go by New Westminster, thus making New Westminster the Transportation Hub of the GVRD. You can drive onto Highway #1 and be in Vancouver in 40 min. or head east to the rest of Canada. The Alex Fraser Bridge makes commuting to Surrey, Delta and Richmond easier.

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