Categories: Travel

There’s a giant park in Metro Vancouver that predates B.C. joining Canada

Photo via @tourismnewwest / Instagram

Queen’s Park is considered New Westminster’s crown jewel and flagship park, dating all the way back to 1859, when the city was first established. It marks the first public park in the entire Colony of B.C., being established before what we now know as the City of Vancouver. The park even predates B.C. becoming a Canadian province, which took place over a decade later.

B.C. was still a colony

According to the Vancouver Historical Society, the Colony of B.C. insisted that a transcontinental railway be constructed over the Rockies before they agreed to join Canada. Once this agreement was reached in 1871, B.C. was officially a province, though it wouldn’t be until 1886 that Vancouver was incorporated as a city. So all that to say, Queen’s Park is truly a unique slice of history.

Upon the establishment of the City of New Westminster, Colonel Moody wrote to B.C. Governor James Douglas in an effort to create this park and preserve its natural beauty.

“The woods are magnificent, superb beyond description, but most vexatious to a surveyor and the first dwellers in a town,” he wrote. “I grieve and mourn the ruthless destruction of these most glorious trees. What a grand old park this whole hill would make!”

75-acre park

The 75-acre park and nature getaway has tons to offer visitors, with tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts, an arena for ice hockey and lacrosse, a spray park, an off-leash dog area, and a vibrant rose garden. No matter what kind of afternoon you’re looking to have, you’re sure to find it here.

According to Tourism New West, it’s a great spot to plan an outdoor gathering or BBQ, or go for a stroll or run along one of the park’s many trails.

The park also has a skatepark, playgrounds, and a snack and drink concession area.

Note that visitors must book their spot to use any of the sports fields at Queen’s Park. The City also reminds park-goers that
Queen’s Park East artificial turf will be replaced starting this June, with completion expected in fall 2025.