North of
the Fraser
The four municipalities of New Westminster, Burnaby, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam are aligned in many ways — not just by geography, but also through their bustling craft breweries.
Before Vancouver even existed, New Westminster was a traditional meeting place along the Fraser River and a thriving capital city. A long love affair with beer began in 1860 and continued until 2005 when the local Labatt Brewery closed. The tantalizing smell of malted barley and hops returned to New West in 2014 when Steel & Oak Brewing opened its doors, and then brewing finally returned to the Sapperton neighbourhood when Another Beer Co. opened in 2019.
The City of Burnaby might be Vancouver’s little sibling, but it has its own dynamic brewery scene that sets it apart. The three breweries there are distinct: you can save yourself the airfare to Belgium by visiting Dageraad Brewing, a highly regarded brewery that was named Canada’s Brewery of the Year in 2018; Steamworks’ William Street Brewery & Taphouse is a big production facility with a welcoming taproom; and although Studio Brewing is Burnaby’s newest brewery, it has been turning heads with its eclectic and well-constructed beer lineup and stylish tasting room.
Coquitlam’s only brewery (so far) is Mariner Brewing, which was named for NASA’s Mariner space program as well as the nearby street of the same name. Conveniently located steps away from Coquitlam City Centre and the Coquitlam Central SkyTrain station, the brewery offers two covered and dog-friendly patios and a taproom with a full in-house food menu to go along with a strong beer program.
Port Coquitlam’s beer scene is very young, but already well established. Five breweries have opened there since 2018, including four in the burgeoning Fremont Village — Boardwalk Brewing, Northpaw Brewing, Taylight Brewing and Tinhouse Brewing — along with Patina Brewing in downtown Port Coquitlam. Cyclists and pedestrians can visit all of these breweries along the 25-km Traboulay PoCo Trail, which encircles the community.
Tinhouse Brewing Co in Port Coquitlam, BC
Day 1
Travel Info
Start your adventure North of the Fraser in New Westminster, which is serviced by the Sky Train’s Expo Line.
This modern public park features a 325 metre water front boardwalk, festival lawn, concession, elevated viewpoints, grass, trees, gardens, benches, accessible picnic tables, a basketball court, public art, and play area.
Within 1 km of the park is the Samson V Maritime Museum, Fraser River Discovery Centre, River Market, World's Tallest Tin Soldier, Waterfront Esplanade, Quayside Playground, Quayside off-leash dog area, Antique Alley and historic Columbia Street. A perfect place to begin your day in New West.
Just down the waterfront is River Market, with endless options for food and shopping. This culinary destination for everyday foodies offers over 70,000 square feet for you to shop, eat, and play. Look for special promotions like their Food Crawl to take advantage of all they have to offer.
This community-focused brewery explores new beer styles while refining and perfecting the classics.
New Media Gallery is a contemporary, public art gallery dedicated to presenting inspiring & provocative new media art from around the world through curated exhibitions on subjects like space, music, sound, light, biometrics and fear. They have been recognized for the international caliber of their artists, their unique and provocative exhibitions, and exciting exhibition rebuilds.
This brewery is all about presenting creativity and variety in its beer lineup. Every time you visit, there will always be another beer on tap because the brewery will always be changing things up.
Open for regular drop-in hours on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm - 8pm. 70 original classic arcade games.
Open for brunch through to late night and serving BC craft beer, this spot offers a modern take on the pub experience.
From modern and bustling, to historical and boutique, hotels in New Westminster are conveniently located near amenities and attractions, and there is truly something for all travelers.
Explore More
Queen’s Park – New Westminster’s flagship park, offers visitors a wide-range of outdoor pursuits including Rainbow Playland for kids and an off-leash dog park for furkids, in a cultivated park with many horticultural features and mature trees. Running and walking trails wind through the park connecting all its amenities.
Pandora’s Locks – Mystery Room Adventures! Immersive and story-driven room adventures. Fully automated, unlimited hints and lasts over an hour.
For options serving local craft beer consider Piva Modern Italian or Artusi Restaurant
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Produced In Collaboration With
New Westminster is located in the heart of Metro Vancouver. The oldest city in Western Canada and the first capital of BC, New Westminster offers an abundance of experiences from history, arts, culture, food, entertainment and shopping. Situated on the Fraser River, we boast an active boardwalk along with a working riverfront and plenty of public parks.
Located in the heart of Metro-Vancouver, take in the city’s sights, sounds, and feelings while always being a stone’s throw away from the great outdoors. You’ll find some of the best samples of local and international cuisine in Western Canada right here—with something to suit every taste and budget. The top shopping destination in B.C., Burnaby has everything you need and then some. From astounding live performances to local and international exhibits to a historic site, there is always something new to experience.
Here in Coquitlam, adventure doesn’t mean getting out of town…it means staying right where you are. Bustling urban landscapes, foodie enclaves and top-notch shopping meet inspired hikes and a laid-back West Coast lifestyle.
Those who call Port Coquitlam home are well aware of its special qualities, including affordability, an accessible location, parks and trails, family-oriented services, a quaint historic downtown core, and a strong sense of community spirit.