Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Hyack Square
★3.7(6 reviews)FreePark
🕑 30 minutes to 1 hour for a casual visit, 1.5 to 2 hours during farmers markets or festivals👶 Best for all ages. Young children enjoy open space to run and seasonal activities like holiday celebrations, while older kids and teens appreciate the farmers market samples and community festival entertainment.🧡 Saved by 27 families
About
Hyack Square is a welcoming downtown plaza in historic New Westminster that brings families together for seasonal events, farmers markets, and community festivals. This open gathering space offers a taste of local culture with regular family-friendly programming throughout the year, making it a great spot to experience authentic Canadian community life while exploring metro Vancouver.
Highlights
- ✓Seasonal farmers markets with local produce and treats to sample
- ✓Community festivals and cultural celebrations throughout the year
- ✓Open plaza space perfect for kids to move around freely
- ✓Central location in historic New Westminster with heritage buildings nearby
- ✓Free family entertainment during special event days
Pro Tips
- 1.Check the City of New Westminster events calendar before visiting to catch farmers markets (typically summer Thursdays) or special festivals like Canada Day celebrations.
- 2.The plaza is located right along Columbia Street with shops and cafes nearby, perfect for combining your visit with a stroll through historic downtown New Westminster.
- 3.Bring Canadian dollars for the farmers market vendors, as many small vendors may not accept international credit cards.
- 4.The plaza is directly accessible from the New Westminster SkyTrain station, making it easy to reach via public transit from Vancouver without needing a rental car.
- 5.Pack layers for kids as coastal BC weather can change quickly, even in summer, and the open plaza offers limited shelter.
Best Time to Visit
Summer Thursdays for the farmers market (typically June through September) or during special events like the Hyack Festival in May or holiday celebrations in December. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter if you prefer a peaceful visit.
What to Know
The plaza itself is free and open 24/7, though most events and markets occur during daytime hours. Street parking is available nearby with meters accepting credit cards, or use the adjacent public parkades.
Seasonal Notes
The plaza is accessible year-round, but most family activities occur spring through fall. The farmers market typically runs June to September. Winter months feature holiday events and decorations but fewer regular programs. Canada Day (July 1) and the Hyack Festival (late May) are major annual events worth planning around.
Nearby Eats
Try The Old Spaghetti Factory on 8th Street (5 minute walk) for affordable Italian fare kids love, or grab fish and tacos at Pier 73 Taphouse on Columbia Street with good kids menu options.
More Activities Near New Westminster
Park
Moody Park
Free
Moody Park is a beloved community playground destination in New Westminster that delivers year-round family fun without the price tag. This well-maintained park features modern playground equipment for multiple age groups, a popular splash pad for hot summer days, sports courts for active families, and wide open grassy areas perfect for picnics, kite flying, or letting kids run free.
Park
Hyack Square
Free
Hyack Square is a vibrant downtown plaza in historic New Westminster that serves as the community's gathering place for family-friendly events throughout the year. From bustling farmers markets where kids can sample local treats to seasonal festivals featuring live entertainment, craft activities, and interactive displays, this open public space offers free family fun in the heart of the city.
Park
Queens Park
Free
Queens Park is a spacious urban oasis perfect for families seeking outdoor adventure in New Westminster. With multiple playgrounds, riverside walking trails, picnic areas, and breathtaking views of the Fraser River and Coast Mountains, this historic park offers everything needed for a memorable family day out without spending a dime.
Park
Westminster Pier Park
★4.5Free❤️213
Westminster Pier Park is a beautiful waterfront destination where families can enjoy Fraser River views, a modern playground, and a scenic boardwalk perfect for strolling or biking. This free attraction combines natural beauty with excellent amenities, making it an ideal spot for picnics, outdoor play, and watching boats navigate Canada's most important river.