Overview
Connaught Heights is a small residential neighbourhood situated in the eastern part of New Westminster, British Columbia, with a population of roughly 2,000 people. Positioned at approximately 49.2°N latitude and nestled within Metro Vancouver, it sits on higher ground that provides glimpses of the surrounding Fraser River lowlands and the wooded hills of the region.
The neighbourhood is largely made up of single-family homes and is not a major tourist destination in its own right. However, it functions as a calm, affordable base for travellers who want proximity to New Westminster's historic downtown core, Burnaby, and the wider Metro Vancouver area without paying central-city prices.
Visitors typically pass through or stay here while exploring the broader Lower Mainland. The appeal is practical: good transit links, a genuine local atmosphere, and easy access to the cultural and natural attractions that define this corner of British Columbia.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Canada's entry requirements vary depending on your nationality and whether you arrive by air, land, or sea. Do not rely on any single source for visa or eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) rules — check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website before you travel.
Health and Insurance
British Columbia has a public healthcare system, but it does not cover visitors. Comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Carry any prescription medications in original, clearly labelled containers.
What to Pack
- Layers are essential year-round; even summer evenings can be cool
- A waterproof jacket, especially from October through April
- Comfortable walking shoes if you plan to explore surrounding neighbourhoods on foot
Getting There
By Air
The nearest major airport is Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Richmond. From YVR, travellers can reach New Westminster — and by extension Connaught Heights — via the Canada Line SkyTrain to Waterfront Station, then transfer to the Expo Line toward New Westminster Station. Total transit time is typically under an hour, though verify current schedules with TransLink.
By SkyTrain
New Westminster Station on the Expo Line is the closest rapid transit hub. Connaught Heights is uphill from the station; local bus connections or a short taxi/rideshare trip cover the remaining distance. Check TransLink's trip planner (translink.ca) for current routing.
By Car
From downtown Vancouver, take Highway 1 east and follow signs toward New Westminster. The drive is roughly 30–40 minutes outside of peak hours, though the Trans-Canada corridor through Burnaby can be heavily congested during rush hour. Street parking in Connaught Heights is generally available.
Getting Around
Connaught Heights itself is walkable for those already within the neighbourhood, but its elevated, hilly terrain makes walking to lower New Westminster or transit stations a moderate effort. A reliable option is the TransLink bus network, which connects the area to New Westminster Station and onward to the broader SkyTrain grid.
Rideshare services (Uber and Lyft both operate in Metro Vancouver) are available and straightforward for short hops. Cycling is possible but the hillside topography is a consideration; the Fraser River foreshore trails further downhill are popular with cyclists.
For day trips around the Lower Mainland, a Compass Card (TransLink's reloadable fare card) is the most convenient and economical way to use buses, SkyTrain, and the SeaBus. Purchase or top up at any SkyTrain station.
Things to See & Do
Connaught Heights itself is primarily residential, so the main draw is its position as a launching point for nearby attractions. Within New Westminster, the historic downtown waterfront along the Fraser River offers heritage architecture, the New Westminster Quay Public Market, and riverside walking paths.
Queens Park — New Westminster's large urban park — is a short distance away and features open green space, a petting farm (verify seasonal hours locally), and sports facilities. The park hosts community events during the warmer months.
For broader exploration, Burnaby's Central Park, Deer Lake Park, and the Burnaby Village Museum are all reachable within 15–20 minutes by transit or car. The Fraser River Discovery Centre in New Westminster provides context on the ecological and cultural history of the river that defines much of this region.
- New Westminster Quay: Waterfront market and esplanade
- Queens Park: Urban green space with picnic areas
- Fraser River Discovery Centre: Regional history and ecology
- Byrne Creek Ravine Park (Burnaby): Natural ravine trail accessible nearby
Food & Drink
Connaught Heights has limited dining options of its own given its residential character. The practical approach is to head toward New Westminster's commercial strips — particularly along Sixth Avenue, Twelfth Street, and the Quay area — where a modest but genuine range of restaurants, cafés, and takeaway spots can be found.
New Westminster's dining scene reflects Metro Vancouver's multicultural character, with Vietnamese, Korean, South Asian, and Chinese restaurants alongside more generic Canadian comfort-food establishments. The New Westminster Quay Public Market has food vendors worth exploring, though hours and vendor mix change — verify before visiting.
For grocery needs, there are supermarkets within a short drive or bus ride in New Westminster and neighbouring Burnaby. Travellers staying in the area for more than a night will find self-catering straightforward.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in Canada, dial 911 for police, fire, or ambulance.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage from Canada's major carriers (Bell, Rogers, Telus) is good throughout Metro Vancouver. Public Wi-Fi is available at New Westminster Station and some commercial areas nearby.
Banking
ATMs are available at major bank branches in New Westminster's commercial core. Most businesses accept major credit and debit cards; contactless payment is widely used.
Climate Notes
Connaught Heights shares New Westminster's temperate oceanic climate. Summers (June–August) are warm and mostly dry. Winters (November–March) are mild but wet and occasionally subject to freezing rain or light snow at higher elevations — the neighbourhood's hilltop position means it can see slightly more winter precipitation than the valley floor. Always check the Environment and Climate Change Canada forecast before heading out.
Safety
Connaught Heights is a quiet, low-density residential neighbourhood with no particular safety concerns for travellers. Standard urban precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, secure valuables in your accommodation, and avoid leaving items visible in parked vehicles.
New Westminster's downtown core, while generally safe, has areas that experience social challenges common to many Metro Vancouver communities. Remain situationally aware, particularly in the immediate vicinity of transit hubs late at night.
For non-emergency police matters in New Westminster, contact the New Westminster Police Department. For road and weather conditions, check DriveBC (drivebc.ca).
