River Market at Westminster Quay

I discovered this cute little public market by the Fraser in downtown New West when I was looking for furniture for my new home. It’s much smaller than Granville Island and Lonsdale Quay but I like how quaint it is. We came here in the middle of the day in mid-​week so not so many people. There was a good choice of eateries, coffee houses and shops. The bakery even sold challah bread! Nice to know this is an option in the ‘burbs.

Kinda like a trendier /​smaller /​more Eco friendly /​family friendly version of Granville island public market.

If you don’t want to drive out to Lonsdale Quay or Granville Island (depending on what is closest for you), check out Westminster Quay.
This place has been transformed since I was a kid to a cleaner shopping area with trendy casual eateries, now called River Market. The River Market is a lot smaller than the other quays or markets, but it’s by the water and kid friendly.
There’s plenty of people who are pushing their babies in strollers, dog walkers outside and easy low cost parking.

Great food court and little shops but this Quay is pretty small. Renovated recently, looks a lot nicer than it did before. I’ve notice a lot of new construction around New West and for the better. I went to college in New West spent a lot of time in the Quay several years ago. With the new renovation they have added some new food places which is nice like Re-​up Bbq, Crepes De Amis, Paloma Bakery, Wally’s burgers and so on. I know the upstairs has some things for children and schools but I rarely go upstairs. One of my favorite places is the Donald’s grocery store, great store with local and organic options and La grotta del fromaggio yummy cheese! In the summer its busy check the website for cool events.

Although I’m happy that they’ve found a way to inject some life into the place and stave off the decay that it had been experiencing for years, I find that it is still kind of lacking. Compared to the old market, where there were buskers everywhere, trinket stores left, right, and centre, and a pretty good food court, this one just seems to be lacking the same energy it once had. Maybe this is just a bad case of «back in my day», but there just seems to be more to do at the New Westminster Station shopping complex just a block up!

I don’t think much of the place

It has a great atmosphere that must be experienced. Not at all like your average one but instead full of life. That probably in part comes from the awesome circus school on the top floor.

The before-​and-​after transformation of Westminster Quay/​River Market is a dramatic change for the better. Now with all the businesses open and all the events and classes that happen here, including the bi-​weekly Winter Farmers’ Markets, it has really become a very happening community gathering place.
I almost always run into someone I know here; socializing is nice for a work-​at-​home shut-​in like myself. Lots of people bring their kids or dogs — the doggies stay outside, of course, and the kids love the play tugboat out back. Fun fact — people are free to harvest a few herbs if they wish from the little herb gardens planted along the boardwalk. The free wi-​fi in the building is a nice bonus.
I mostly come by to shop at Donald’s but almost always walk around back to check out what’s delish at Pamola, Wally’s, Re-​Up, or Tre Galli, look into the kitchen of Wild Rice, browse longingly in the newly opened location of Mid-​Century Modern Home (which has moved from its Front Street store), and spy on the goings-​on up at the Circus School. Sometimes there is an exhibit of some sort or a temporary shop with local craftiness. The Paddlewheeler is the one business from the «before» days, and its outside smoking section always looks like a good party, especially when there’s a hockey game on.
Most of the Market open only during daytime, but it does host occasional after-​dark events, like the recent Pecha Kucha New West and Sara Bynoe’s hilarious Say Wha?! nights. A very different and cool shopping centre this has evolved into.

The River Market is hoppin’ these days. It’s busy and revitalized! The restaurants are all great (to have a crêpe cone, a tea latte, a pizza, or a gelato? Hmm maybe all of the above!). There’s live music happening, craft fairs, cooking classes at Wild Rice and the winter farmers market is biweekly. I only wish they had more takeaway and cook at home food a la Granville island market. A book shop, spa and art studio wouldn’t go wayward either. The owner had done a good job and set down strong roots, creating a public space with the benefit of food.

The Market gets better every time I visit! Fantastic food choices, Wally’s Burgers, Fanthom’s, Re-​Up BBQ! Keep up the great work and keep us coming back!

I feel like this market was a troubled young teen and is now a smart, cool adult.
Back in 2006 – 2008 when I lived there, New West was still a wee bit rough at night. Today it’s a different city completely. The revived River Market is an anchor to the community.
I really like the open concept design of the place. With I think just one vacant spot left, they’ve managed to attract a great range of restaurants and shops. All mom & pop types.
They routinely organize community events and festivals featuring their businesses and you really feel residents embracing this as a meeting place to study, hang out with friends and family, and chow down on great bites like Re-​Up BBQ.
It’ll only get better from here.
Don’t be lazy, check New West out! It really isn’t that far.

River Market where have you been all my life… I barely have been what you call intimate with you after only one visit but I admit wholeheartedly I already luv you.
Major improvement from the tacky, stuck in the 80’s New West Quay that was so so old and tired.
Not any more… fantastic set-​up with restaurants on the top floor and an outdoor patio with charming wooden patio sets. Free WIFI too!!!
Did I already say I luv you?
Spent the entire afternoon there today not getting home until 7 pm and wasn’t bored for a moment. Best part is definitely the upscale stores; I mean how can you go wrong with Re-​up. Great staff and pulled pork as fantastic as when I had it downtown. Re-​up now that I know you are here, I will be back again to get me some of your bacon. Yes bacon.
Donald’s market is my fantasy come true with all my favourite US brands… you got me good tonight when I walked in to buy a couple of items and left spending $ 50. Such a clean and great store.
Wild Rice will have to wait until next visit. After checking their menu this is definitely a no-​miss. Love their outdoor patio too!!!
Vancouver Circus School looks so freaken cool… I am already thinking of taking some classes here on the silk ropes and trampoline. I watched for awhile and can’t wait to check it out.
Tre Galli Gelato Caffe… two words: salted caramel. Holy crap was that good gelato.
Crêpe Des Amis… such a cute shop with freshly made crepes before your eyes with tons of various fillings to choose from. I won’t forget you and will definitely be back to try one too.
Now we all can’t live in a perfect world which leads me to the last part of my day at River Market… lunch at Wally’s Burgers. In a word Yuck. Absolutely hands down the worse burger I have ever had in my life. Total mush and crap. Sloppy and thrown together with no care at all. It’s unfortunate cuz it’s a cool little shop and the staff were nice so I didn’t have the heart to go back and tell them. The birds got the bun and the rest went in the garbage can. Won’t be back.
Can’t wait til more stores open up but loved everything about it so far. Great vibe and fantastic choices. River Market will be a regular haunt of mine this summer.

Every time I come back here, this place keeps getting better as more and more stores open up.
Re-​up BBQ is is coming along and they seem to be a few weeks away from opening. Wally burger is starting to come together and the line ups and the bakery and gelato place keep growing.
It seems like it’s going to turn into quite the summer destination for people in New West. It’s only going to get better as more stores open up and one the new Pier Park finally opens.

I’m loving the fact that the River Market is being revitalived and is becoming a hot spot. Oh my goodness it is going to be so good once everything is opened. The weekend market is great with many goodies to buy.
Also, Wild Rice has come to suburbia. how fantasitic is that! Them alone will have me returning to River Market on a more constant basis. Next up is Re-​Up BBQ. I havne’t tried them yet as I don’t work in the downtown core but I am so looking forward to them opening soon at River market as I’ve only heard good things about their delicious food. Also gelato, tea, crepes, crab shop, bakery and Donald’s Market are all located at the River Market. Oh I must not forget the Vancouver Circus School operates out of this location. How fun!
It’s a great weekend location to explore!

Lots of local, alternative choices here. Lovely setting, dont’ forget about the toy shop upstairs. And Donald’s has lots of natural food choices at good prices. I’m very lucky to live just a short walk away. 4 stars only because it is taking sooo long for all the vendors to open up! But once they do I will be a major supporter!

With the farmers market, good atmosphere. Have yet to see it without the market being the pull to go to this place. I don’t find it an appealing place though.

I am so glad this is finally opening and has more shops opening each week! Currently there is the Donald’s Market, Great Wall Tea Company, a crêpe shop, the pub and beer and wine store, a toy store, a bike rental shop and of course the Vancouver Circus school. Coming in the next month is a gardening centre, a crab shop, a bakery and Wild Rice! I think there is something else but I just can’t remember!
Since it is less than a 5 minute walk from my house, the fiancé and I take our dogs by and pick up a few dinner items at Donald’s. The area is so nice and when it’s sunny it’s even better. There’s also nothing better than being able to leave the car at home.
PS. the washrooms are very clean and cute with little murals on the doors.

River Market seems like it is going to be an amazing place when it is fully developed. Love it! Great place to go on a nice day… We went here on a rainy day– but it was still beautiful. The little shops inside are pretty cool because they cater to all locals. It’s a very artistic place… They have an art place for kids to do arts and crafts, which is so cute. Vancouver Circus School is here, and their space is unbelievable– they even have workshops for Aerial Yoga! Sweet! Definitely Check it out!