New West Spotlight Podcast

Looking for a fun night out that's not just dinner and a movie? In this week's episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores some of New Westminster's best places to play, laugh, and connect. From classic arcade games and exciting escape rooms to billiards, board games, and hidden pinball bars, discover local destinations perfect for families, couples, friend groups, and an...

Did you know you can experience Dutch, Ukrainian, Greek, Mexican, Italian, and Filipino flavors without ever leaving New Westminster? In this episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil takes listeners on a culinary journey through the Royal City, highlighting the diverse cultures and traditions that shape New Westminster's food scene. From hearty Dutch breakfasts at Angelina's Du...

📌 Clipcast-Optimized Episode Description Episode Title: Why Is New Westminster Called the Royal City? New Westminster is known throughout British Columbia as "The Royal City," but where did that nickname come from? In this episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores the fascinating history behind New Westminster's royal connection. Travel back to 1859 when Queen Victoria...

Every day, thousands of people travel through New Westminster by SkyTrain, bus, bike, car, and on foot. But transportation in New West is about more than simply getting from one place to another—it's about connection. In this episode of the New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores how the city's transportation network shapes everyday life. From the five Expo Line SkyTrain stations an...

Summer has arrived in New Westminster, bringing with it farmers markets, fresh pastries, waterfront strolls, community festivals, and some of the city's most beloved seasonal traditions. In this warm and uplifting episode of New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores the flavours and experiences that make summer in New West so special. From browsing local produce at the New West Farmer...

📌 Clipcast-Optimized Episode Description Episode Title: Patio Season in New West: Best Spots to Eat, Sip & Stay Awhile In this sunny and feel-good episode of New West Podcast, host Carla McNeil celebrates the return of patio season in New Westminster. From waterfront dining and rooftop cocktails to casual neighbourhood patios and riverside strolls, this episode highlights some of the best local s...

In this warm and nostalgic episode of New West Podcast, host Carla McNeil offers listeners a heartfelt preview of the 44th Annual New Westminster Heritage Homes Tour happening May 31st. Rather than covering every stop on the tour, this episode highlights several remarkable homes that reflect the city’s rich architectural and personal history — including Irving House Museum, the Murchie House, Chit...

In this uplifting and community-focused episode of New West Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores the many free and low-cost activities, family programs, and creative spaces available throughout New Westminster. From free library workshops and family playgroups to seniors’ programs, waterfront walks, and trial dance classes for kids, this episode highlights how New West continues to create welcoming...

In this heartfelt and uplifting episode of New West Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores what it truly means to age well in New Westminster. From vibrant seniors’ programs and accessible waterfront walks to cozy restaurants, libraries, and intergenerational gathering spaces, this episode highlights the many ways New West supports aging in place while helping residents remain active, connected, and...

In this heartfelt and flexible Mother’s Day episode of New West Podcast, host Carla McNeil shares a curated guide to celebrating the day your way in New Westminster. From relaxing spa visits and energizing fitness classes to peaceful park walks, waterfront strolls, thoughtful gift shops, and sweet dessert stops, this episode offers a variety of experiences that listeners can mix and match to creat...

In this thoughtful and locally grounded episode of New West Podcast, host Carla McNeil takes listeners inside the Anvil Centre — one of New Westminster’s most important cultural spaces. Blending art, history, and community, this episode explores what it feels like to visit the Anvil Centre, from quiet gallery moments to live performances and shared experiences. Carla also highlights how a visit ca...

In this bright and feel-good episode of New West Podcast, host Carla McNeil celebrates the arrival of warmer days in New Westminster through one of the season’s simplest pleasures — ice cream, desserts, and time spent outdoors. From authentic Italian gelato along the waterfront to nostalgic soft serve, modern dessert cafés, and refreshing icy treats, this episode highlights a variety of local spot...

In this reflective and heartfelt episode of New West Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores what it means to grow up in New Westminster — not just through schools, but through the everyday places where learning, connection, and community come together. This episode looks beyond classrooms to capture the full experience of growing up in the city. From walking to school and spending afternoons in famil...

Episode Title: Is New West a Tourist City? What to See, Eat & Experience In this episode of New West Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores New Westminster from a visitor’s perspective — asking what a perfect day in the city might look like. Blending scenic waterfront walks with standout local dining, this episode guides listeners through a full-day experience in New West. From a hearty breakfast to...

In this reflective and heartwarming episode of New West Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores the gentle transition from winter into spring in New Westminster. Through quiet walks, blooming parks, and riverside paths, this episode captures the small but meaningful signs that the season is beginning to change. From budding trees and soft blossoms to longer evenings and the return of outdoor routines,...

In this episode of New West Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores some of New Westminster’s most beloved bakeries and cafés—the places locals rave about when they talk about the city’s best sweet treats and comforting bites. From flaky croissants and handcrafted pastries to gourmet donuts and warm cookies fresh from the oven, this episode celebrates the small businesses that make New West’s food sce...

In this episode of New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores local fitness options across New Westminster, BC — from yoga studios and strength training facilities to dance fitness and free outdoor movement. This episode highlights a range of movement styles, showing how the Royal City offers inclusive, accessible ways to stay active — whether indoors or outdoors. Featured Locations 🧘...

In this episode of New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores the historic and cultural significance of churches across New Westminster, BC. From Gothic cathedrals to neighbourhood parishes and contemporary congregations, these sacred spaces serve as places of worship, community gathering, outreach, and architectural heritage. This episode highlights how churches have shaped the Royal...

In this episode of New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores the warm, welcoming café culture of New Westminster. From creative downtown hangouts to quiet neighbourhood corners, this Royal City coffee crawl highlights spaces that fit different moods and moments. Whether you're looking for a pet-friendly patio, a kid-friendly meet-up spot, a quiet place to focus, or a casual setting fo...

February in New Westminster carries a quieter kind of warmth. The holiday rush has passed, winter still lingers, and this is the season when small, meaningful gestures matter most. In this episode of New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores the importance of supporting independent retailers and creative spaces during the slower winter months. Rather than focusing on big shopping mome...

In this episode of New West Podcast, host Carla McNeil takes listeners on a thoughtful journey through four of New Westminster’s distinct neighbourhoods — Uptown, Downtown, Sapperton, and Queensborough. Rather than ranking or comparing, this episode explores what gives each area its own personality, rhythm, and sense of belonging. Through familiar streets, parks, gathering places, and everyday lan...

In this Valentine’s week episode of New West Podcast, host Carla McNeil invites listeners to slow down and experience a softer, more meaningful Valentine’s Day right here in New Westminster. Instead of overbooked restaurants and big expectations, this episode offers a gentle, full-day Valentine’s itinerary focused on presence, comfort, and connection. The episode follows a cozy flow from daytime a...

January doesn’t have to mean restriction or food rules. In this episode of New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores healthy-leaning restaurants and cafés in New Westminster that focus on balance, warmth, and nourishment — without sacrificing flavour or comfort. From Mediterranean plates and customizable bowls to cozy cafés and lighter deli options, this episode highlights places loca...

Second Chances: Thrift & Consignment Shopping in New West In this episode of New West Spotlight Podcast, host Carla McNeil explores the consingment shop, thrift stores and second-hand shopping culture that play a meaningful role in everyday life in New Westminster. From large, accessible thrift chains to neighbourhood charity shops and community resale culture, this episode looks at why second-han...

If you’ve lived in New West for more than five minutes, you know the forecast can change three times before lunch. From late fall through early spring, the drizzle is a given. When the sky turns pewter, it’s tempting to shelve routines until the sun returns. But movement matters most on the grey days. Activity boosts serotonin and energy, helps regulate sleep, and turns down that background hum of...