Capital City Arcade

Tucked away in the Sapperton neighbourhood of New Westminster, Capital City Arcade is where nostalgia meets community in the best way possible. With its authentic collection of over 80 restored arcade games from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, this retro haven is a love letter to childhood memories—and a completely family-friendly destination you’ll wish you discovered sooner.

What makes Capital City Arcade truly special is the heart behind it. Owners Maryanne and her husband Brad have been collecting and restoring games for more than 30 years, transforming what began as a passion project into Metro Vancouver’s largest retro arcade. “I bought my first machine—Centipede—in 1994 with my student loan,” Maryanne laughs. “I had no idea I’d be opening an arcade in my forties.”

Their journey to opening wasn’t easy. Arcades are still heavily restricted across many Metro Vancouver cities, often lumped in with outdated zoning rules that treat them like undesirable businesses. Maryanne and her husband spent five years navigating bylaw changes and convincing both city and provincial officials that a retro arcade could be a positive, family-friendly space. “If you'd told me how hard it was going to be, I probably wouldn’t have done it,” she admits. “But once we were in it, we were determined to finish it.”

Capital City Arcade finally opened on July 4, 2019, and quickly became a rare gem. Located on East Columbia, near Braid Street, it’s not unusual for visitors to travel from as far as North Vancouver or Mission just for a few hours of pixelated bliss. Why? Because this isn’t just a place to play—it's a place to relive.

Step inside and you’ll find a vibrant space filled with iconic games like Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Donkey Kong, and Tetris. But the experience is about more than gameplay. The space is clean, welcoming, and surprisingly peaceful. “People always comment on how clean our bathrooms are,” Maryanne says with a grin. “If the bathrooms are clean, you know the rest of the place is too.”

Unlike coin-operated arcades of the past, Capital City operates on a flat-rate model—visitors pay by the hour or enjoy unlimited play during weekday specials. It's a low-pressure, high-fun atmosphere. During the summer, $15 gets you an all-day pass. Show your Compass card on the weekend, and you’ll score two hours for the price of one as part of TransLink’s DIY Discovery Tours. We are proud to be one of the stops!

While the arcade once experimented with a nacho bar, the food service has since paused—but guests are welcome to bring their own snacks, adding to the laid-back, inclusive vibe.

The arcade is also an unbeatable venue for events. From birthday parties to team-building nights, groups can book the entire space for a private two-hour session starting at just $300. “Parents especially love that it’s private, safe, and easy,” says Maryanne. “You just bring the cake and the kids—we’ve got the fun covered.”

Above all, what Maryanne loves most is the joy Capital City Arcade brings to others. “You see grown men tear up from the memories,” she says. “It’s amazing to know we’re creating a space that means something to people.”

Whether you’re chasing your high score on Centipede or just looking for a fun indoor activity in New West, Capital City Arcade is one stop you don’t want to miss.

📍 Capital City Arcade is located in Sapperton, New Westminster. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or Threads @capcityarcade, or visit their website to plan your visit.

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Address: 457A E Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3L 3X6

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