Biking
Coquitlam’s extensive bicycle routes and multi-purpose trails make it easy for cyclists to explore all our city has to offer—from urban shopping corridors to the mountainous viewpoints.
Mountain Biking
Coquitlam is an up-and-coming mountain biking destination with a good mix of established trails and the potential for more. Burke Mountain and Eagle Mountain are home to the West Coast style of riding that the North Shore and Squamish are famous for—a maze of big trees, roots, rocks, flowy singletrack and well-built features.
Coquitlam is home to two bike skills parks where new riders can learn the tricks of the trade. See visitcoquitlam.ca/biking for information on our bike parks.
Road & Trail Cycling
Coquitlam’s new bike routes offer rides many options including on-street bike routes and off-street paths, including popular trails along Pinetree Way and Johnson Street.
Cyclists can take their bikes on SkyTrain and explore more of the the city by road. For bike route information and maps, see visitcoquitlam.ca/biking and translink.ca/cycling.
Hiking
Coquitlam is abundant with creekside and forest hiking trails that offering an easy reprieve from daily stresses. Here are a few hikes to try or see visitcoquitlam.ca/hiking. Group hikes available
Hoy Creek Trail
Hoy Creek Trail is just a short walk from the Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain station. The peaceful 2.8-kilometre gravel trail is known for its abundant wildlife such as blue herons and other wild birds.
Westwood Plateau Trails
Approximately 23 kilometres of trails wind their way through city parks, natural areas and greenways on Eagle Mountain. Ridge Park offers a challenging experience for the hiker who enjoys steep terrain in a dense forest setting. These trails are easily accessible by public transit.
Pinecone Burke Provincial Park
This beautiful wilderness area is incredibly wild and remote despite the that it’s so close to the city. The park is excellent for hiking, with many mark trails and great views from higher elevations. Group hikes available via the Burke Mountain Naturalists.
Minnekhada Regional Park
Spy abundant wildlife along 10 kilometers of trails (including the view point at High Knoll) and stop to admire the elegant Minnekhada Lodge heritage building.
Birding
Whether you’re an amateur enthusiast awed by soaring birds of prey, or an experienced birder armed with a checklist and long-lens camera, you’ll be mesmerized by the birdlife that can be viewed in Coquitlam throughout the year. See visitcoquitlam.ca/birding.
Flights of fancy – where to bird watch in Coquitlam:
DeBoville Slough
Eagles may soar overhead and you will spot an array of birds as you walk the flat gravel path at DeBoville Slough located minutes from Coquitlam City Centre. Watch for osprey coasting above the water in search of fish, and for great blue herons amidst the slough’s tall grasses. For more info about DeBoville Slough, including a free birding checklist, visit Friends of DeBoville Slough.
Colony Farm Regional Park
A wonderful nature walk for people of all abilities where nearly 200 species of birds have been observed.
The park is home to more than 400 hectares of grasslands, waterways and marshes transversed by flat, wide trails. Search for the large colony of nesting great blue herons, purple martins, the elusive lazuli bunting and dozens of other species of birds and waterfowl.
Mundy Park
Mundy Park is a heavily forested area where you may spot Pacific wrens, chickadees, kinglets, bushtits, pileated woodpecker and northern flickers.
Minnekhada Regional Park
Minnekhada Regional Park’s forested terrain is home to hawks, owls, grouse, waterfowl, herons, woodpeckers and songbirds. About 160 species have been observed in the park and the immediate area.
For more birding info, visit fodbs.org, bmn.bc.ca, allaboutbirds.org and ebird.org.
Fishing
You don’t have to go far in Coquitlam to catch a fish.
Two of Coquitlam’s urban lakes are regularly stocked with rainbow trout, providing Metro Vancouverites with easy access to fishing and plenty of photo ops.
With some basic supplies (including a fishing licence) you can simply walk down a trail and cast a line.
Lafarge Lake can be accessed by shore or float tube. Como Lake also has easy shore access, with a loop trail. Spin casting, bait fishing and fly fishing are all options at both lakes.
If you want to hook a salmon for dinner, head to Maquabeak Park (5 Burbridge St.), situated on the bank of the Fraser River, with shore access and a boat launch. Five species of salmon pass through this spot at varying times of the year, including chum, pink, chinook and coho, as well as bull trout, Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout.
Sturgeon fishing (catch and release only) is also available on the Fraser, at the mouth of the Pitt River near Douglas Island (accessible by boat from Maquabeak Park). See visitcoquitlam.ca/fishing.
Running, Hiking, Walking
Coquitlam is home to almost 100 kilometres of trails and routes and is a prime destination for runners or walkers of all skill levels and endurance. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just eager to burn off last night’s chocolate cheesecake, you’ll be so mesmerized by the wildlife and scenery, the kilometres will tick right by.
Easy
Como Lake Park: A 1.2-kilometre loop on a soft trail around the lake.
DeBoville Slough: A flat, gravel trail with tranquil views. The north entrance to the trail eventually comes to Addington Marsh and Minnekhada Park. Be bear aware, particularly on the north side of the slough!
Town Centre Park: Run the 1.2-kilometre loop of Lafarge Lake, sprint the track at Percy Perry Stadium or loop the entire park.
Intermediate
Mundy Park: Features 400 acres of coastal rainforest, including 16 kilometres of trails with thick forest cover. This park has varied terrain, is popular with running groups and is the site of an annual MEC race.
Coquitlam River: Many scenic options here—watch your footing.
Colony Farm Regional Park: More than 8.5 kilometres of trails through scenic meadows and fields, home to many species of birds.
Advanced
Coquitlam Crunch: Aptly named, as you’ll discover, when tackling the initial climb of more than 400 stairs. The path continues upward to a viewpoint at approximately the 2.2-kilometre mark before rocketing back downhill. Running this route is not for the faint of heart.
Minnekhada Regional Park and the High Knoll: Some steep inclines and rocky declines for those who enjoy a challenge. The view at the top is worth it. visitcoquitlam.ca/hiking
Coquitlam is also riddled with trails that lead through parks and along creeks, offering an easy reprieve from daily stresses. It’s also nestled on the edge of some incredible mountainous wilderness areas, with impressive views and wildlife. visitcoquitlam.ca/hiking
Gardens
Coquitlam takes great pride in its gardens, and in 2016 won a national award in the Communities in Bloom civic pride and beautification competition. in 2017 Coquitlam is in the International Communities in Bloom Competition.
If you, like Monet, seek inspiration and tranquility, visit Coquitlam’s Inspiration Garden in Town Centre Park. Flowers, fruit trees and various ornamental climbers are showcased, and the garden is dedicated to growing, supporting and connecting gardeners to the community. visitcoquitlam.ca/gardens
The Centennial Rose Garden is a magical oasis in central Coquitlam . There are over 800 roses in the garden including climbers, shrubs, floribunda, hybrid tea, miniature, old garden and rambling roses. Located beside the Dogwood Pavilion and Coquitlam Lawn Bowling Club, the garden (maintained by the Fraser Pacific Rose Society) is a place of no noise and no stress. Saturday mornings from mid-May to the end of September are when Rose Society volunteers are on site pruning, deadheading and fertilizing. Pop by and enjoy. fprosesociety.org
Walk through the treasured Arboretum(a living tree museum) on the Riverview Lands conveniently located off the Scenic 7 Highway. Enjoy this collection of more than 1,800 open growth specimen trees that were planted in the early 1900’s. Walking tours available through the summer. rhcs.org
Golf
Whether you are a hacker or a scratch golfer, Coquitlam has the golf experience for you. Practice your swing at a driving range or tee off against a backdrop of unforgettable mountain and city views. See visitcoquitlam.ca/golfing
Coquitlam offers 4 beautiful golf locations for all levels:
Eaglequest Golf
A nine-hole, par 27 course with varied-length holes for golfers of all abilities. A great place to work on your short game year-round. It’s also home to a mini golf and FootGolf courses.
Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club
Take in the views high above Coquitlam as you play up to 6,770 yards on its 18 holes. This widely acclaimed course was designed by Michael Hurdzan and is a popular location for weddings.
Westwood Plateau Golf Academy & Driving Range
Improve your long ball drive, iron play or wedge shots at this practice facility, which includes a 12-hole practice course.
Vancouver Golf Club
This private club’s challenging 18-hole championship course sprawls over a woodland park setting of over 176 acres.