Coquitlam

Visit Coquitlam BC

About Coquitlam

Your journey on the Scenic 7 Highway will begin or end in Coquitlam – enjoy the drive.

Coquitlam is located on nature’s doorstep with endless opportunities for outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, trail running and fishing. The vibrant city features a wealth of shopping, dining and entertainment options in a rich heritage and diverse community.

The City is located 30 km/18 miles east of Vancouver and is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in BC. With a population of approximately 140,000, Coquitlam is the largest City along the Scenic 7 Highway and the largest community of what is known as the Tri-Cities: Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.

The City of Coquitlam is located on the historic Coast Salish territory of the Kwikwetlem First Nation. Today you will find a community made of diverse cultural heritage backgrounds with significant Anglo and Franco-European, Chinese, Korean, and Persian populations. In fact, the neighbourhood of Maillardville is home to one of western Canada’s earliest French-Canadian settlements.  For more information see visitcoquitlam.ca.

Attractions

Coquitlam is the geographical centre of Metro Vancouver, easily accessible by vehicles and public transportation such as the new Evergreen SkyTrain Extension.

Visitors to the area will have easy access to shopping, restaurants, parks, festivals, outdoor recreation, cultural events and sporting activities. Urban amenities are located minutes from parks and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Coquitlam is a place where city life meets wildlife: offering the best of both worlds.

Outdoors

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.

Arts & Culture

Public Art

Public art contributes to Coquitlam’s identity as a diverse community with a vibrant cultural scene. You can find installations large and small throughout the city and take a self-guided tour—be inspired by our history. Many of the Evergreen skytrain stations house beautifully inspired and diverse pieces from local BC artists. Check out various pieces around the City:

Return of the Sockeye, Spirit Square

This sockeye sculpture arching over a concrete dam in Spirit Square tells of the sockeye’s return to the Coquitlam River. 

Pioneer Spirit, Mackin Park

This kinetic work powers three listening stations where you can hear natural sounds from the immediate area collected by a parabolic microphone, archived recordings of the pioneers of Maillardville and a choral piece. 

Spirit Bear, Place des Arts

The Coquitlam Spirit Bear (Sto:lo Spath) translates to River Bear and depicts the spirits of the animals and symbols that speak of growing up beside the mighty Fraser River.

Coquitlam Columbian Centennial Totem, Dogwood Pavilion

This 16-metre totem pole is a tribute to the local First Nations. It is carved in the Kwakwaka’wakw tradition of Northwest Coast First Nations art.

You can also look for A Hommage Aux Pionniers, Our Lady of Lourdes at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Maillardville; Bee Sculpture at the Inspiration Garden; Migration at City Centre Public Library; Our Salmon, Our Children, Our Earth in City Hall; Boarder Benches in Town Centre Park; and Town Centre Park Plaza.

Visit coquitlam.ca/publicart for more details and locations of all the public art described here.


Festivals and Events

Coquitlam has more than 100 festivals each year, every season is festival season in Coquitlam—here are some of our biggest and best. If you are driving through Coquitlam be sure to check our events calendar to see what’s happening.

Festival Du Bois March

Experience joie de vivre! Western Canada’s largest francophone festival offers a fun weekend of all things French Canadian. It showcases French traditions and culture in Canada including food, traditional music, entertainment and activities. festivaldubois.ca

Teddy Bear Picnic & Grand Parade June

Calling all families! The fun begins June 10 with an evening family concert at Town Centre Park, followed by the parade and picnic on June 11. This annual event is always a hit with young children, and features storytelling, puppet shows and live musical performances. Be sure to bring your teddy bears!festivalcoquitlam.ca

BC Highland Games & Scottish Festival June

Dig out the kilts and tartans and get ready to celebrate. You don’t need to have Scottish blood to enjoy the festivities, which include the best in Highland bagpipers and dancers, heavy event athletes, food, whisky and all that is Scottish and Celtic in B.C. There are plenty of children’s activities and Scottish delicacies to try too.bchighlandgames.com

Fraser Pacific Rose Show June

This is a juried show with hundreds of roses and horticultural exhibits. Like a country fair, you can vote for the best floral design and the most fragrant rose, go on a guided tour of the rose garden, or attend a free workshop. Visitors can also buy roses and hand-tied bouquets.fprosesociety.org

Summer Concert Series July – September

Pack a picnic dinner and round up your friends and family for Coquitlam’s Summer Concert Series, presented by Envision Financial.

Kaleidoscope Arts & Culture Festival August

Unleash your inner artist, savour the flavours of the local food truck and craft brew scene, enjoy the best of music and dance, and check out the handiworks at the artisan faicoquitlam.ca/festivals

Coquitlam Farmers Market May – October

Held each Sunday outside Dogwood Pavilion in the Poirier Precinct, the market is the place to be every Sunday morning. Grab a coffee and wander through the 60 vendors who have grown, made or baked their products.You’ll also find crafts and artisanal products such as jewellery, natural skin care, pottery, handmade cards, clothing, wood products, home décor, planters and photography.makebakegrow.com

Lights at Lafarge November – January  

This magical lights display is a highlight of the season, invoking oohs and ahhs as viewers walk the 1.2-kilometre loop around Lafarge Lake. It’s one of the largest free outdoor light displays in the Lower Mainland, featuring over 100,000 lights in multiple themed zones. Watch as delight spreads across the children’s faces!coquitlam.ca/lights

This list only scratches the surface of all the festivals and events that take place in Coquitlam each year! Also visit us online at visitcoquitlam.ca/events


Entertainment

Coquitlam is a city of culture – be moved by the power of live performance.

Evergreen Cultural Centre

At the Evergreen Cultural Centre, you will arrive intrigued and leave inspired. Coquitlam’s cultural hub hosts a rich calendar of events throughout the year—spanning comedy, musicals, concerts, theatre, dance productions and community events. Take the opportunity to venture into the Art Gallery to explore thoughtful and engaging exhibitions by esteemed artists. For information on upcoming live performances, exhibitions and public programs coming up, visit evergreenculturalcentre.ca.

Place des Arts

Place des Arts is a non-profit teaching arts centre and music school located in Carré Heritage Square, Maillardville. The building houses three gallery spaces to exhibit the work of local emerging artists, as well as a variety of unique spaces for rentals and exhibitions.Visitors can attend popular community events and performances throughout the year, ranging from concerts and exhibitions to fun, family-friendly seasonal celebrations.

placedesarts.ca

Hard Rock Casino Vancouver

Did you know the only Hard Rock Casino in Canada is located in Coquitlam? Catch a rock concert, a local up and coming band or a comedy act. The Hard Rock Casino’s convenient location in Coquitlam offers plenty of free parking and entertainment options.

hardrockcasinovancouver.com

Historical Sites

Immerse yourself in Coquitlam’s rich history. Coquitlam was once a place of old growth forest and rivers teeming with salmon – home to the Coast Salish people wo have lived here for thousands of years. European settlers arrived in the 1860’s – loggers, farmers, railway engineers and others were attracted by the opportunity to build a new life. With the building of the Ross McLaren Sawmills in 1889 – an important industrial site in the history of British Columbia – the town grew quickly. Many of Coquitlam’s historic properties are from just after the turn of the century.  See visitcoquitlam.ca/history-heritage

Maillardville

Maillardville is Coquitlam’s oldest and most historic neighbourhood. While it is undergoing significant transformation, many streets still bear the names of its pioneering families and personalities. The unofficial entrance to this community is east along Brunette Avenue off Lougheed Highway 7 —and you’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the clock tower with a French heritage motif, weathervane and fleurs-de-lis.

Mackin House Museum

Mackin House is a landmark in Coquitlam: It is one of the last remaining homes build for the Fraser River Sawmill Company and was first occupied in 1909. It is now a heritage house museum run by the Coquitlam Heritage Society. Mackin House is also home to Coquitlam’s official visitor centre and offers walking tours of historic Maillardville.

Minnekhada Lodge

Minnekhada Lodge, a 1930s country estate that is a popular wedding venue due to its historical character and stunning views over the fields below. The estate is also often used for filming as well, including a number of locally shot TV series such as The Man in the High Castle and Riverdale. Minnekhada Lodge’s setting amidst moss-draped trees is truly spectacular. It is open to the public for touring on the first Sunday of the month (February through December) from 1 – 4 p.m.

Recreation & Sports

Coquitlam is home to an unparalleled combination of recreational and sports facilities—from gymnasiums, grass and turf fields, and aquatics facilities to stadiums and state-of-the-art multi-purpose indoor complexes. Town Centre Park alone features a world class track and field venue, Percy Perry stadium and sports field complex, with five lit synthetic turf sports fields and a grass playing field. visitcoquitlam.ca/reccentres&facilities

Here are just a few activities offered in Coquitlam:

Disc Golf

Round up some friends and try a golf game with a twist. Disc golf—sometimes referred to as Frisbee golf—has a huge following around the world. Check out our 9 hole course located in Mundy Park. It’s free – just bring your frisbee.

Tennis & Pickleball

We have options for diehard tennis traditionalists and those eager to try the increasingly popular pickleball. Outdoor tennis courts can be found at 10 of Coquitlam’s city parks, so you won’t have to travel far. Visit coquitlam.ca/parkfinder to locate a court near you!

Spray Parks and Pools

Need to cool down or get in some laps? Coquitlam is home to two indoor pools (one even has a wave pool and waterslide), two outdoor pools and seven spray parks.

Lawn Bowling

Coquitlam Lawn Bowling Club is in a spectacularly beautiful setting, open from mid-April to the end of September. Drop-in bowling is available throughout the week. facebook.com/coquitlamlawnbowls

Hockey

The Coquitlam Express have an impressive roster of alumni who have gone on to the NHL, and more than 45 Express players have been awarded NCAA scholarships since 2010/2011. Home games take place at Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St.) from September through April. coquitlamexpress.ca

Lacrosse

Coquitlam Junior or Senior Adanacs both deliver action-packed sporting competition that’s bound to turn your family into fans. adanaclacrosse.com

Eat & Drink

With more than 40 per cent of Coquitlam’s residents born in another country, it’s not surprising that the city’s restaurants reflect this diversity. In City Centre, you’ll find delicious culinary opportunities around every corner. Vietnamese, Japanese and Filipino restaurants share the same blocks with hip eateries and Middle Eastern specialties. Visitors come from near and far to sample Coquitlam’s ethnic restaurant. Thirsty? From a brewery to Public Houses, Coquitlam can help quench your thirst.

For more Coquitlam dining ideas, see visitcoquitlam.ca/eat-drink and westcoastfood.ca/communities/coquitlam.


Beer & Wine Festivals

Not only do Coquitlam’s major summer festivals offer everything from beer tents to whisky tasting, specialized beer and wine festivals are drawing thirsty crowds each year too—here are a few to try (check websites for ticket information).

Winter/Spring

Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival: This popular two-day event showcases brews from over 30 micro breweries matched with beer-friendly fare provided by 10 local eateries. Its location at the Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club ensures a relaxing experience. coquitlambeerfestival.com

Summer/Fall

Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival: Two evenings of taste testing and good times in November at Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club. coquitlambeerfestival.com

Tri City International Food & Wine Festival: The inaugural TriCity International Food & Wine Festival is being hosted in partnership with West Coast Experiences, the EU Chamber of Commerce, the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Marquis Wine Cellars.  There has never been a festival of this kind in the TriCities, and we are thrilled to bring this event to the community to showcase some of the World’s best wines along with both local and international foods.

tricitywinefestival.com

Shopping

Coquitlam offers diverse and multicultural shopping options—and each destination has its own distinct personality.  See visitcoquitlam.ca/shopping

Located in Coquitlam’s city centre, is the 5th largest shopping mall in British Columbia. Coquitlam Centre is home to nearly 200 stores. You’ll find all the top fashion brands, such as Aritzia, Lululemon and H&M, sporting shops including Atmosphere, Sport Chek and Golf Town, Asian supermarket T&T, plus all the best department stores like Hudson’s Bay, Sears and Walmart. You just can’t go wrong shopping here with the mall’s spacious, open walkways, food court, and special events and offers year-round. coquitlamcentre.com

Shopping for furniture? United Boulevard is a one-stop destination for furniture, lighting and appliances—as well as renovation supplies—from more than 15 chain and name-brand retailers. Nearby are Ikea and several household and decorating stores. Across the King Edward Overpass, the Lougheed Corridor has Canadian Tire, Staples and Superstore and much more.

Another shopping corridor is Austin Heights, which has a deli, the popular Inno Bakery, restaurants and everything from groceries and hardware supplies to unique shops including a fishing tackle store. austinheights.ca

Did you know that Coquitlam is home to one of the largest Korean communities in Canada? North Road is a hub of Korean business and activity, from restaurants and cafés to clothing shops and pharmacies. Here you can shop for interesting imported goods, from trendy clothing and handy housewares to novelty items. Unofficially known as Koreatown, North Road is a go-to destination for purchasing culinary delicacies. If you want to stock up on food items that you won’t find anywhere else, try Hanahreum Mart (known as H-Mart), a popular Korean grocery store with many unique offerings.

Transportation

Evergreen SkyTrain Extension

Coquitlam is the terminus and start point for the longest fully automated rapid transit system in the world. Before or after your Scenic 7 Adventure park your car, hop on board and explore Metro Vancouver by rapid transit.

Coquitlam has four SkyTrain stations and is easily accessible from downtown Vancouver and other neighbouring Metro Vancouver communities. The SkyTrain’s Evergreen Extension connects with the Canada line for direct access to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Richmond.

Plan your trip translink.ca.

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Also known as the Lougheed Highway, the Scenic 7 provides a link between Vancouver and Hope that is off the beaten path. From extreme adventures to simple, warm hospitality, there is something for everyone in Mighty Fraser Country.

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