Summary
This suburb of Vancouver is a remarkable travel destination that remains largely undiscovered. Coquitlam offers a rich cultural experience complemented by an array of leisure activities.
With over 890 hectares of green spaces and more than 80 parks and natural areas, Coquitlam is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts. The city boasts a relaxed yet modern atmosphere, featuring exceptional shopping and dining options.
One of the advantages of visiting Coquitlam is its accessibility to Vancouver via rapid transit, allowing visitors to relish the attractions of the larger city while enjoying a peaceful environment. When you have the opportunity to explore this suburb, consider these top activities in Coquitlam:
1. Keep your eyes open for bears
One of the city’s major attractions is Mundy Park, the largest park in Coquitlam, covering 176 hectares. This park is teeming with wildlife, making it an ideal location for spotting black bears.
The park is also home to raccoons, geese, ducks, swans, and numerous bird species, making it particularly popular among birdwatchers. The walking trails throughout the park provide excellent opportunities for wildlife observation.
Additionally, Mundy Park features sports fields, an outdoor pool, a lacrosse box, picnic areas, and a playground for children.
2. Go fishing
Fishing enthusiasts can indulge their hobby at Como Lake, a small lake situated in the heart of Como Lake Park in the southwest of the city.
This lake is renowned for its fishing opportunities, hosting carp, rainbow trout, and catfish. It also features a one-kilometre trail that surrounds the lake, ideal for jogging and walking.
Como Lake is part of the Como watershed, which connects to the Fraser River, ultimately flowing into the Pacific Ocean, covering an area of approximately 5.4 square miles.
3. Hike through a park
Minnekhada Regional Park features three main trails across its 200 hectares, situated in the northeast of Coquitlam. In addition to scenic pathways, the park is abundant in trees, birds, and wildlife.
The park includes five lookout points, which provide breathtaking views of Pitt Meadows and the Pitt River, accessible via the hiking trails.
Overall, the three trails span 5.2 kilometres, excluding side trails leading to the lookout points. A lodge within the park is open to the public every Sunday.
4. Go for a swim
The City Centre Aquatic Complex offers swimming opportunities year-round. This modern aquatic center features a Florida Keys theme, complete with palm trees, pelicans, and vibrant murals.
This facility includes an Olympic-sized pool with eight lanes, adjustable depth flooring, two diving boards, and even a rope swing.
Moreover, the complex features a wave pool, a lazy river, a 54-meter waterslide, a hot tub, and a bubble pool. A fitness center and poolside café complete the offerings, alongside a viewing terrace.
5. Immerse yourself in culture
The Evergreen Cultural Centre serves as a theatre, art gallery, music venue, and rehearsal hall, featuring four art studios on-site.
Founded in 1996, the center aims to highlight Coquitlam’s diverse cultural heritage, offering live theatre, musical concerts, comedy shows, and visual arts workshops.
Furthermore, the Evergreen Cultural Centre hosts various festivals, with the most prominent being the Water’s Edge Festival, a remarkable 25-hour music celebration.
6. Hit the casino
The Hard Rock Casino Vancouver, the largest casino in the province, is actually located in Coquitlam. The casino spans 7,400 square meters and includes a show theater.
Guests can enjoy 70 table games, a dedicated poker room with eight tables, a high-limit room, and 1,000 slot machines. Additionally, a six-level parking facility accommodates the numerous visitors who frequent this 24-hour casino.
For a culinary break, guests can choose from a variety of on-site restaurants, offering everything from quick bites to fine dining experiences.
7. Walk around a lake
Apart from walking around Buntzen Lake, visitors can also take in the stunning vistas. The 4.8-kilometre lake is surrounded by a trail situated at an elevation of 100 meters.
The entire trail covers eight kilometres and typically takes 4-5 hours to complete. For those short on time, the 45-minute Old Buntzen Lake Trail is a viable option.
Buntzen Lake’s surrounding nature is picturesque, featuring several other trails suited for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, varying in hiking time from two to twelve hours.
8. Go to the beach
Just outside Coquitlam, along Sasamat Lake, visitors can find a number of beautiful beaches that attract both locals and tourists alike. These beaches are situated within Belcarra Regional Park and are easily reachable from Belcarra or Port Moody.
For those without vehicle access, buses to White Pine Beach at the north end of the lake offer a convenient way to spend the day swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the beach. Alternatively, fishing enthusiasts may prefer the southern end of the lake.
Moreover, Belcarra Regional Park is favored among boaters due to the presence of several nearby islands. Cabins are also available for rent for overnight stays.
9. Watch a game
Coquitlam hosts several professional sports teams, offering ample opportunities to enjoy a game. Among these are a baseball team, a basketball team, a Canadian football team, and even a cricket club.
The Vancouver Canucks, the most prominent team, play out of Vancouver, but are a significant part of the local sports culture. Other teams include the Coquitlam Reds, a baseball team, and the Coquitlam Adanacs, members of the Western Lacrosse Association.
The city is also home to the Windies Cricket Club, affiliated with the British Columbia Mainland Cricket League, alongside various minor sports leagues present in Coquitlam.
10. Play a round of golf
Coquitlam features two exceptional golf courses that every golfer should experience: Vancouver Golf Club and Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club.
Among these, Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club stands out as the more popular choice, frequently rated as one of Canada’s top golf courses. It offers two distinct courses along with a teaching facility and a restaurant.
Conversely, Vancouver Golf Club boasts a rich history, having been established in 1910 and recognized as one of the oldest clubs in the region, with a prestigious membership fee, located to the west of Blue Mountain.
11. Visit a museum
Mackin House Museum, Coquitlam’s sole museum, is housed in a building that once served as the residence of the General Manager of Fraser Mills. Constructed in 1909, the museum hosts special exhibitions.
This historic home exhibits artifacts showcasing what life was like in the city during the early 1900s and is managed by the Coquitlam Heritage Society, with admission based on donations.
Mackin House is conveniently located at the intersection of Brunette Avenue and Marmont Street, making it a recognizable landmark since its inception.
12. Have fun at a festival
Coquitlam hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, drawing diverse crowds and showcasing the city’s culture and activities.
Among these, the Festival du Bois is the largest, recognized as the most significant Francophone festival in Western Canada.
Music enthusiasts can enjoy the Water’s Edge Festival, a continuous 25-hour music event, or the Blue Mountain Music Festival. Culture aficionados will appreciate the B.C. Highland Games and Scottish Festival.
13. Go for a boat ride
Rent a boat to enjoy a leisurely afternoon on the water, with options available for both captained and non-captained excursions from Port Moody.
You can choose to cruise the waters at your leisure, partake in activities such as tubing, fishing, wakeboarding, water skiing, or scuba diving.
Furthermore, you can arrange for a barbecue onboard or enjoy a gourmet three-course meal, with every outing tailored to meet your preferences.
14. Enjoy a fabulous meal
Coquitlam boasts a plethora of dining establishments to suit every budget, ensuring visitors can find diverse culinary experiences. From fast food chains to upscale restaurants, the city offers a wide range of choices.
Dining options encompass various cuisines, including Thai, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, as well as local favorites like fish and chips, Dutch pancakes, and classic pub fare.
Families, couples, and solo travelers can find suitable eateries that address their preferences and budgets.
15. See the city from above
Experience Coquitlam from a bird’s eye view by taking a helicopter tour. These custom tours provide breathtaking perspectives of the majestic mountains, lakes, rivers, and the city itself, along with surrounding areas.
The views of the coastal mountains and the cityscape are truly captivating, highlighting the natural beauty of Coquitlam and its environment.
Your journey can also extend over Vancouver, offering an aerial perspective of the larger city. Helicopter flights typically last around one hour and can incorporate a delightful picnic lunch.
