PORT COQUITLAM
From its beginnings as a small agricultural town on the Canadian Pacific rail line, Port Coquitlam has grown to a present size of over 58,000 residents. Port Coquitlam, known as "the city of rivers and mountains" is a thriving community between the Pitt and Coquitlam Rivers. The area was first inhabited by the Coast Salish people, including the Kwikwetl'em people. The first European settlers began farming beside the Pitt River in 1859. A revitalized downtown maintains a village-like atmosphere; anchored by its original 1913 city hall, the plaza offers an interesting range of shops, restaurants, cafes and craft stores. While the Colony Farm Regional Park's lowland marsh provides sanctuary to birds and wildlife, the PoCo Trail's 24-kilometres (14.9-miles) is popular with walkers and bike riders.
Neighbourhoods of Port Coquitlam B.C
North Port Coquitlam
The six neighbourhoods of Port Coquitlam North include Glenwood, Oxford Heights, Lincoln Park, Riverwood, Birchland Manor and Woodland Acres. For Port Coquitlam North residents, locals are able to enjoy quiet family-friendly communities close to nature, while still being close to extensive shopping, amenities and services. Education is a high priority in Port Coquitlam North home to 7 elementary schools, Terry Fox Secondary and Minnekhada Middle School. The arts figures prominently in Port Coquitlam with great support for their Sunday Coffee Concerts and Cinema Under the Stars. May Day in Port Coquitlam dates back to 1923, with nine days of free family activities, local culture, live entertainment and highlighted by the Rotary May Day Parade. Port Coquitlam is also home to the famous Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre, featuring year round comedy, entertainment and food. Port Coquitlam has a plethora of fine and ethnic cuisines offering Italian, Greek, Indian Vietnamese and well known Canadian restaurant brands. Plus Port Coquitlam is now a destination for craft brewing, with a third microbrewery ready to open in the historic CP Rail city, all approved by Port Coquitlam’s smart growth committee.
Excellent shopping is close by for residents of Port Coquitlam North along the Lougheed Highway at Mary Hill Bypass with Costco, Home Depot, Save-On-Foods and numerous other shops and services. In addition, the Prairie Mall features a Starbucks, Church’s Chicken, Dollar Store and more.
(Credit: https://faithwilsongroup.com/neighbourhoods/port-coquitlam-north/)
South Port Coquitlam
The four neighbourhoods of Port Coquitlam South include Central Port Coquitlam, Lower Mary Hill, Mary Hill and Citadel. For Port Coquitlam South residents, locals are able to enjoy easy access to the historic downtown, the Terry Fox Library and the PoCo Recreation Centre with a new Community Recreation Complex being constructed on the site – slated to open in 2021. Port Coquitlam South is definitely family-friendly with nearby greenspace, while being close to excellent shopping, amenities and professional services. As part of School District #43, Port Coquitlam South has 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and Riverside Secondary School, where Riverside’s athletics is second to none is the BC with individual and team champions at league, district, and provincial levels. May Day in Port Coquitlam dates back to 1923, with nine days of free family activities, local culture, live entertainment and highlighted by the Rotary May Day Parade. June to October, the Port Coquitlam Farmer’s Market features locally grown vegetables, fruit & baked goods, in addition to goods from local artisans. Port Coquitlam has plenty of fine and ethnic cuisines offering Italian, Greek, Indian Vietnamese and well known Canadian restaurant brands. Plus Port Coquitlam is now a destination for craft brewing, with a third microbrewery ready to open in the historic CP Rail city, all approved by Port Coquitlam’s smart growth committee. Historic downtown Port Coquitlam is home to City Hall, a popular community gathering place for local events and outdoor concerts. Here you’ll find the annual PoCo Grand Prix, where champion cyclists from around the world gather every July.
In addition to the pedestrian-friendly shops and services of historic downtown Port Coquitlam, excellent shopping is close by for residents of Port Coquitlam South along the Lougheed Highway at Mary Hill Bypass including Costco, Home Depot and Save-On-Foods.
(Credit: https://faithwilsongroup.com/neighbourhoods/port-coquitlam-south/)
Out & About
Regional Colony Farm Park
Open fields, hedgerows and wetlands in this regional park provide habitat for many animals and over 200 bird species. Trails for both walkers and cyclists showcase great views of fields, mountains and the Coquitlam River.
(Credit: Metro Vancouver: http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/parks/parks-greenways-reserves/colony-farm-regional-park)
Traboulay PoCo Trail
This 25-kilometre trail encircles the City of Port Coquitlam, traversing a varied landscape that includes forest and creek, meadow and marsh, riverfront and urban development.
The loop of gravel and paved paths offers those on foot, bicycle, skate and even horseback an opportunity to enjoy nature, be active and discover the community. Learn more about the Traboulay PoCo Trail.
(Credit: City of Port Coquitlam: https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/explore-poco/tourist-information/)
Heritage at Leigh Square Museum and Archives
The Heritage at Leigh Square Museum and Archives is operated by the Port Coquitlam Heritage & Cultural Society and features historical photographs, First Nations artifacts, tools, collectables, maps and antiques from Port Coquitlam’s past. (Credit: City of Port Coquitlam: https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/explore-poco/tourist-information/)
Leigh Square Community Arts Village
Officially opened in April 2007, the Leigh Square Community Arts Village is a unique and vibrant focus for community activities in the downtown area. Throughout the year, Leigh Square Band Shell hosts a number of community and cultural events such as the May Day Community Showcase, Live @ Leigh Square concert series, Harvest Festival and Christmas in the Park.
(Credit: City of Port Coquitlam: https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/explore-poco/tourist-information/)
Terry Fox Theatre
The spectacular 350-seat Terry Fox Theatre anchors the north-west corner of the Terry Fox Secondary School and is available as a stand-alone performance venue for community and professional use. It features a grand entrance, spacious lobby, box office, orchestra pit, balcony seating, full technical capability and one of the largest stages in the Tri-Cities.
(Credit: City of Port Coquitlam: https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/explore-poco/tourist-information/)
Hyde Creek Recreation Centre
The Centre is a completely renovated aquatics complex complete with a lap pool, leisure pool, river run, water slide, sauna, whirlpool, and steam room. Other amenities include poolside food services and a comfortable viewing area.
This complex also includes racquetball and squash courts, a gymnasium, a full-service weight and fitness room with the very latest machines, an aerobics/dance studio and a martial arts studio complete with a sprung floor. The facility provides special interest areas, including rooms for children’s programming, one with its own mini-kitchen, a youth centre complete with pool tables, a fireplace and kitchen.
(Credit: City of Port Coquitlam: https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/recreation/hyde-creek-recreation-centre/)