Coquitlam is located on the West Coast of British Columbia, and only a 30-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. Coquitlam is a growing city that offers a beautiful natural setting with abundant parks and green space, numerous arts and cultural venues and multiple recreational facilities.
Things to do in Coquitlam
Burnaby Art Gallery and Century Gardens
The Gallery exhibits contemporary and historical artwork in a heritage house in Deer Lake Park. Open Tuesday - Sunday. Stroll amid the horticultural beauty the region is famous for including Century Garden's renowned Rhododendron display, Burnaby's official flower. Call 604-205-7332 for more information.
6344 Deer Lake Avenue, Coquitlam, BC
Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel
Step back in time on a four-hectare (10-acre) open-air site that represents the life in the village circa 1925. Visit authentically costumed townsfolk, enjoy educational demonstrations, take part in hands-on activities, and ride on the 1912 C.W. Parker Carousel early May – September 6 11am - 4:30pm. Heritage Christmas hours run late November - early January. Admission is charged. Located 7 km away. Call 604-293-6501 for more information.
Capilano Salmon Hatchery
The Capilano River is considered to be the physical boundary between West Vancouver on the west and North Vancouver on the east. A short way downstream is the Salmon Hatchery with extensive educational displays covering many aspects of the salmon life cycle and the functioning of the hatchery. Viewing areas include a glass side to the fish ladder allowing visitors the opportunity to see the salmon migrate upstream to where they will be harvested of their eggs.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Vancouver’s oldest attraction has thrilled visitors since 1889. Cross the swaying planks of this bridge that is suspended above the Capilano River. You can wander among the towering evergreens in a West Coast rainforest or join a guided nature walk. At Treetops Adventure you will get a great view of the seven suspension bridges through the trees, taking you high above the forest floor. Watch First Nations carvers chisel legend into cedar at the Big House; stroll through history at the Story Centre; enjoy river and canyon views, and gorgeous gardens. Live entertainment includes First Nations dance performances May – October. The Visitor Centre is open daily except Christmas Day. Call 604-985-7474 for more information.
Como Lake Park
A popular park for walkers, joggers and fishing. Stroll around a beautiful lakeside setting and take the one kilometer path that circles the lake allowing views of a wide variety of birds. Relax on one of the lakeside benches in the early evening to watch the fish jumping or enjoy this quiet setting from either of the floating docks. Fishing at the lake features the common species - rainbow trout (20 - 30 cm) which are restocked annually, also carp and catfish. No power boats are allowed.
686 Gatensbury Street, Coquitlam, BC
Crash Crawly’s
Featuring over 15,000 square feet of indoor adventure. You will find a 2-story high crazy maze of tunnels bridges, ball pits, slides and more. Cars that kids can really drive; a miniature train ride; a special toddler play area for kids under two, games, Cafe for snacks. Call 604-526-1551 for more information.
1300 Woolridge Street, Coquitlam, BC
Downtown Vancouver
All the exciting sites and adventures found in Vancouver are just a short distance from Coquitlam.
Evergreen Cultural Centre
This civic facility was designed as a cultural venue for both Performing and Visual Arts. It also acts as host to a variety of community events. Evergreen houses a 264 seat Studio Theatre, a Rehearsal Hall, a Professional Art Gallery and Studio areas. The Art Gallery presents curated exhibitions showcasing local, national and international art. The Gallery Gift Shop adds an eclectic assortment of interesting gifts for the art lover. The Art Gallery is open Monday - Saturday 12noon - 5pm; Thursday evening 5pm - 8pm and one hour before performances. Call 604-927-6555 for more information.
1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC
Fraser Mills CPR Station
This was once the great sawmill at Fraser Mills and also the largest on the Pacific coast and in the British Empire. It was once producing more than 50,000 board feet of lumber per day. With both mill and community growing quickly, the Canadian Pacific Railway decided it was time for a larger station at Fraser Mills, which was located about midway on the 13 km branch line between Westminster Junction (now Port Coquitlam) and New Westminster. The Fraser Mills Station Museum is open by appointment only. Call 604-466-1555 for more information.
Gastown
Named after John Deighton (back then he was called "Gassy Jack") a retired riverboat captain who opened a saloon in 1867. Millworkers and Klondike gold miners use to stop at Gastown to stock up on provisions and drink whiskey. The Great Fire in 1886 burned down most of the buildings in Gastown; today two stand where there use to 400. The Streets are made of cobblestone and are complimented with antique street lamps along the sides. The Gastown area is located in downtown Vancouver just east of Canada Place, along Water, Alexander, Columbia and Cordova Streets. Call 604-683-5650 for more information.
Grouse Mountain
People who love nature and the outdoors have been finding inspiration on Grouse Mountain for over 100 years. High above towering Douglas fir, breathtaking views of the city of Vancouver, sparkling Pacific Ocean, Gulf Islands, and snowy peaks unfold as you journey up the mountainside. North America's largest aerial tramway, the famous Grouse Mountain Skyride, offers you an experience for this one-mile journey like no other. Grouse Mountain continues to offer must-see, must-do experiences that no visitor to or resident of Vancouver should miss. In summer enjoy mountain biking, helicopter tours, tandem paragliding, famous Lumberjack Show and the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife. In winter discover our winter wonderland for skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, ice skating and sleigh rides. Open daily, 365 days a year from 9am - 10pm. Call 604-984-0661 for more information.
H R MacMillan Space Center
Voyage through the cosmos with astronomy- and space-themed shows in the Star Theatre. Choose from a galaxy of presentations, from star-finding and children’s shows to dazzling laser-light shows. The Cosmic Courtyard includes a hands-on exhibits, space artifacts, and interpretive videos and computer games. Why not explore the solar system, dock the shuttle, touch a moon rock, visit the International Space Station and morph yourself into an alien. Ground Station Canada features live presentations; travel to distant galaxies in the Virtual Voyages flight simulator. The Planetarium presents timely shows projected on the dome. Free parking and gift shop on site for your convenience. Open Tuesday - Sunday & holidays 10am - 5pm; July & August open daily. Evening laser shows are Thursday – Saturday. Call 604-738-7827 for more information.
1100 Chestnut Street, Coquitlam, BC
Heritage Square
Heritage Square features Ryan House, Mackin House Museum, the Fraser Mills CPR Station, Caboose Park Arts Centre and the Music School. All are located at Heritage Square and more information can be found on the Heritage Square at Place des arts website. The Museums are open May – September / Arts Centre Galleries and Gift Shope are open year round. Call 604-664-1636 for more information.
1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam, BC
Mackin House Museum
Originally located at the corner of Pitt River Road (now Brunette Avenue) and King Edward Street, the Mackin House was constructed circa 1908. It was one of the two "Mansions on the Hill" built for managers of Canadian Western Lumber Co. Ltd. (Fraser Mills). Over time, major structural changes were made to the Mackin House, with the addition of a large wing on the south side of the building (1944) and improvements to the basement (1994). Today the Mackin House is a museum, operated by the Coquitlam Heritage Society, which, through permanent and seasonal displays, offers a glimpse of what life was like circa 1910. The Mackin Heritage Home & Toy Museum is open to the public Tuesday - Saturday 1 - 4pm Call 604-516-6151 for more information.
1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam, BC
Mount Seymour
For some great skiing and snowboarding, a visit to Mount Seymour is worth it! Located just 25 km away, in Mount Seymour Provincial Park. Call 604-986-2261 for more information.
Mundy Park
This is Coquitlam's largest forested park, consisting of 435 acres, including walking trails and two scenic lakes. Enjoy a long, leisurely stroll under the forest canopy lost in the tranquility of nature. The Mundy Park trail system incorporates a loop trail around Mundy Lake and passes by Lost Lake on the east side of the park. Visitors can take self guided nature walks through the park with assistance from a publication available through the Leisure and Parks Services office. Soccer and softball fields, lacrosse box, outdoor swimming pool, washrooms, large picnic area and playground.
641 Hillcrest Street, Coquitlam, BC
Queen Elizabeth Park
The top of this beautifully maintained 52 hectare (130 acre) Park is the highest point in the city, at 167m (505 ft) above sea level. Visitors have a 360 degree view of the Vancouver skyline from the various outlooks. The Park receives nearly 6 million visitors a year who marvel at its superior standard of garden plantings. It was a former stone quarry, and the park was developed in the 1950s to include a pitch & putt golf course, paths and display gardens, and a large arboretum. The Park and Bloedel Conservatory are open every day. Call 604-257-8584 for more information.
Ryan House
Ryan House was built circa 1908 by Western Canadian Lumber Co. Ltd. The house was easily identified by its distinctive mansard roof, typical of French architecture. Mansard style roofs became popular in 17th century France as a practical method of providing a full storey of usable space in what would normally be an attic. Call 604-664-1636 for more information.
1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam, BC
Science World
Science World is a ball of fun; come and engage your mind and uncover the mysteries of everyday science through interactive displays, hands-on experiments and live demonstrations. Enjoy state-of-the-art electronic projection in the Weyerhauser Science Theatre and embark on a journey of adventure and discovery in the Alcan OMNIMAX Theatre. Save some energy for the gift shop! Open Monday - Friday 10am – 5pm; Saturday, Sunday & holidays 10am - 6pm; Wednesday & Sunday features an additional show at 7: 30pm. Call 604-443-7443 for more information.
1455 Quebec Street, Coquitlam, BC
Stage 43 Theatrical Society
Stage 43 is a non-profit community organization dedicated to providing entertaining live theatre for the Tri-City area. You will enjoy both comedies and dramas in addition to all aspects of live theatre; creativity is expressed both on and off stage. From the seed of the idea that Tri-Cities needed a theatre group grew Stage 43 -- named after the school district Theatrical Society. Call 604-461-3090 for more information.
Stanley Park
Vancouver's first park, Stanley Park, is an evergreen oasis of 400 hectares (1,000 acres) close to the heart of Vancouver's downtown core. Its natural west coast atmosphere offers a back drop of majestic cedar, hemlock and fir trees that embrace visitors and transports them to an environment rich in tranquility. The park has lots of wildlife and its features appeal to the naturalist, the plant lover or one who would do nothing more than relax in beautiful surroundings. The Lost Lagoon Nature House is operated by the Stanley Park Ecology Society and offers natural history information, guided walking tours and volunteer opportunities. Lost Lagoon is a haven for many varieties of birds including swans, ducks and Canada geese. The rushes and small islands in the lake make a natural nesting place for the various species that live here. Explore the Children’s Farmyard, the Miniature Railway, tennis courts, bathing beaches, a children's water park and a heated ocean-side swimming pool. Our Theatre Under the Stars, the Vancouver Aquarium and the 5.5 mile perimeter seawall round out the variety of activities this great public park has to offer. Refreshment stands along with four restaurants are strategically placed throughout Stanley Park for your convenience. Located in downtown Vancouver.
Van Dusen Botanical Gardens
This spectacular 22-hectare (55-acre) garden in the heart of Vancouver has matured into a botanical garden of international stature since opening to the public in 1975. The mild Vancouver climate allows the cultivation of an outstanding plant collection which is a delight any time of the year. There are over 7,500 different kinds of plants assembled from six continents. The garden is located in the heart of Vancouver Call 604-878-9274 for more information.
5251 Oak Street, Coquitlam, BC
Vancouver Marine Science Aquarium
Located in Stanley Park, the aquarium is home to more than 60,000 strange and wonderful creatures from the Arctic, Amazon, tropics and Canada’s wild West Coast. Watch daily whale shows, shark dives and sea-otter feeds. Find out how you can make waterside visits with beluga whales, otters, seals and sea lions. Visit the tropical gallery. On-site café and souvenir shop. Open year round daily 10am - 5:30pm; extended summer hours. Located just five minutes west of downtown Vancouver in world-famous Stanley Park Call 604-659-3474 for more information.
845 Avison Way, Coquitlam, BC
Westminster Quay
Westminster Quay is situated on the esplanade along the Fraser River where you can watch the bustle of tugs and other boats. Here, the "Samson V" paddlewheeler and maritime museum can be found. "The Native", a 92-ft steam-driven paddle wheeler runs past islands, float-home communities and fishing boats along the route to the restored Hudson's Bay trading post at Fort Langley. Located just 5 km away.