The best walks sit in different corners of the city, so treat each one as its own outing and eat close by afterward. Two or three still fit comfortably into a single day of sightseeing.

The Coquitlam Crunch: A Hard Climb with a Brewery at the Bottom

Few trail names warn you as honestly as the Coquitlam Crunch, so come with fresh legs.

What the Climb Involves

The route follows a BC Hydro power-line corridor for 2.2 kilometres to the top of Westwood Plateau. Along the way, it gains 242 metres, and two sets of stairs add up to 894 steps. Overhead wires crowd the views, which makes this a workout more than a lookout.

• Allow about 90 minutes for the out-and-back.
• Save some energy for the stretch after the first Lansdowne Drive crossing, the steepest part of the route.
• Washrooms and parking are at Eagle Ridge Park near the bottom and Bramble Park on Panorama Drive. For the Lansdowne lot, the City’s website shows real-time availability.

Where to Eat Afterward

• Craft beer: Coquitlam’s first craft brewery, Mariner Brewing, sits mere steps from the lower trailhead. The taproom opens at noon daily, and the brewery’s website lists current kitchen hours.
• Something sweet: a small plaza along Lansdowne Drive holds Pourquoi Pas Patisserie, where a savoury French onion pull-apart ranks among the most popular orders.

Lafarge Lake: An Easy Loop in City Centre

Families with strollers and slower walkers get an easy, level outing here. Lafarge once quarried gravel on this site, and in the mid-1980s the company donated the former pit and its lake to the City.

Walking and Fishing the Lake

• Walkers can circle the five-hectare lake on a flat 1.2-kilometre loop.
• Anglers can cast from the shore or the dock for rainbow trout, which the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC releases each spring and fall. Anyone 16 or older needs a provincial freshwater licence.
• Theatre and rotating gallery exhibitions fill Evergreen Cultural Centre on the southwest corner, a handy fallback when the clouds open.

Korean Stew One Stop Away

For lunch, head a short drive south to Anson Avenue, where Dookbaeki serves bubbling Korean stews in the heavy earthenware bowls behind its name.

Mundy Park, Como Lake, and Koreatown on North Road

Rainforest Trails at Mundy Park

At 178 hectares, Mundy Park (641 Hillcrest Street) brings real coastal rainforest to central Coquitlam.

• A 5.5-kilometre multi-use path circles the perimeter in about an hour.
• Inner trails wind toward Mundy Lake and smaller Lost Lake, where benches face the water.
• Most trails allow off-leash dogs from dawn to 10 a.m., but the community path requires a leash. The trails to Mundy Lake ban dogs entirely.
• Trail maintenance has closed the west side of the Lakeside Loop around Mundy Lake for the fall, and signs mark a detour. Check for park updates before you go.

Como Lake and a Bakery Detour

A short drive west at 700 Gatensbury Street, families circle Como Lake on a one-kilometre path, and anglers try for trout off the dock. The north lot was recently rebuilt with new entrances, signs, and surfacing, so parking there is easy. Nearby, Como Lake Village tempts with the cinnamon buns and focaccia at Mundy Park Bakery.

Eating Your Way Down North Road

Coquitlam’s unofficial Koreatown lines North Road, the border with Burnaby:

• Groceries and takeout: kimchi, snacks, and ready-made kimbap fill the aisles of H Mart at 329 North Road.
• Tabletop grilling: marinated meats and seafood sizzle over the grills at Insadong Korean BBQ, 403 North Road.
• Noodles: black bean jajangmyeon and spicy seafood jjampong lead the Korean Chinese menu at Hee Rae Deung, 435 North Road.

Minnekhada Regional Park: Marsh Views in the Northeast

Solitude seekers should head past Burke Mountain to Coquitlam’s wilder side.

Getting There and Hiking to the High Knoll

• Take Coast Meridian Road north to Victoria Drive, which becomes Quarry Road, and use the signed parking at 4000 Quarry Road.
• Buses serve northeast Coquitlam, but the nearest stop leaves a long walk, so reaching the trailhead by car makes the most sense.
• Gates open at 7 a.m. but may close as early as 5 p.m.
• The route to the High Knoll runs 4.7 kilometres return via the Meadow and Mid-Marsh trails. It gains 180 metres and includes some steep sections, so allow about two hours.
• From the top, the view takes in the marsh, the Pitt River, the Golden Ears, and, in good weather, Mount Baker.
• Pit toilets are the only facilities, and no drinking water is available, so carry what you need. Dogs need a leash and may not enter the marsh.

Brunch in Burke Mountain Village

Afterward, stop in Burke Mountain Village, which remains under development. For now, its main draw is Ibex Café + Kitchen at 3537 Princeton Avenue. Coffee, brunch, beer, and wine come with a patio view of the Pitt River.

Maillardville: Mill-Town Heritage by the River

History lovers and rainy-day wanderers will enjoy this corner most. In 1909, a lumber company recruited French Canadian workers from Quebec and eastern Ontario to Fraser Mills. That recruitment had an ugly side, since anti-Asian sentiment pushed the company to replace Asian labourers. Even so, the 1910 census counted more than 250 Japanese, Chinese, and South Asian workers at the mill.

The new francophone settlement took the name of Father Edmond Maillard, a young Oblate priest from France, and French street names still dot the neighbourhood.

Heritage Stops on Brunette Avenue

• Local history fills Mackin House Museum at 1116 Brunette Avenue, where admission runs by donation. The museum closes on Mondays.
• Ring the doorbell to see the Fraser Mills train station and a CPR caboose, which the Coquitlam Heritage Society opens year-round.
• Each February or March, nearby Mackin Park hosts Festival du Bois, a francophone celebration with folk music, tourtière, and maple taffy poured on snow.

A Café Break on Brunette

Refuel along the same avenue at Caffe Reggio, 930 Brunette, where Nutella and cheddar croissants share the menu with soup, sandwiches, and gelato.

Seasonal Things to Do in Coquitlam

• Fall: chum salmon push up Hoy Creek in October and November, with coho close behind. Park in a Town Centre Park lot or take SkyTrain to Lafarge Lake-Douglas station, then walk to the creekside trail off Guildford Way.
• Winter: Lights at Lafarge turns the lakeside path into a free outdoor light display from late November into February. The opening-night celebration includes food trucks and live entertainment, making it worth planning an evening visit.
• Spring: kids 16 and under can enter a free fish derby at Como Lake each May.
• Summer: Sunday mornings between May and October bring the Coquitlam Farmers Market to the Dogwood Pavilion parking lot, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Whichever month brings you here, lace up first. Everything tastes better after the climb.

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Getting Across the Border

Two crossings connect Vancouver to Bellingham. Peace Arch takes passenger vehicles only, while Pacific Highway, a mile east, also carries trucks. Wait times can shift within the same morning, so checking current wait times pays off.

Bring a passport or NEXUS card for the crossing. Weekday mornings tend to move faster than weekend afternoons, when both crossings see the heaviest traffic. Some cross on their own; others arrange a private chauffeur into Bellingham and skip the parking entirely.

Start in the Historic Core

Fairhaven was its own incorporated town until 1903, when it merged with Whatcom to form what’s now Bellingham. Much of the brick architecture along Harris Avenue still dates back to that era. Cafés, shops, and galleries fill most of the street level today.

Paid parking now covers much of the district, Monday through Saturday, 11am to 6pm. Rates rise the longer a car remains parked, so arriving earlier makes finding a spot simpler.

Lunch, With a Stop for Books

Fairhaven offers several good lunch options. Colophon Café pairs soup and sandwiches with easy access to Village Books next door, useful if browsing matters as much as eating. Övn Wood Fired Pizza serves Neapolitan-inspired pies from an oven made in Naples. The Black Cat, on the third floor of Sycamore Square, adds bay views to a New American menu. It runs one continuous service from late morning into the evening.

Sirena Gelato, a short walk from the bookstore, makes a sweet finish ahead of the walk to the water. The bookstore and neighbouring Paper Dreams face Fairhaven Village Green, which hosts an outdoor movie series each summer and regular community concerts.

Down to the Water

The South Bay Trail drops from Fairhaven toward Taylor Dock, a quarter-mile boardwalk over Bellingham Bay on the way to Boulevard Park. It is the point in the day when the brick storefronts give way to water, sailboats, and open views toward the islands.

If You Have Extra Daylight

Western Washington University’s outdoor sculpture collection sits five minutes north, with more than two dozen pieces spread across campus grounds. It’s free to see any time of day. Chuckanut Drive, a scenic coastal road south of Fairhaven, adds an easy detour if the light holds up.

Drinks and Dinner

If the day still feels casual, Stones Throw Brewery matches it, with a back patio, a fire pit, and trivia nights most weeks. If dinner calls for something calmer, Galloway’s Cocktail Bar shifts the mood, with a covered porch just off the green.

Dinner splits two ways from there. Mambo Italiano Café brings classic Italian energy to the heart of Fairhaven. Keenan’s at the Pier, inside the Chrysalis Inn, slows things down with seafood and a water view worth lingering over.

A Day That Doesn’t Ask Much

Fairhaven works because it does not ask much from the day. Cross the border late in the morning and park once. Spend the next few hours moving between books, food, narrow old streets, and the waterfront. By dinner, Vancouver still feels close enough to go home, but far enough away that the day has felt like a trip.

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Griffin Transportation Services is your one-stop shop for unforgettable summer adventures in Vancouver, Whistler, Victoria, and Seattle. Whether you’re friends seeking a fun-filled getaway or a family yearning for memories that will last a lifetime, we’ve got you covered.

Unveiling Vancouver’s Hidden Gems: History, Culture, and Breathtaking Beauty

Spark your curiosity with our Vancouver limo service, navigating vibrant neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems. Our expert chauffeurs will be available for your private city tour. Please choose from our luxurious sedans, perfect for a close-knit group, or our roomy Executive Vans for larger parties.

Imagine cruising through Stanley Park, the crown jewel of Vancouver. Inhale the crisp ocean air as you weave through towering cedars and manicured gardens. Immerse yourselves in the city’s rich history at Gastown, where cobblestone streets and restored Victorian buildings whisper tales of a bygone era. Don’t miss a chance to capture breathtaking panoramic views from atop Grouse Mountain, accessible by a thrilling gondola ride.

For a truly unique experience, embark on a culinary adventure through Granville Island Public Market. Sample fresh seafood, indulge in decadent pastries, and lose yourselves in this bustling marketplace’s vibrant sights and sounds.

Whistler’s Allure: Adventure Awaits!

You are calling all thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts! Whistler beckons with its majestic mountains, emerald lakes, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Our Whistler limo service provides a comfortable and convenient mode of transportation for your group, ensuring you arrive at your destination relaxed and ready to conquer the day.

Hike or bike through verdant forests, feeling the refreshing mountain breeze on your face. Kayak across the glassy surface of Lost Lake, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Challenge yourself on a white-water rafting excursion down the thrilling Elaho River for the ultimate adrenaline rush.

In the evening, unwind in Whistler’s charming pedestrian village, where cozy cafes and lively restaurants offer a taste of the town’s vibrant après-ski scene.

Victoria’s Enchanting Charm: History and Romance Collide

Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, exudes an undeniable charm. Our luxurious Executive Bus allows you to travel comfortably and efficiently, ensuring everyone in your group enjoys the journey.

Step back at The Butchart Gardens, a horticultural wonderland where vibrant floral displays and manicured landscapes leave you speechless. Explore the opulent halls of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, steeped in history and architectural grandeur.

Stroll along Victoria’s Inner Harbour, soaking in the sights of colorful boats bobbing on the water. Browse the quaint shops of Bastion Square, where you might find the perfect souvenir to commemorate your trip.

End your day with a romantic carriage ride through the city’s historic streets, feeling transported to a bygone era.

Seattle’s Buzz: A City that Captivates

Embrace the energy and innovation of Seattle, a city brimming with coffee culture, cutting-edge technology, and a thriving music scene. Our comfortable SUVs, like the Suburban or Yukon, are perfect for smaller groups and offer a relaxed and personalized experience.

Start your day with a visit to Pike Place Market, which is a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. Watch the iconic fishmongers tossing salmon, sample fresh produce from local farms, and soak up the infectious energy of this historic marketplace.

Detour to the Museum of Pop Culture, a striking architectural marvel dedicated to contemporary culture. Explore exhibits showcasing music legends, cutting-edge science fiction, and groundbreaking fashion trends.

For a breathtaking perspective, take a ferry to Bainbridge Island, which offers stunning views of the Seattle skyline. Then, hike or bike through lush forests and savor a delicious meal at a waterfront restaurant.

Your Pacific Northwest Adventure Starts Here

Let Griffin Transportation Services transform your summer plans into extraordinary memories. Our diverse fleet caters to every need, from cozy sedans for intimate tours to spacious Executive Buses for large groups. Our dedicated staff and experienced chauffeurs ensure a seamless and comfortable experience, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in each city’s magic.

Don’t wait any longer! Contact us today at (604) 682-4474 or info@griffintransportation.com, and let’s craft the perfect summer city tour itinerary for you. Buckle up for an unforgettable adventure in the Pacific Northwest!

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Don’t Forget Your Well-being Kit

Backup Your Contacts

Avoid the Rush

Give Yourself Room to Breathe

Arrange Your Transfers

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