Wim Vander Zalm is a well-known gardening expert, author, businessman, Coquitlam in Bloom committee member and local resident.

Coquitlam has so much to offer. Having raised my four boys in Coquitlam, I’m lucky to know all of the great spots to visit for small kids to big kids. There are so many parks, trails, rivers, biking options, view points, aquatic facilities, sports facilities and the list can literally keep going.

Personally I really enjoy the City Centre area as there are wonderful gardens in a park-like setting, all of which surround Lafarge Lake. And as far as solitude goes, hike an hour up one of the local mountain trails for a picnic spot with views that will take your breath away.

Wow, tough question. I think that I would take them to the Rogues Restaurant at Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club. It’s a wonderful restaurant with spectacular views, particularly in summer from their patio. Visiting all of Coquitlam is the real experience though. I wouldn’t settle on only one spot. So much to do and see and so many great restaurants, particularly lots of great ethnic restaurants.