Sport event organizers suggest their top things to see and do between games

So you’re heading to Coquitlam to attend a sporting event. Perhaps you haven’t been here before, or maybe you’re looking for things to do between games?

Whether you’re one of the players, or among the crowds cheering from the stands, you’re probably wondering: What are the best things to see and do in Coquitlam? Where can you grab a bite to eat?

Well, don’t just hear it from us! We asked the event organizers to tell us what they suggest. Here’s what we found out.

Also check out our list of major upcoming sporting events.

Scope out the Adanacs and fuel up

Garrett Ungaro, president of Coquitlam Minor Lacrosse Association and co-chair of the CLA Lacrosse Nationals Committee, says the top athletes from each of the provinces will coming here to compete Aug. 20-24 in the Canadian Minor Lacrosse National Championships.

“They often want to take in an Adanacs Junior A or Senior A lacrosse game going on at that time,” says Ungaro. “Many of them come from provinces where there is no Jr A or Sr A so they want to see what those leagues are like. They will also go out for team lunches/dinners. A popular one is MR MIKES Steakhouse Casual at Coquitlam Centre. They look after large teams and give great service for a full team.”

Things to do in City Centre near Town Centre Park

Sherri Taylor, executive director of Flip City Gymnastics Club and organizer of the 2019 Artistic Gymnastics BC Championships (April 12-14), also gives Mr Mikes a thumbs up: “My recommendation while in Coquitlam is to enjoy a fabulous meal at MR MIKES Steakhouse Casual. The food is amazing and the restaurants support local community events. I recommend the fresh tomato bruschetta to start and then the 6 oz. sirloin with the fixings.”

Larissa Lapierre, president of Tri Cities Female Hockey Association and organizer of the BC Hockey Bantam Female Provincial Championships (March 20-24), suggests exploring Town Centre Park. Fun fact: Lafarge Lake, within the park, was once the site of a rock quarry. Today it’s a popular spot for playing sports, running track and walking around the lake.

Lapierre says: “I recommend grabbing a coffee and walking around Lafarge Lake. I think this piece of nature in the middle of our city is amazing!”

(Tip! You’ll also find free table tennis [BYO ball/rackets] and foosball tables outside Percy Perry Stadium. The park also has a playground, skatepark and splash park. It’s a short walk away to a number of cafés on Pinetree Way, including Caffé Divano and PappaRoti.)

Things to do near Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex

Joe Saloustros, head coach and director of business operations at Inside Edge Hockey Training, who is organizing the Pacific Spring Showcase (May 3-5), suggests paying a visit to a local deli that specializes in fresh panini, salads and deli items including Italian charcuterie. He likes to follow it up with a walk through one of Coquitlam’s finest urban parks. “During games at our tournaments I always recommend having lunch at Rocco’s Deli and then going for a walk around Mundy Park,” he says.

Derek Larmour, vice-president of operations at Coquitlam-Moody Ringette and organizer of the Teddy Bear Classics (March 16-18), also recommends exploring Mundy Park. This greenspace includes 5.5 km of trails across 178 hectares of West Coast forest. His tip? “I like to grab a coffee at the Starbucks on Como Lake and head to Mundy Park for a walk,” he says.

Corinne Jones, who also coordinates the event, says players often spend time at Poirier Sport & Recreation Complex. The facility has ice skating year-round, a six-lane lap pool, leisure therapy pool, steam room and sauna, to list a few highlights.

“For the out-of-town teams, we offer them some fun ideas such as swimming – a great, fun team activity – and it gives parents a bit of a break too. We also direct them to Mundy Park, weather permitting, to play in the playgrounds or just walk the trails – mostly to burn off some of their energy,” she says.

But wait, there’s more

Here are some more ideas – from indoor activities to an outdoor fitness hike.

FOOD & DRINK

For a huge selection of restaurants in City Centre, take a walk down Glen Drive, where you’ll find more than a dozen establishments ranging from Korean and Japanese to Filipino, Persian and vegan. For more ideas, visit our Eat & Drink page to explore the listings of more than 300 restaurants throughout the city.

DO THE CRUNCH

One local rite of passage is the Coquitlam Crunch. Follow the steep trail to the top of Westwood Plateau at Eagle Mountain. This incline gains 250 metres in 2.2 km – the equivalent to 81 storeys!

WAVE POOL

City Centre Aquatic Complex is located just steps from Town Centre Park. Kids love the wave pool with water sprays and lazy river, rope swing and waterslide. Also check out the Olympic-sized lap pool, sauna, steam room, whirlpool and fitness centre.

GO SHOPPING

Not only are there two malls in City Centre, but plenty of local boutiques and plazas where you can hunt for your next treasure. Scope out your options.

FUN GROUP ACTIVITIES

Looking for an activity to conquer with your teammates? How about breaking out of an Escape Room? Or climbing Metro Vancouver’s largest indoor climbing wall? Or lining up a strike at the 5- and 10-pin bowling lanes? Get more information about these – and more – great activities.

HOTEL OPTIONS

Coquitlam has three hotels as well as a number of bed and breakfast options, so you can find something for any budget.

Looking for more tips? Follow @visitcoquitlam on social media for local intel and upcoming event information.

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