By Brittany Tiplady

‘Tis the season for ubiquitous social media photos, Instagram stories, and Snapchats of holiday parties, outings, and events. Amongst the many options to get into the festive spirit in Metro Vancouver is the Lights at Lafarge.

Conveniently located only 140 metres from the Lafarge Lake-Douglas Evergreen line station, the Lights at Lafarge the largest free outdoor lights display in the lower mainland. Free, being the operative word. Enjoy the display after dusk while going for a light stroll around the LaFarge Lake – a suitable and lovely outing for families, couples, and dog owners.

Image courtesy of the City of Coquitlam

 

As we enter the winter months, and temperatures drop, warming up after your walk through the Lights at Lafarge is essential. Browse through this selection of restaurants, cafes, and watering holes nearby.

Pappa Roti
Unit 100 – 1196 Pinetree Way
If you haven’t given these fluffy, decadent, Malaysian style buns a chance-now is the time! Warm up with a coffee, and a treat in Pappa Roti’s cozy, and comforting cafe atmosphere.  Open seven days a week.

Oz Korean
Unit 112 – 1190 Pinetree Way
The spot for Korean fried chicken in Coquitlam, Oz Korean is a short walk from the Lights at Lafarge.  Stop in to warm up after your stroll through the lights, for a plate of crunchy, spicy and perfectly moist chicken. Order the “Half and Half” for a taste of the original fried chicken and the sweet chili. Open 7 days a week.

Mariner Brewing
H-1100 Landsdowne Drive
Well worth the drive is Coquitlam’s first and so far, only craft brewery, Mariner Brewing. This nautical-themed tasting room is a sweet spot to grab a quality brew, gourmet hotdog, or hot spinach dip after a jaunt around LaFarge Lake. Highly recommended: Order the Northeast IPA, a tropical, juicy IPA with a bold (and not too bitter!) finish.

Check out our feature on Mariner Brewing here.

Image courtesy of Mariner Brewing

La Ruota
1168 The High Street
Walk, no, run, only 20 minutes to La Ruota’s artisan, hand-crafted, Neopolitan style pizzas. Open seven days a week, you can order a La Ruota pie to-go ahead of time and enjoy at home. Recommended: The Capicola, a divine marriage of mozzarella, fior di latte, grana padano, capicolla, and mushroom.

Titi Homemade Food
1196 Pinetree Way
This way to delicious, authentic, reasonably priced Persian food in the heart of Coquitlam’s city centre, and just a short walk away from Lafarge Park. The aroma of the grill will draw you in, and your tastebuds will be rewarded. Try the koobideh, a traditional Persian dish of amazingly flavourful minced meat kebabs.  And be sure to ask for sharing plates as servings are generous.  Open 7 days a week.

Image courtesy of the City of Coquitlam

Craving something onsite? Grab a bite from one of the onsite food trucks serving from 5 – 9 pm. Food service will be available on both sides of the lake.