Sunday, June 21 is time to celebrate Dad. And while you could stick to the standard neckties and mugs, here’s an even better list that will also help you #SupportLocal and explore local this Father’s Day.
Taste
Take advantage of newly-opened Coquitlam patios and treat your dad to some of his favourite drinks and appies.
Enjoy Coquitlam’s New Patios
Why not head to some of Coquitlam’s newest patios, made possible through a new temporary outdoor expansion permit program. Enjoy dining al fresco with true Neapolitan pizza and pasta dishes at Doppio Zero Pizza. Or take the family to Kook’s Cooks on Austin Avenue, where they specialize in breakfast and brunch. And Me-n-Eds Coquitlam has just opened a new, beautiful wood-framed outdoor seating area. Opening June 19th is the new patio at Polito’s Latin American Cuisine and Bar.
For more patio options, be sure to check out our list of open patios in Coquitlam.
Takeout, Dine-In and Sip
Coquitlam is home to over 200 restaurants with options ranging from pub fare, pizza and sushi to Brazilian, Korean and Filipino cuisines. Take your pick from our list of Coquitlam restaurants offering takeout, delivery, dine-in, and patio service at visitcoquitlam.ca/eat-drink. Here are some to try with Dad this Father’s Day.
Takeout from Woking Dragon China Bistro
This chop suey house serves a variety of Chinese dishes. Try the classics including Egg Foo Yong, and Sweet and Sour Pork, or we recommend making your own stir-fry bowl, with your choice of protein served over steamed rice, market-fresh vegetables, and your choice of house made sauces. Whatever you choose, all dishes match perfectly with their house-made spring rolls.
101 – 1196 Lansdowne Drive, 604-942-1482, www.wokingdragon.ca
Dine-in at Fairways Grill & Patio
Take in views of Mount Baker in a spectacular golf setting while savouring a delicious pan-seared salmon or biting in to a warm goat cheese croquette. With a diverse menu, you and Dad will be sure to find something you love.
1630 Parkway Boulevard, 604-941-4219, www.westwoodplateaugolf.com
Sips from Mariner Brewing
Want to bring the sips home to your Dad for his special day? Pick up a pack of craft beer from Mariner Brewing on Barnet Highway. Pick his favourite from the extensive list of creative flavours including Ohana Pale Ale with Hawaiian Baby Ginger, Venture Pineapple Sour, or stick with the popular Polaris Northeast IPA or Orion Premium Lager.
H – 1100 Lansdowne Drive, 604-467-4160, www.marinerbrewing.ca
Tackle
Coquitlam is host to both lake and river fishing, with multiple locations in each corner of the city.
Lake Fishing
Coquitlam has two easy-to-access urban lakes. Reel in your catch at Como Lake in Central Coquitlam or Lafarge Lake at Town Centre Park. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC stocks them with rainbow trout each year. Hungry after fishing? Both lakes are close to many local restaurants and retail so you will not have to go far to eat or shop.
River Fishing
Try your luck at Maquabeak Park on the banks of the Fraser River, or Coquitlam River, with Cutthroat Trout and Dolly Varden swimming most of the year. Bonus – even if you don’t hook a fish, you will enjoy the magnificent scenery regardless.
Before you Go
Want to check when the Coquitlam lakes were last stocked with Rainbow Trout? Visit the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC website.
Need to pick up some new gear? Be sure to pay Sea-Run Fly & Tackle a visit. Their staff will be sure to set you up with everything you need to get the catch.
Play by the rules – whether you choose to fish at a Coquitlam lake or river, if you are above the age of 16, you will need a fishing licence. Acquire a licence for lake fishing through the Government of B.C. website, but if river fishing is your style, you must apply through the Government of Canada website. For local fishing tips you can contact Sea Fly Run and Tackle.
Trails
Some say that Coquitlam’s best-used recreation facility is the 90+ kilometers of trail systems through our city. Whether you choose to venture by foot or by two-wheels, you can be sure to find a trail to suit your activity with Dad.
Walking Trails
Get close to nature side by side on our many beautiful walking trails. Enjoy the Riverview Forest Loop or take your pick from multiple trails or routes at Mundy Park. Choose a longer walk along the Perimeter Trail, or a shorter stroll along the Mundy Lake Loop or Nitinat Trail. If Dad wants to bring your four-legged sibling along too, enjoy certain trails off-leash from dawn until 10 a.m. or all day on the specified off leash trails.
Lace up for maximum comfort with good quality walking shoes from the many athletic and footwear stores at Coquitlam Centre, including Sport Chek and Foot Locker.
Hiking Trails
Minnekhada Regional Park has close to 10km of trails reaching two lookouts – the low knoll and the high knoll. Up for the challenge? To reach the high knoll lookout, make your way through rolling trails with some steep inclines and winding staircases of tree roots. Once you reach the top, look out at the Pitt River, blueberry fields, and the Deboville Slough. The park is also home to the Minnekhada lodge, an elegant heritage building.
Ensure you go prepared and get your hiking gear at Atmosphere or The North Face, both at Coquitlam Centre.
Learn more about Coquitlam’s walking, running and hiking trails here.
Biking Trails
Whether you like mountain biking or city cycling, Coquitlam has you covered. Enjoy the network of trails through Burke Mountain and Pinecone Burke Provincial Park, best accessed by Harper Road. If city cycling is what you and Dad choose, be sure to refer to the Tri-Cities Cycling Map to steer you on your way. Coquitlam has dedicated bike lanes, shared roadways, multi-use pathways, and exclusive bike routes.
Want more resources on biking in the Tri-Cities? Check out this guide from Let’s Go Biking for ideas on where you can ride in Coquitlam, and don’t forget to look at TORCA’s Beginner’s Guide to Mountain Biking if you are taking your first ride down the slope.
Looking for the latest parts and accessories before your Father’s Day spin? Check out Kinetik Cycles on Barnet Highway or Canadian Tire on Lougheed Highway.
Whether you’re celebrating your dad, stepdad, father-in-law or family friend, whoever your father figure is be sure to show them your love and appreciation. Thank you, Dads!
Are you a local business who would like to add your information to this list? Tell us about it! Email tourism@coquitlam.ca.
To find out about more open businesses in Coquitlam, visit the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce’s Open for Business list and the Austin Heights BIA. Also check out Visit Coquitlam’s growing list of restaurants to choose from throughout Coquitlam.