According to TripAdvisor, Central Coquitlam is home to two of the top three things to do in Coquitlam. So, if you haven’t paid a visit to this leafy neighbourhood recently, lace up your runners and get ready to walk, run or roll.
So, which three places rank as our city’s top attractions, you may wonder? Number one is Lafarge Lake (that’s in City Centre – about 10-15 minutes away). And numbers two and three are right here in Central Coquitlam: Mundy Park and Como Lake Park.
Let’s Go to the Park
Como Lake Park: Como Lake Park is a popular fishing area, which is stocked with rainbow trout throughout the year. You can float around in a small boat or simply cast a line off the dock or shore. This pretty lake (home of the famous SD43 Como Lake Relays) features a flat 1-km lakeside loop trail, offering an easy walk for a casual stroll, suitable for all abilities, as well as a great new playground for kids up to 12 years old, including a special tot play area.
Mundy Park: Go for a nature walk in Mundy Park – home to owls, deer, butterflies and even black bears – with an extensive 16 km trail system. This vast 178-hectare natural space is a popular spot for dog walking, with an off-leash area and trails. Shorter walks on the interior trails will guide visitors on a scenic loop around Mundy Lake or to the viewing benches at Lost Lake.
Eat & Drink
Shop local, enjoy a coffee and a variety of restaurant choices at the two main neighbourhood plazas, Como Lake Village (1960 Como Lake Avenue) and Austin Station (2662 Austin Avenue).
Doppio Zero Pizza: Dine al fresco and enjoy Neapolitan pizza or pasta on the new patio at this local favourite. Located at 1655 Como Lake Avenue.
Doughnut Love: Handmade fresh daily, think craft beer but these are craft doughnuts to pair with coffee. Opening June 2021 at 1655 Como Lake Avenue.
Mundy Park Bakery: Located in Como Lake Village, this family-owned and operated bakery is a great place for a sweet treat in Central Coquitlam.
Sushi U Plus: Located in Como Lake Village, this new Sushi restaurant is a great place to stop for some take out for a picnic in the park.
Zhou’s Chinese Restaurant: For more filling fare, grab some Chinese take-out. They recommend the BBQ Pork Foo Young, assorted Seafood Chop Suey, or Szechuan Fried Noodles.
Tops Chef: Located in Austin Station, not only will you find your typical breads and pastries at this bakery, but they also feature traditional Persian and Iranian flavours and recipes.
See & Do
How about a little playtime? Here are some activities for the entire family that are free or super affordable.
Disc Golf: Mundy Park boasts a permanent free nine-hole disc golf course located at 655 Hillcrest St. Simply drop by with your disc (frisbee) to give it a spin. For more information about the sport in B.C., visit BC Disc Sports.
Go for a swim: Spani Outdoor Pool, located in Mundy Park, is available for pre-booked visits this summer (visit the City of Coquitlam for details).
Smell the Roses: Stop and smell the 900-plus roses at the Centennial Rose Garden & Canadian Heritage Rose Garden, one of the few remaining formal rose gardens in Western Canada.
Go fishing: Try to catch a trout at Como Lake Park. Learn more about fishing in Coquitlam.
Coquitlam Farmers Market: On Sundays, don’t miss the Coquitlam Farmers Market, where you can pick up local produce and locally crafted food items or order lunch at an on-site food truck. It’s held weekly from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 575 Poirier St. behind the Poirier Public Library.
Trail Run or Walk: The cool shaded trails of Mundy Park are a great place to escape the summer heat – go early morning for an even cooler time
Bike: Bike the trails of Mundy Park, check out the Bike Skills Park and progress to the flow trails across the street in Riverview Forest
Indoor recreation: Watch the website about the reopening of the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex, which offers skating, swimming, sports and recreational classes and more.
Be Bear Smart
Going for a walk in Mundy Park or other forested areas this summer? Please be aware that Coquitlam is home to bears and other urban wildlife. If you see a bear:
- Stop and remain calm. Often the bear is just passing through and will simply move on.
- Do not scream or run.
- Make yourself look big.
- Talk in a low and calm voice while backing away slowly.
- Keep away from the bear and warn others to do the same.
- For more tips, visit coquitlam.ca/wildlife.
Have fun exploring! Share your photos with us on social media by tagging #explorecoquitlam. And if you have something to add to this list, email us at tourism@coquitlam.ca.