Wayward wanderers can find everything from rugged wilderness to calm forest strolls. Home to local flora and fauna, Coquitlam hiking trails are lined with moss-covered branches and towering cedars, offering respite on every trail. Always let someone know before you go and don’t forget to bring the 10 Essentials.
If you’re looking for a challenging experience with steep terrain in a dense forest setting, try the Ridge Park Trails on Westwood Plateau. The trails can be accessed from a number of locations including Parkway Boulevard and Hampton Park. These trails total approximately 23 km and while many have manageable slopes, take care on gravel surfaces and steeper sections. Accessible by transit, this trail system offers scenic, forested hiking with bountiful wildlife. Map the trails at trailsbc.ca
Hike the Coquitlam Crunch, a heart pumping outdoor stair-climb trail with a net elevation of 242 metres leading up Westwood Plateau. This challenging fitness trail starts at the base of Westwood Plateau and climbs 2.2 km to the summit on Eagle Ridge Dr. Start by climbing more than 400 stairs followed by an uphill hike, with the entire loop taking approximately 1-1.5 hours to complete. The Crunch is open year round and is free of charge. Free parking is available off Lansdowne Dr. and it’s also accessible by transit from Coquitlam Central SkyTrain station. For trail route information, visit coquitlam.ca/crunch
Interested in spectacular views, old-growth forest and incredible wildlife? This 200-hectare park is home to 150 species of birds as well as beavers, black bears and singing bullfrogs. Hiking trails range from a flat path throughout the expansive wetland into forest to an uphill climb to the High Knoll lookout offering a mind-blowing wilderness view (allow yourself at least 2 ½ hours round-trip). Map your trail at vancouvertrails.com
This beautiful park offers rugged hiking adventures for experienced hikers, with great views from higher elevations. The Woodland Walk Trail is a favourite, leading to the stunning Sawblade Falls. This is an approximately 8 km trek round-trip. Due to its remote trails, hikers are advised to trek in groups with knowledgeable leaders or join a Coquitlam hiking group. Map your trail with vancouvertrails.com
Colony Farm’s flat and steady trails are perfect for walkers, cyclists and strollers. With wide-open vistas, hedgerows and wetlands, this regional park provides shelter to more than 200 bird species as well as other animal species. Showcasing spectacular views of the river, fields and mountains, this is the perfect place for a picnic and washrooms can be found near the community garden. Map your trails with vancouvertrails.com.
This nature haven is enjoyed by cyclists, walkers, joggers and equestrians. Revel in 4 km of wetlands and berry farms with stunning views of coastal mountains and wildlife sightings guaranteed to wow. This is also a renowned bird watching area frequented by bald eagles, hummingbirds and king fishers. Map your trail here.
Idyllic forested trails and paved pedestrian paths mean joggers can lace-up and burn off steam rain or shine.
Easy Runs:
- Como Lake Park (700 Gatensbury St.)
- DeBoville Slough (4100 Cedar Dr.)
- Town Centre Park (1299 Pinetree Way)
Intermediate Runs:
- Mundy Park (641 Hillcrest St.)
- Coquitlam River Park (1190 Shaughnessy St.)
- Colony Farm Regional Park (Colony Farm Rd. & Hwy. 7)
Advanced Runs:
- Coquitlam Crunch (Eagle Ridge Park to Eagle Mountain Dr.)
- Minnekhada Regional Park (off of Oliver Rd.)
- High Knoll (off of Oliver Rd.)
Are you new to hiking or don’t know Coquitlam’s trails? Joining a group is a great way to meet new people and explore the wilderness, whether you’re a beginner interested in short walks to an adventurer seeking new challenges.
- The City of Coquitlam’s outdoor recreation programs include guided hikes led by experienced leaders. You’ll explore new sights while getting outdoors in safe, organized groups.
- The Burke Mountain Naturalists also conduct guided hikes. Non-members are able to join them three times at no cost before becoming a member.
- Dogwood Pavilion offers a number of groups for those over age 50, with varying distances for all abilities. Visit the City’s Dogwood Pavilion page to read about the 50 plus groups, clubs and programs.