Escape the modern world and get back to basics. Experience how people lived during the early 1900s, or check out one of the largest collections of vintage radios in North America. We’ll get you off the grid.
The Coquitlam Heritage Society’s Mackin House is one of the last remaining homes originally built for the Fraser River Sawmill Company. It was built in 1909 for Henry James Mackin, the mill’s general manager, and his family, and today operates as a museum run by the Coquitlam Heritage Society. Drop by to explore the home and learn how local families lived during the early 1900s. The rooms include furniture from the Edwardian era and a large collection of toys from the early 1900s. Tours are available year-round and are offered in English or French. Admission is by donation.
Address: 1116 Brunette Ave.
Radio is alive and well at the S.P.A.R.C. Radio Museum (Society for the Preservation of Antique Radio in Canada), located on the Riverview Lands. This unique museum has one of the largest collections of vintage radios in North America and a vintage broadcast booth where you can hear old radio programs.
Experience the significant role radio played in history. You can see a replica of the radio room that was on the Carpathia, the vessel that was the first to receive SOS signals from the Titanic. Tours are available, by donation, most Sundays from 10 am – 4 pm.
Address: 500 Lougheed Hwy.
The Riverview Arboretum, within the 244-acre Riverview Hospital grounds, includes a collection of more than 1,800 trees of historical significance that were planted during the early 1900s. It was established by B.C.’s first provincial botanist, John Davidson, who was charged with cultivating a representative sample of plants from all parts of the province.
Volunteers from the Riverview Horticultural Centre Society conduct free public walking tours weekly during summer to raise awareness of this spectacular collection. They also host Treefest every fall to invite the community to learn about the site’s history and the arboretum.
Address: 2601 Lougheed Hwy.
Sports fans visiting Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex will love scoping out the Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame. Containing more than 1,000 square feet of displays and memorabilia honouring Coquitlam’s athletes, teams and volunteers.
Check out the display on Lui Passaglia of the BC Lions, who played a record 408 regular season games, as well as Olympian track and field athlete Leah Pells, soccer player Craig Forrest, and so much more. 2017 inductees included soccer player Carlo Corazzin, CFL player Nick Hebeler, the Centennial Centaurs senior girls basketball team, and key sporting volunteers.
The Hall of Fame serves as the grand entry to the multi-purpose Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex.
Address: 633 Poirier St.