· CA

Coquitlam

Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada

Escape to Coquitlam: Where Urban Excitement Meets Natural Beauty Nestled between the majestic Coast Mountains and the sparkling waters of the Burrard Inlet, Coquitlam, British Columbia, offers a unique blend of urban exc…

#Suburban#Green spaces#Family-friendly#Mountain views#Outdoor activities

1/5

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Coquitlam.

Top Hotels in Coquitlam

Top Flights to Coquitlam

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Coquitlam.

Tours

Art and Heritage Walk

Immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring art installations and heritage sites.

Shopping

Shop at Coquitlam Centre

Visit Coquitlam's largest shopping mall offering a variety of stores from fashion to electronics.

Outdoor

Explore Coquitlam's Nature

Discover the stunning natural landscapes of Coquitlam with park visits, hiking, and outdoor activities.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Coquitlam.

Currency

$ | CAD | Canadian Dollar

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada is 147,708.

Languages

English, English

Average weather

Coquitlam

Jan

6°1°

Feb

8°1°

Mar

11°3°

Apr

14°5°

May

18°8°

Jun

21°11°

Jul

24°13°

Aug

24°13°

Sep

20°10°

Oct

14°6°

Nov

9°3°

Dec

6°1°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Coquitlam.

What people love

There are several pros to traveling to Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada:

Scenic Beauty: Coquitlam is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, forests, and rivers. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Outdoor Recreation: Coquitlam offers a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities, including several parks, trails, and sports facilities. Whether you enjoy golfing, swimming, or simply relaxing in nature, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Cultural Diversity: Coquitlam is a diverse and multicultural city, with a vibrant community that celebrates its cultural heritage through festivals, events, and cuisine. Visitors can explore different cultural attractions, shops, and restaurants throughout the city.
Shopping and Dining: Coquitlam has a variety of shopping centers, markets, and dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether you're looking for local specialties or international cuisines, you'll find a wide selection of restaurants and eateries to choose from.
Convenient Location: Coquitlam is located in close proximity to Vancouver, making it easy to access the city's attractions and amenities. Visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds by staying in Coquitlam while also exploring nearby destinations like Whistler, Victoria, and the Gulf Islands.

Overall, traveling to Coquitlam offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and convenient amenities that make it a great destination for visitors of all ages and interests.

What to know

Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada is a beautiful city with many attractions and activities to offer visitors. However, like any travel destination, there are some potential drawbacks to consider when traveling to Coquitlam. Here are a few cons to keep in mind:

Weather: Coquitlam experiences a relatively mild and rainy climate, especially during the fall and winter months. This can make outdoor activities less enjoyable and limit the time spent exploring the city.
Transportation: While Coquitlam is well-connected by public transportation, including buses and the SkyTrain, getting around the city and surrounding areas may require some planning and time, especially if you are not familiar with the area.
Cost of Living: British Columbia, in general, has a higher cost of living compared to other provinces in Canada. This can impact the prices of accommodations, dining, and activities in Coquitlam, making it a more expensive destination for travelers.
Crowds: During peak tourist seasons, Coquitlam can get crowded, especially in popular areas like parks, shopping centers, and restaurants. This can lead to longer wait times and less peaceful experiences.
Limited Nightlife: While Coquitlam has a variety of dining options and some entertainment venues, it may not offer as vibrant a nightlife scene as larger cities like Vancouver. If you are looking for a bustling nightlife, you may need to travel to nearby cities.

Overall, Coquitlam is a charming city with much to offer visitors, but it's essential to consider these potential cons when planning your trip.

Coquitlam, located in British Columbia, Canada, is a city with a rich history that reflects both its Indigenous heritage and its development as part of the Greater Vancouver area.

Early History

Indigenous Peoples: The area that is now Coquitlam has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The Kwikwetlem First Nation, part of the larger Coast Salish peoples, traditionally lived in this region. The name "Coquitlam" is derived from the Kwikwetlem word meaning "red fish up the river," referring to the plentiful sockeye salmon that run in the local rivers.

European Settlement

1800s: European interest in the area began in the early 19th century. Simon Fraser, an explorer and fur trader, passed through the area in 1808. The Hudson's Bay Company established a trading post nearby in Fort Langley in 1827, which increased European presence.
1858: The Fraser River Gold Rush brought more settlers and development to the region.

Development and Growth

Late 1800s: The construction of roads and railways in the late 19th century facilitated further settlement. Coquitlam was formally incorporated as a district municipality in 1891.
1909: The Canadian Western Lumber Company established a significant mill in nearby Fraser Mills, attracting workers and contributing to population growth. This area, now part of Coquitlam, was a major employer and led to the development of a diverse community, including a significant number of French Canadians and immigrants from other parts of the world.

20th Century Expansion

1950s-1970s: The post-war period saw rapid suburban expansion. Infrastructure developments, such as the Lougheed Highway, and the completion of the Trans-Canada Highway, aided in transforming Coquitlam from a rural community into a suburban city.
1971: Coquitlam was designated a city, reflecting its growth and urbanization.

Recent Developments

21st Century: Coquitlam has continued to grow, becoming a vibrant suburban city within Metro Vancouver. The development of the Evergreen Extension of the SkyTrain in 2016 has improved connectivity and spurred further growth and development.

Important Landmarks

Mundy Park: One of the largest urban parks in the region, offering trails and recreational facilities.
Town Centre Park: A popular spot featuring Lafarge Lake and various community events.
Mackin House Museum: A heritage site that offers a glimpse into the early 20th-century life in the area.
Hard Rock Casino Vancouver: Providing entertainment and contributing to the local economy.

Notable Figures

Maillardville Settlers: The French Canadian settlers who came to work at Fraser Mills were pivotal in establishing a unique cultural community known as Maillardville, which remains a vibrant part of Coquitlam's cultural heritage.

Coquitlam today is a dynamic, multicultural city known for its parks, cultural diversity, and as a family-friendly area within the Greater Vancouver region.