About Port Coquitlam
Port Coquitlam, BC is a city located in the lower mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It makes up a part of the Metro Vancouver municipalities. It’s also considered a part of the Tri-Cities, which includes Port Moody, Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam.
The city has an approximate population of 61,498 according to the 2021 census. The area is mainly a suburban city with various shopping centres and parks nearby.
History of the City
Port Coquitlam has long been home for indigenous people, specifically the Coast Salish people, including the Kwikwetl’em. More farming began on the banks of the city when Europeans began settlement in the 1850s.
The city really began to grow after the 1920s where it became a popular city to move to for families looking for more space and the suburbia lifestyle.
Farm land in the area quickly expanded into space meant for living as the greater Vancouver areas expanded for more affordable places to live. Now, it’s a hub for a great mix of commercial and industrial businesses and families.
Appeal
Working Individuals
Considered to be a part of the Tri-Cities area (Port Moody, Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam) average rent for a 1 bedroom apartment is $1,308 and only goes up to $1,809 for a 3+ bedroom apartment according to CMHC 2021. Single detached homes sell for an average of $1,697,767 and apartments for an average of $654,733 according to Greater Vancouver REALTORS®.
Working families
Given the affordability and suburban lifestyle that Port Coquitlam has built, along with the great access to parks and amenities, the city attracts young and working families. Having a large trades-based job sector also helps attract those working families.
With a large single-detached home inventory, access to good schools and safe neighbourhoods, Port Coquitlam offers an affordable place for people to raise their families and grow up.
Top Places to See
Central Port Coquitlam
Central Port Coquitlam is exactly like it sounds. It’s the centre of the beautiful city, featuring a great mix of townhouses, condos and detached homes.
The best part about this neighbourhood would be its access to all the great restaurants, shopping and other amenities, for the perfect combination of urban living.
And you’ll still have easy access to all the nature that Port Coquitlam has to offer in a short drive.
Citadel
If you’re looking for a neighbourhood with a bit a view or access to water, Citadel may be the neighbourhood for you.
Featuring a mix of condos, townhouses and detached homes, access to the Fraser river and Pitt river is right near your doorstep. And given the higher elevation, you can get great views of the entire Coquitlam area from the Citadel area.
Glenwood
Glenwood is a unique neighbourhood in that it features condos and detached homes, with some townhomes. It borders the majors roads in Port Coquitlam and provides easy access to other areas of the city and public transit and transportation.
The majority of homes in this area are detached homes and condos, with a mix of new townhouses in development.
This neighbourhood is ideal for families or those that like easy access to all the great parks that Port Coquitlam has to offer.
Mary Hill
Mary Hill is a large suburban area that features mostly detached homes, with some townhomes.
Located outside the downtown area, this neighbourhood features quiet streets for those looking for a more peaceful area to live. There is still easy access to other amenities but a drive may be required.
Like other neighbourhoods, it has a great mix of elementary, middle schools and secondary schools.
Riverwood
Riverwood is located on the northeast side of Port Coquitlam and is mainly populated with townhouses and detached homes.
What makes this area appealing is the easy access the PoCo trail, schools, close amenities like grocery stores and close proximity of great elementary and secondary schools.
Things to do in Port Coquitlam
Colony Farm Regional Park
This is a classic spot for those who are looking for a nature walk in Port Coquitlam. It’s a great dog-friendly trail that offers access to the quiet nature and animal habitat, known to be home to over 200 bird species.
The trail is diverse and can be used for hikers and cyclists, offers access to open fields, wetlands and picnic areas, making it a great place for a family picnic.
There are several different trail options in the park so be sure to check a map before heading out as it’s not a continuous loop. The hike is mostly flat terrain so it’s suitable for any hiking level and even a great trail to bring a stroller with a small child.
Traboulay PoCo Trail
If you’re looking for a long trail, the Traboulay trail in Port Coquitlam is the perfect place to check out. Similar to the Colony Farm Regional Park, this area offers great views of the sprawling coastal mountain ranges and the Fraser and Pitt Rivers.
This trail is a long loop, so you can start at one end and finish where you began, no need to worry about finding your way around with different trails, compared to Colony Farm Regional Park.
Whether you’re a biker or a hiker, this trail is friendly to all and dogs are welcome when kept on a leash.
PoCo Heritage Museum
Get to know the history of Port Coquitlam through the amazing PoCo heritage museum. Perfect for a rainy day when the trails and parks get muddy, see the interesting history and cultural background that surrounds this city.
It’s been a long-standing element of Port Coquitlam that was built in 1988 to help preserve and history. Go and soak up the historical insights that the museum has to offer.
You can plan to spend about an hour to two hours in the museum, or longer if you’re looking to really understand the city and enjoy the quiet surroundings of the museum.
Gates Park
Gates park is much different than some of the other parks as it features well-maintained fields for soccer, baseball and other field sports. It also has an artificial turf, outdoor exercise equipment and playgrounds for the younger ones.
This park is more of a sports-based park, compared to some of the other more natured-based trails in Port Coquitlam.
If you want a mix of both a sports field and want to head into nature for a hike, this park actually hooks up with the Traboulay Trail. If you get hungry after a walk and afternoon on the fields, there is easy access to restaurants nearby for a bite to eat.
Leisure and Hobbies
Get out in nature
With the multiple different trails, parks and access to beautiful and sprawling forests and parks, Port Coquitlam is perfect for those who like to get out in nature.
There are a total of 266 acers of parkland and nature. Many of the hikes and nature walks are friendly for all and offer great outdoor spaces for families and a weekend picnic.
Check out the car show
The city is also famous for it’s annual car show, attracting over 400 different collector cars and enthusiasts. It’s a huge event for the city as it attracts over 70,000 people to the downtown of Port Coquitlam, well over the city’s own general population!
Get active
Port Coquitlam is also known for its numerous tennis parks, basketball parks, outdoor pools and recreation areas for hockey, biking, skateboarding and many other sports.
There are also several turf and ball fields to play some softball or soccer with friends and family.
Education
School District 43 educates the Port Coquitlam neighbourhoods, with 2 public secondary schools, 4 private schools, 5 middle schools, and 14 elementary schools. With 32,000 students spread over the Tri-Cities area.
While there isn’t a university in Port Coquitlam, it’s close to the David Lam Campus of Douglas College, and close access to Simon Fraser University on Burnaby Mountain. Both these schools are about a 10-to-20-minute drive (2 to 10 km. away, respectively).
Future of Port Coquitlam
The future of Port Coquitlam is bright! The city is favourable to new developments and developments coming into the city to help the area grow and thrive.
More townhouses and condo buildings are being developed to add to Port Coquitlam’s density. While offering a great mix of housing options with the large base of detached homes already available.
The City of Port Coquitlam has been vocal in its desire for a Skytrain extension and in 2022, Metro Vancouver Mayors have agreed to adopt a new 10-year transportation plan which will visit the idea of a PoCo Skytrain extension which could provide quick access to other parts of Metro Vancouver and the downtown core. Port Coquitlam is becoming a hot spot for new families and even those working professionals looking to buy a more affordable home.
