As summer beckons and the health orders ease, Tri-City News reporters are offering their top picks for outdoor fun during the warmer months.
KYLE BALZER
Traboulay PoCo Trail: “The mountain views of Baker and Golden Ears are incredible and great for photo ops with family.”
Town Centre Park: “I’ve written about the park as a new reporter to the News, but haven’t had the chance to take in its activities and scenery as an everyday citizen — not to mention ice cream is coming soon!”
Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club: “I played this course with my high school senior golf team and haven’t been back since, so it’ll provide a good test to my own game.”
Diez Vistas Trail: “As I’ve been told, nothing beats Buntzen Lake’s view, especially from one of the peaks along the 12.7-kilometre hiking route — sorry in advance to my legs for its difficult rating.”
Colony Farm Regional Park: “As I understand, parking here can be tricky, but that it’s worth the wait for what the site has to offer for walkers, bikers and runners.”
MARIO BARTEL
Sunnyside Road: “This isn’t a new destination, but the pavement is, and as a road cyclist, it beckons me for a revisit. Be forewarned, though, the climb from 1st Avenue is deceptively difficult and may sap your will to live.”
Gatensbury Road: “Again, not a new destination, but with a good cycling season already in my legs, it may be time to see if I can set myself a Strava personal best on one of the most challenging ascents in the Tri-Cities.”
Traboulay PoCo Trail and the dikes around Minnekhada Regional Park: “A great destination for a family cycling outing, as the only climbing you’ll have to do is in and out of your vehicle if you’re driving to get there. Plus, there’s craft beer and pizza just off the trail.”
The Great Trail: “If you have a gravel or all-road bike, this flowing, single-track trail from the entrance of Reed Point Marina to Short Street is a blast from the past, like old-school cross-country mountain biking when Y-foil frames were still a thing.”
Coquitlam Farmers Market: “Pandemic safety plans took some of the steam out of our ardour for farmers markets. But it’s strawberry season and the market’s new, larger location and traffic plan makes long lines less likely.”
JANIS CLEUGH
Coquitlam River: “Both the Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam sides of the trail provide a respite from the sun with their large tree canopies. It’s the best escape to cool the mind, too, and soothe the senses with the natural hum of the environment.”
Port Moody Inlet: “For date night, we grab the kayaks and set off for a couple of hours, watching for seals, purple martins and other critters. It’s also a great workout for the arms.”
səmiq̓ʷəʔelə/Riverview: “It may be going through a master planning process but the century-old site is open to the public — and photography for personal use is allowed. Check out the historical buildings, world-class arboretum and Finnie’s Garden on the 244 acres.”
Lions Park: “As part of the city of Port Coquitlam’s artist-in-residency program at the popular park, Dolores Altin and Elvira Monteforte are dressing up the trees this summer for their Social Connection installation, inspired by the work of UBC forestry researcher Suzanne Simard.”
Pinecone Burke Provincial Park: “In memory of the late Port Coquitlam resident Don Gillespie, we’ll be heading deep into the woods via the Woodland Walk and the Coquitlam Lake View Trail, which the environmental champion helped to carve years ago.”
DIANE STRANDBERG
Mundy Park: “I have a dog so any place I can go with her off-leash safely is a great destination in my books. In Coquitlam, I love to go to Mundy Park off-leash dog park and the off-leash circuit.”
Castle Park: “I love the open-air feeling of this park, and you’re allowed to sip an alcohol brew here if you’re over 19. There are picnic tables, washrooms and an unfenced leash-optional area for pooches.”
Westhill Park: “I love visiting the Westhill off-leash dog park. It’s a 2.2-kilometre hike down and back amidst a forested trail. There’s plenty of parking and an outdoor pool, covered lacrosse/ball hockey rink and a large soccer/softball field with a running path around it.”
Admiralty Point Trail: “This short hike in Belcarra Regional Park gives you a chance to enjoy the forest with an ocean view, and while there is no large beach, there is an opportunity to dip your toes in Burrard Inlet. The trail has very little elevation change and is perfect for families.”
Buntzen Lake: “Although I stay away on hot busy days, a visit to Buntzen Lake is always on my summer to-do list, especially in the evenings when it’s still bright out and the sun reflects off the lake.”
