Coquitlam, Canada
Region: British Columbia
Geographic Coordinates: 49.283900, -122.792000
Temperature Range: -40.0°C to 40.0°C (-40°F to 104°F)
Climate: Climate and weather patterns in Coquitlam, Canada vary throughout the year.
Population: 139284
Language: English
Coquitlam is a city in British Columbia, Canada, Located in the Lower Mainland region. It sits on the banks of the Coquitlam River and is bordered by Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Burnaby and New Westminster. With over 150, 000 residents, It’s one of Metro Vancouver’s largest cities. Originally a logging community, Coquitlam was incorporated in 1891 and was known for its sawmills and timber industry. Today it has evolved into an urban center with excellent amenities.
Coquitlam boasts over 80 parks and green spaces including Mundy Park – one of Metro Vancouver’s largest urban parks – which covers over 400 acres. Other popular outdoor destinations include Lafarge Lake, Como Lake Park, Colony Farm Regional Park and Minnekhada Regional Park. The Evergreen Cultural Centre hosts an array of performances throughout the year including theatre productions, Dance shows concerts and art exhibitions while Place des Arts offers classes in visual arts such as painting or pottery making.
For shopping or dining out there are plenty options available within Coquitlam’s many commercial districts such as Austin Heights or Lougheed Town Centre Mall which offer everything from chain stores to independent boutiques along with cafes restaurants offering cuisines from around world.
Sports enthusiasts will also find much to appreciate about this Canadian gem; there are numerous sports facilities within reach that cater for anyone looking for some exercise whether it be at Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex or Percy Perry Stadium where they can watch local teams play soccer games Overall coquiltam provides an ideal mix of urban and natural landscapes that makes it a great place to live work and visit. With its rich history cultural offerings outdoor activities friendly community spirit Coquitlam is a city that truly has something for everyone.’
Important Landmarks
- Coquitlam Crunch
- Lafarge Lake
- Minnekhada Regional Park
- Mundy Park
- Place des Arts
- Hard Rock Casino Vancouver
- Como Lake Park
- Pinecone Burke Provincial Park
- Mackin House Museum
- Coquitlam Centre Mall
Primary Industries
Major Industries and Businesses in Coquitlam, Canada
- Technology
- Health care
- Education
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Transportation
- Tourism & Hospitality
1. Technology
Coquitlam is home to many technology companies that specialize in software development firms, telecommunications providers and hardware manufacturers. This industry provides employment opportunities for the local population.
2. Health care
The health care industry is thriving in Coquitlam with several hospitals and medical centers catering to the needs of the residents.
3. Education
Education plays a vital role in Coquitlam’s economy as there are numerous schools at all levels of education including elementary schools high schools and colleges.
4. Retail
Retail is another significant industry in Coquitlam with several shopping centers and malls offering a wide range of products and services to residents.
5. Manufacturing
Manufacturing companies also contribute significantly to the city’s economy by producing goods ranging from electronics to food products.
6. Construction
Construction companies are plentiful in Coquitlam specializing in building residential and commercial properties providing employment opportunities for those skilled or interested in construction work.
7. Transportation
Transportation-related businesses such as logistics companies or courier services thrive due to well-connected roadways railways airports which make it easy for people or goods movement within or outside the city.
8. Tourism & Hospitality
Tourism & Hospitality sector has seen growth due to an array of outdoor activities like hiking trails parks lakes etc., which attract tourists from far-off places leading them towards spending money on various services such as accommodation food entertainment etc., boosting this sector’s growth further.
Noteable History
- The Kwikwetlem First Nation, also known as the Coquitlam Indian Band, has inhabited the area for thousands of years and has a rich history and culture.
- In 1858, gold was discovered in the Fraser River near Coquitlam, which led to a rush of prospectors and settlers to the area.
- Colony Farm was established in 1904 as a mental health institution and became one of Canada’s largest psychiatric facilities until its closure in 2012.
- Maillardville is a historic French-Canadian community that was founded in 1909 by Father Edmond Maillard and his parishioners who came to work at the nearby sawmill.
- The Lougheed Highway, which runs through Coquitlam, was originally built in 1927 as part of a provincial highway system connecting Vancouver to Hope.
- Terry Fox lived in Port Coquitlam before embarking on his Marathon of Hope across Canada to raise awareness for cancer research.
- Douglas College is a post-secondary institution that was founded in New Westminster but now has campuses located in both Coquitlam and Maple Ridge.
- The Hard Rock Casino Vancouver opened its doors in 2001 and has since become one of Metro Vancouver’s premier entertainment destinations with gaming facilities, restaurants, bars, concerts venues etc.
- Burke Mountain Ski Area operated from 1965 until it closed due to financial difficulties after the winter season of 2000/2001.
- The Evergreen Line SkyTrain extension opened on December 2nd, 2016 connecting Coquitlam to Vancouver and other areas of Metro Vancouver.
Museums and Things To See
- Place des Arts is a non-profit arts center that offers classes, workshops, and performances in various art forms.
- Mackin House Museum showcases the life and times of early settlers in Coquitlam through a heritage home.
- Evergreen Cultural Centre is a performing arts venue that features theatre productions, music concerts, and art exhibitions.
- Town Centre Park is a large park with various recreational facilities including sports fields, playgrounds, and an outdoor amphitheater.
- Como Lake Park is a scenic park with walking trails, picnic areas, and fishing opportunities.
- Fraser Mills Station Museum is dedicated to the history of the Fraser Mills sawmill town that once existed in Coquitlam.
- Riverview Hospital Site has several historic buildings open for tours on select dates throughout the year at this abandoned mental health facility.
- Percy Perry Stadium hosts various athletic events throughout the year as it’s state-of-the-art sports stadium.
- Como Lake Village Shopping Centre has numerous stores and restaurants to explore as it’s shopping center.
- Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club offers stunning views of Vancouver’s North Shore Mountains through its beautiful golf course located on Plateau Boulevard.
Sports Teams
- Coquitlam Express is a Junior A ice hockey team that was founded in 1972 and has won two BCHL championships. They’ve produced several NHL players, including Brett Hull.
- Coquitlam Adanacs is a Senior A box lacrosse team that was founded in 1968 and has won six Mann Cup championships. They’re one of the most successful lacrosse teams in Canada.
- Coquitlam Metro-Ford Soccer Club is one of the largest soccer clubs in British Columbia, with over 4,000 players registered each year since their founding in 1986. They’ve won numerous provincial and national titles.
- Centennial Centaurs are a high school sports team with a rich history of success in various sports such as basketball, rugby, and volleyball.
- Como Lake Middle School Cougars are another successful high school sports team that has had success mainly in basketball and volleyball over the years.
- Port Moody Panthers Junior B ice hockey team isn’t technically located within the city limits of Coquitlam but has been popular locally for many years producing several NHL players over its history.
- Tri-City Americans (formerly known as Tri-City Americans) represent three nearby cities (Coquitlam being one) as well as Kennewick-Pasco-Richland metro area across the border into Washington state; they’ve made it to several league finals but haven’t yet captured any WHL championship titles to date.
Cultural Events
- Kaleidoscope Arts Festival is an annual event that celebrates the arts and culture of Coquitlam through live performances, interactive exhibits, and food vendors.
- Canada Day Celebrations are a patriotic celebration of Canada’s birthday with live music, food trucks, family activities, and a fireworks show.
- The Korean Cultural Heritage Festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of Korea through traditional music and dance performances, food vendors, and cultural exhibits.
- TD Coquitlam Crunch Diversity Challenge is an inclusive event that promotes diversity in the community by encouraging people of all ages and abilities to participate in a challenging hike up the Coquitlam Crunch trail.
- Winterfest is a winter-themed festival featuring outdoor activities such as ice skating, snowshoeing, tobogganing, and hot chocolate stands.
- Lights at Lafarge Winter Lights Display is a dazzling light display at Lafarge Lake featuring over 100000 lights illuminating trees around the lake during Christmas time.
- Port Moody Rib Fest & Craft Beer Festival is held annually in Rocky Point Park where award-winning ribbers from across North America compete for various awards along with local craft beer vendors showcasing their delicious brews!
- Coastal Lunar Lanterns is an annual event hosted by Evergreen Cultural Centre where visitors can enjoy beautiful lantern displays inspired by Chinese New Year celebrations along with other art installations created by local artists.
Parks and Recreation
- Town Centre Park is the largest park in Coquitlam and offers a range of recreational activities, such as a skate park, sports fields, playgrounds, and walking trails.
- Mundy Park is well-known for its extensive trail system that offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife watching.
- Como Lake Park features a scenic lake that’s perfect for fishing or boating. It also has picnic areas, walking trails and playgrounds.
- Lafarge Lake is a man-made lake located in Town Centre Park that offers opportunities for fishing or boating. It also features a boardwalk with beautiful views of the surrounding area.
- Eagle Ridge Outdoor Pool opens during the summer months and provides swimming lessons as well as recreational swim times.
- Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex includes an ice rink, indoor pool with waterslide, fitness center along with gymnasiums suitable for various sports activities like basketball etc., squash courts etc.
- Minnekhada Regional Park- Located just outside Coquitlam city limits this regional park provides scenic hiking trails through marshlands along Pitt River with stunning views of Golden Ears Mountains in background
- Pinecone Burke Provincial Park- Spread over 38 kilometers this provincial park provides opportunity to explore wilderness through various hiking trails including Swan Falls Trail which takes you to secluded waterfall spot