Coquitlam, Capilano, Lower Seymour Watershed Tours

It’s no secret that we have the very best tap water around, fed from pristine sources and delivered to our homes straight from reservoirs nestled within our scenic mountains. To showcase these resources, Metro Vancouver is offering a range of watershed tours this summer. Coquitlam tours run Thursdays and Saturdays while Capilano tours run Fridays and Sundays, starting at 9:00am or 1:00pm.

Metro Vancouver manages three protected watersheds to provide 2.3 million residents with a clean, reliable and affordable supply of drinking water. Every summer, we open the Capilano and Coquitlam Watersheds to the public by hosting guided tours.

Providing safe, high-quality drinking water is a core Metro Vancouver service. Ongoing projects on the sources and distribution system will maintain the quality of the region’s drinking water and meet the needs of an increasing population.

Photo credit: Bill Xu on Flickr

Capilano Watershed Tour

Length: 4 hours
Register: Online in advance (go to browse programs > watershed tours)
About: Discover the Capilano Valley and how it was shaped first by the glaciers, then by the pioneers of our province. Take in the spectacular views of the Coast Mountains, Capilano River and alpine storage lakes. Tour includes multiple points of interest, 3 of which require participants to get off the bus for a short walk (~100m). Adults only (must be 15+).

Coquitlam Watershed Tour

Length: 3 hours
Register: Online in advance (go to browse programs > watershed tours)
About: This tour showcase everything from drinking water infrastructure to giant old-growth Western redcedar and Douglas-fir. Catch a glimpse of the past as you visit the 1913 water intake tower. Enjoy panoramic views of the watershed, Coquitlam Island and Coquitlam Lake. Participants should be capable of getting off the bus 4-5 times and walking for approx. 100m on rough,unsurfaced trail at one of the stops. Adults only (must be 15+).

Bonus: Lower Seymour Valley

Length: 4 hours
Register: Online in advance (go to browse programs > watershed tours)
About: Families only. Take a ride on a magic school bus to the Seymour Falls Dam. Discover the salmon hatchery, explore the old growth forest along the Seymour River. Learn about where your water comes through games and inter-activities that are fun for the whole family. This tour includes a 1 to 2 km walk on a rough, flat, unsurfaced trail. Suitable for ages 5+. No strollers please.

If you’re interested in one of these unique tours, start planning now for August. Tickets are free but registration online in advance is required, at least one month in advance. More tour details are available in this PDF or by calling 604-432-6430 and emailing toursreg[at]metrovancouver[dot]org.