Bring the Inside Out in Coquitlam This Month

This month may feel a little topsy-turvy, so why not bring the inside out in Coquitlam? We’re finding the best of an unusual situation by suggesting ways to take the fun outdoors – safely. Here are some ideas to make the most of the last days of summer and embrace the changing of the seasons. 

Bring the Inside Out in Coquitlam This Month

Kick back on a patio 

Choose from more than two dozen patios in Coquitlam. Soak in the sunshine with a cold drink and some delicious food. Check out Visit Coquitlam’s patio listings to scope out your options. 

Taste the last licks of summer

Just because summer is coming to an end, it doesn’t mean the icy desserts have to. But sunny days definitely call for ice cream and the delicious Korean dessert, shaved bingsoo. Place your order (here are some local faves) and take a walk to enjoy the changing colour of the leaves.  

Celebrate the arts

This year’s Kaleidoscope Arts Festival returns with an extra creative twist to meet physical distancing safety measures. Events will be spread out over two Saturdays (Saturday, September 26th and Saturday, October 3rd) both online, indoors and outdoors.  All event programs are pre-registered. Watch Tourism Coquitlam’s Facebook page and the City’s website for details.

Savour a seasonal coffee

Fall tastes like pumpkin spice. And although the season doesn’t technically begin until September 23rd, you’ll find this flavour – and more – at many of our favourite Coquitlam cafés. 

Order takeout for a park picnic 

Arrange a fun picnic outing with friends or family in your bubble over takeout. For a new park to try, why not explore Blue Mountain Park, home to a cool sculpture rock garden and a mini waterfall that you can duck behind, which is a magical little spot for kids. 

Buy fresh at the Farmers Market 

Don’t miss the Poirier Street Farmers Market, where you can pick up freshly picked produce and locally crafted food items. It’s held weekly from 9:0am to 1:00pm in the Dogwood Pavilion and Poirier Community Centre parking lots.

Explore a new neighbourhood 

Your challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to explore each of the six neighbourhoods profiled as part of Coquitlam’s 75 Days of Summer campaign. Pick a day, pick a neighbourhood, and go explore. 

• In City Centre, you can eat, drink, shop, go fishing, play some outdoor table tennis, splash in a spray park and explore a nature trail – all in one afternoon.
• Central Coquitlam is home to two of the top three things to do in Coquitlam, according to TripAdvisor. So, lace up your runners and get ready to walk, run or roll.
• Fun fact: North Road, the main thoroughfare through Burquitlam, was the first road built in the Lower Mainland. Fast forward to today and this area attracts visitors from throughout Metro Vancouver due to its culinary and shopping attractions.
• Heritage, culture and a passion for the arts all combine in the fascinating neighbourhood of Maillardville. This is a place you’ll want to explore – partly on foot.
• If you seek adventure like mountain biking or hiking, then Burke Mountain and Westwood Plateau neighbourhoods are an opportunity to go wild.
• History meets urban life in Austin Heights. Think cute cafés and local neighbourhood restaurants steeped in character. Explore a picture-perfect park with curious rock sculptures. Pick up unique gifts and must-haves at specialty shops. 

Go for a bike or hike 

And finally, if you haven’t explored Coquitlam’s backyard lately, this season’s moderate temperatures are ideal for great adventures. Why not go for a sunny bike ride or hike the trails less travelled?

Take your work outdoors 

Whether you’re working from home or a student working on an essay, your brain likely could use a refresh. Grab the laptop and find a quiet space to hook up to Coquitlam’s free Wi-Fi located at many local parks and outdoor areas.

Spot the Salmon  

The Spot the Salmon Scavenger Hunt is returning this year from September 25th October 5th. The six-foot-high salmon sculpture form was designed and fabricated by award-wining Squamish Nation artist Jody Broomfield. Each has been painted by a different artist. Get ready to search to win prizes from local businesses.

For even more great ideas for September go to VisitCoquitlam.ca