Interested in pristine hiking trails, world-class running trails and free outdoor festivals – all within easy access in Coquitlam? The city is gaining a reputation as a mighty fun place to visit, and anyone who rocked out to Bif Naked as the sun went down at Kaleidoscope Arts Festival last August can attest the community’s electric energy.
From free concerts at the amphitheatre stage to the annual lights display at Lafarge Lake, if you haven’t already jumped on the SkyTrain to Coquitlam, you can bet you’ll be doing it this year.
The city has just released their 2018 Travel & Experience Guide, which you can pick up for free in Coquitlam or read online. Start planning your Coquitlam activities this year and if you need any more inspiration, here are 5 Ways to Get Inspired by Coquitlam’s 2018 Travel Guide:
Top Parks and Trails in Coquitlam
Ask Olympian Leah Pells, considered one of the best female distance runners in Canadian history, for run route suggestions, and you might be surprised by her response. “Mundy Park is not only my favourite running spot in Coquitlam, but in the world. I love the trails. It is my healing place,” she raves.
In fact, Mundy Park is rated by TripAdvisor.ca reviewers as one of the top things to do in the city, second only to Town Centre Park, which in 2017 was named the greatest public space in Canada by the Canadian Institute of Planners. Mundy’s 400-acre coastal rainforest features two lakes and a forested trail system totalling 16 km.
Whether you’re interested in exploring new trails, hiking to new peaks, or mountain biking the trails less travelled, Coquitlam’s 2018 Travel and Experience Guide has all the information you need on how to get started.
Insider Tips for Coquitlam
Quiz five-year-old Amalie about what she thinks is the best playground in Coquitlam, and she breaks into an excited grin. “Queenston Park,” she squeals. “I like the big slide ’cause it’s really fast.”
This kindergartner is one of many kids who weighed in with their “expert” opinions on the city’s best parks. Check out which top five made the list »
Coquitlam’s travel guide also includes tips from locals spilling the beans on the best things to see and do – from hiking, biking, shopping and even craft beer.
Free & Affordable Festivals in Coquitlam
Picture the outdoor festival experience in a park setting: live music on stage, kids dancing on the grass, people sipping craft beer and purchasing treats from food trucks. Mark your calendars for upcoming highlights including Coquitlam Celebrates Canada Day (which attracts 80,000 people), Kaleidoscope Arts Festival and the Summer Concert Series.
Other signature events include Festival du Bois, the Teddy Bear Picnic and Grand Parade, BC Highland Games and Scottish Festival. Stay tuned to visitcoquitlam.ca for festival updates.
Drink, Eat, Shop
Check out the guide’s list of patios and places to sample craft beer. You’ll also glean insider recommendations on ethnic restaurants to try, plus shopping destinations where you can hunt for your next treasure.
Family-Friendly Activities
From parks, outdoor pools and spray parks to fun indoor activities and outdoor adventures that won’t cost a cent, get the scoop on a variety of ways to wear out the kids – no matter the weather. Dig out your hiking boots, walking shoes, mountain bikes or fishing gear and get ready to explore.
Read Coquitlam’s 2018 Travel and Experience Guide online. Printed versions are also available to pick up free at Coquitlam City Hall, recreation centres and city libraries.
Enter to Win
I have loved partnering with the City of Coquitlam for the past year because there are so many community events and activities, including the festivals mentioned here (and in the Travel Guide) including the Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival, which is offering up 4 tickets to a lucky Miss604 reader!
This festival takes place March 9-10, 2018 at the stunning Westwood Plateau Golf Club in Coquitlam. Sample beer from more than 40 craft breweries plus food from eight restaurants and caterers. New this year, check out Cask Corner, featuring 6-8 unique cask brews.
- Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
- Leave comment on this Facebook post naming your favourite thing about Coquitlam (1 entry)
- Click below to post an entry on Twitter
[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win tickets to the Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival #ExploreCoquitlam http://ow.ly/gKDV30isWL0″ quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
The winner will receive 4 tickets to the Saturday, March 10, 2018 matinee (from 12:00pm to 2:30pm). Must be age 19 or over to win. Please enjoy responsibly. I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Monday, February 26, 2018.
Update The winner is Kara!
In search of long line, fresh powder, friendly locals, and epic Instagram-worthy sights and scenes? Then you need to #SkiNorthBC!
Photographer and writer Abby Cooper (@AbbyDells) set out for Northern BC with SnowSeekers’ #SkiNorthBC expedition this winter. She hit 6 different destinations and chronicled her journey. I wanted to find out more about what she experienced, discovered, and what anyone looking for a Northern BC adventure simply cannot miss.
Discover Wells, BC with this Q&A
Photo by Abby Cooper
Read Abby’s Top 5 Reasons to Visit Wells »
Q1. What were your first impressions of Wells?
ABBY: Despite the cooler temps Wells delivered a warm welcome with its brightly colored historical buildings and smiling faces.
Q2. Who was your best local resource for info?
ABBY: Dave Jorgenson of Whitegold Adventures is the best resource for all things related to Wells. His extensive knowledge of the towns history is flawless, even more impressive his ability to cram as many activities into a day as possible. Kite skiing, skating, cross country skiing, fishing, backcountry skiing, whiskey sampling – all of that and more in a day for Dave! When it comes to adventure he’s knows where to go when and what adventures tool to bring to enjoy it most thoroughly.
Photo by Abby Cooper
Q3. What did you find most surprising/unexpected?
ABBY: Adventure starts as soon as you open your front door. You can snowmobile out of your front yard in Wells or cross country ski, or snowshoe to the local pub if you choose. There’s no reason to commute in Wells, the trails start from your accommodations and lead you as far as you’ll let them take you.
Photo by Abby Cooper
Q4. What is a can’t-miss in Stewart?
ABBY: If you have the opportunity, ski touring on the Bowron Lakes with Dave from Whitegold Adventures is truly spectacular! But if an evening is all you have don’t miss a cheeky visit to the Wells Hotel to sample one or many of the 350 types of single malt whiskey.
Q5. What was the most Instagram-worthy moment or place?
ABBY: Sunrise on Jack Of Clubs Lake is gorgeous! Wander out to the middle of the lake to look back at town if it’s froze and watch the whole place light up!
Photo by Abby Cooper
Q6. What would make you go back again and again?
ABBY: Wells serves as the perfect launch pad for winter adventures of all sorts, there’s always more to do, see and sport to try in this neck of BC.
Read Abby’s Top 5 Reasons to Visit Wells »
If you go
- Explore Barkerville »
- Call Tourism Quesnel at (250) 992-8716
- Troll, Quesnel, the District of Wells and Barkerville are destinations along the famed Barkerville Highway (aka Highway 26) – all within the Cariboo Regional District.
- SnowSeekers has partnered with National Car rental to secure you a SnowSeekers’ preferred rate. Make a reservation online, or with an agent and in the Contract field enter XVC4SNO for a savings that could cover your ski pass cost every day.
- Get inspired and learn more to what BC has in store for you this winter, search #ExploreBC on social media.
For more on skiing in Northern BC, set a bookmark to check out the #SkiNorthBC expedition page on a regular basis. More stories and videos will be coming out all season long.
Food, wine, a pairing dinner, craft beer, bubbles, brunch, and those gorgeous eastern Vancouver Island sunrise views. The 10th annual Parksville Uncorked Food and Wine Festival is happening March 8-11, 2018 at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and The Beach Club Resort and you won’t want to miss it!
Celebrating the 10th Annual Parksville Uncorked – Wine & Food Festival
This high-spirited, decadent weekend usually sells out so act fast to scoop up your tickets and plan your time at Parksville Uncorked! Signature events include:
Parksville Untapped
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Thursday night’s event at The Beach Club Resort shines a spotlight on regional breweries, cideries and distilleries along with samples of distinctive regional dishes. Get tickets »
Swirl
Friday, March 9, 2018
The Signature Wine Tasting at Tigh-Na-Mara gives you a crack at over 50 wineries and delectables from the kitchens of Executive Chef Eric Edwards, of Cedar’s Restaurant and Lounge at Tigh-Na-Mara and The Beach Club Resort’s Executive Chef Rick Davidson, of the resort’s Pacific Prime Restaurant. Get tickets »
Winemakers’ Dinners
Saturday, March 10, 2018
Saturday offers the chance to dine with one of two BC winemakers and experience their bottles with extraordinary food prepared to complement it by the fine chefs at one of the two host resorts. This year’s winemakers dinners are Dirty Laundry Vineyard at Tigh-Na-Mara and Orofino Winery at The Beach Club Resort. Get tickets »
Bubbles & Brunch
Sunday, March 11, 2018
Bubbles always signify festivity, and Parksville Uncorked invariably likes to go out on a high note. So wrap up your weekend with Bubbles & Brunch at either The Beach Club or Tigh-Na-Mara. Get tickets »
Book Now
Check out the resort packages available and book your getaway today, either online or by calling 1-800-663-7373.
I have been to Parksville Uncorked twice, and it was the perfect event for each trip. The first was during our 5th wedding anniversary a few years ago, which was an incredibly romantic getaway. The second was with my sister last year for a girls weekend. Again, it was a balanced and relaxing weekend by the sea with really fun wine and food themed events.
Win a Parksville Uncorked Getaway
The festival has generously offered up a getaway package to a lucky Miss604 reader and their guest. This include 2 nights’ accommodation at Tigh-Na-Mara, for Friday, March 9th to Sunday, March 11th plus two passes to Swirl the signature wine tasting event, and Sunday Bubbles & Brunch for two. Here’s how you can enter to win:
- Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
- Like, comment on, or share this post on Facebook (1 entry)
- Click below to post an entry on Twitter
[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win a getaway to @PVuncorked with a stay at @Tigh_Na_Mara http://ow.ly/9pUa30iqJBw” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
Follow Parksville Uncorked on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more information.
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Friday, February 23, 2018. Prize/hotel stay can only be used during Parksville Uncorked 2018. Must be 19+. Please enjoy responsibly. Accommodation is based on double occupancy.
This spring you can stay in shape, and get entry into one of the city’s top attractions, as you climb up 633 steps at the Urban Grind at Harbour Centre. The Urban Grind comes with great perks! Participants will be rewarded at the top with a stunning 360º aerial view at the Vancouver Lookout, a refreshing beer, and DJ entertainment.
Urban Grind at Harbour Centre
Where: Harbour Centre Lobby (555 W Hastings St)
When: Every Tuesday in March from 4:30pm to 6:30pm
$5 includes unlimited circuits between 4:30pm to 6:30pm, access to the Vancouver Lookout, one beer and DJ entertainment at the top. Climbers will also receive a $5 Harbour Centre Food Court voucher.
Climbers have the ability to customize their workout by completing the route as many times as they like during the allotted time. Additionally, every participant will receive a $5 Harbour Centre Food Court voucher to redeem at any of the Food Court vendors on site. Kick start your fitness routine (in from the rain and cold) and get ready for the upcoming hiking season.
Follow Harbour Centre on Twitter, and the Vancouver Lookout on Twitter, along with the tag #UrbanGrind for more information.
