These leisurely Coquitlam walks offer scenic views, minus the hiking boots. Whether you’re toting a young child or simply in the mood for a short afternoon stroll, these five trails are ideal for all ages and abilities. Did we mention that one of the locations also happens to be home to Metro Vancouver’s largest free festive lights display?
5 Easy Trail Walks to Try in Coquitlam
1. Lafarge Lake
A 1.2km trail loops this popular urban lake in Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park, offering views of both mountains and cityscape. It’s also home to the Lower Mainland’s largest free festive lights display, starting at dusk on Saturday, November 25, and running until January 21, 2018. Hundreds of thousands of lights will circle the lake in multiple themed zones. The Lafarge Winter Lights Display is just steps away from Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain station, also with free two-hour parking in Lot D off Trevor Wingrove Way.
2. Mundy Park
The city’s largest park, at 400 acres, Mundy Park is rated by TripAdvisor as the #1 thing to do in Coquitlam. Home to two lakes, coastal rainforest and a 16km trail network, its mostly flat paths offer the easy “hiking” experience without having to trek up a mountain. The park is accessible by transit and offers free parking.
3. Hoy Creek
This flat, gravel trail stretches for 2.8km and offer prime viewing of spawning salmon at Hoy Creek. Whether you’re a young child, an international visitor or a seasoned wildlife spotter, this scene never fails to impress. Duck into the trail off Guildford Way, a short walk from Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain station.
4. Como Lake
You might want to pack your fishing rod to reel in a rainbow trout after your walk at Como Lake. A 1km trail circles this pretty lake, which is stocked with fish. You’ll also find a playground on site. The lake is accessible by transit and has free on-site parking.
5. Colony Farm Regional Park
Bird watchers flock to this immense park to spot rare bird life including great blue herons, purple martins and the elusive lazuli bunting. The terrain at Colony Farm Regional Park is crisscrossed by flat, wide trails, ideal for long, meditative walks. The park is accessible by transit (bus from Coquitlam Central), also with on-site parking.
What’s on in Coquitlam This Month
Hard Rock Casino Vancouver: Did you know Coquitlam is home to Canada’s only Hard Rock Casino? Check the website for music and events, including The Simon & Garfunkel Story on November 2, plus Fourever and Satisfaction (tributes to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones) on November 11, 2017.
Coquitlam Express:
November 11, 17, 19 & 29, 2017
Round up the family for a fun night of hockey that won’t break the bank. Cheer for the team, cold drink in hand, while scoping out the talent of the BCHL.
Brighten Up!
November 17 to December 13, 2017
A host of events, performances and workshops across multiple Coquitlam venues, including Place des Arts, which will let your creative inner light shine.
Santa at Coquitlam Centre
November 22 to December 24, 2017
Ho, ho, ho! Let the wish lists begin.
Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair
December 1 to 3, 2017
Head to Poirier Forum to shop for locally crafted Christmas gifts from more than 100 artisans including handmade art, jewelry, food, clothing and home décor items. The venue is at 618 Poirier St. Entry is $3 adults, $2 seniors, children 12 and under are free.
Read about all of these events and more online, and share your fun summer photos using #explorecoquitlam.
The temperature is dropping but November is a warm month, starting out with Remembrance, and finishing with the lead up to the holiday season. It’s a time for reflection, celebration, family, friends, and a whole lot of events!
November Events in Metro Vancouver
Jump to: Wednesday, November 1, 2017 to Sunday, November 5, 2017
Jump to: Monday, November 6, 2017 to Sunday, November 12, 2017
Jump to: Monday, November 13, 2017 to Sunday, November 19, 2017
Jump to: Monday, November 20, 2017 to Sunday, November 26, 2017
Jump to: Monday, November 27, 2017 to Thursday, November 30, 2017
Multi-Day Events
Events that run for longer than three days in a row are highlighted in green. This list is updated often so send in your event listing anytime – for free – and check back often to plan your week.
Featured Holiday Events
Miss604 is proud to support these featured holiday events: Lights at Lafarge in Coquitlam (November 25, 2017 – January 21, 2018) and Burnaby Village Museum’s Heritage Christmas (November 25, 2017 to January 5, 2018)
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Theater Crossing Presents: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde
Jesus Christ Superstar at Centennial Theatre
Diwali in BC Shows
Cirque du Soleil: KURIOS
Heart of the City Festival
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Dress for Success Luncheon
Shameless Hussy Productions Presents: Girls Like That
#YESXMENTORS: An Evening of Engaging with Vancouver’s Best
Canada SCORES Celebration
Ballet BC Program 1
Vancouver Jewish Film Festival
Theater Crossing Presents: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde
Jesus Christ Superstar at Centennial Theatre
Diwali in BC Shows
Cirque du Soleil: KURIOS
Heart of the City Festival
Friday, November 3, 2017
Variety Week Street Festival
City Opera Presents: Missing
The Space Centre Presents: Art We Alone in the Universe?
Langley Weavers’ and Spinners’ Guild: Beyond Fibre Artisan Sale
Douglas College: Concord Floral
Coquitlam Beer Festival
Youth Education Farms Gala
Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat
Authors at the Seaforth Armoury: Benjamin Hertwig
Shameless Hussy Productions Presents: Girls Like That
Theater Crossing Presents: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde
Jesus Christ Superstar at Centennial Theatre
Ballet BC Program 1
Diwali in BC Shows
Vancouver Jewish Film Festival
Cirque du Soleil: KURIOS
Heart of the City Festival
Saturday, November 4, 2017
65 Roses Gala
MAGIC! by The Vancouver Magic Circle
Dirty, Dirty Rock and Roll Super Show
The Deep Cove with José Contreras
Perfect Bid
Franchise Canada Show
Coquitlam Beer Festival
TriCity International Food & Wine Festival
Filipino Festival, Surrey
Langley Weavers’ and Spinners’ Guild: Beyond Fibre Artisan Sale
Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutique Holiday Gala
KPWA Christmas Tea and Bazaar
Bottoms Up Exhibit Opening at New Westminster Museum & Archives
Vancouver Latin Showcase Party
Vancouver Health Show
Nat Bailey Winter Farmers Market
Theater Crossing Presents: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde
Jesus Christ Superstar at Centennial Theatre
Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat
Douglas College: Concord Floral
Ballet BC Program 1
Diwali in BC Shows
Vancouver Jewish Film Festival
Cirque du Soleil: KURIOS
Heart of the City Festival
Sunday, November 5, 2017
Rehearsal for Operation Frozen Toes Flash Mob
Raffi 40 Years of Singable Songs
Dirk Terpstra: “The Intuitive Heart” HeartMath Workshop
Franchise Canada Show
TriCity International Food & Wine Festival
Vancouver Art Guild Winter Salon Art Exhibition and Sale
Secrets of a Salmon Stream
Vancouver Health Show
Hastings Park Winter Farmers Market
Theater Crossing Presents: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde
Jesus Christ Superstar at Centennial Theatre
Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat
Douglas College: Concord Floral
Vancouver Jewish Film Festival
Cirque du Soleil: KURIOS
Heart of the City Festival
Continue reading this post ⟩⟩
It’s the time of year when we strategically position tissue boxes located in all of the most frequented areas of the house, which means it’s also flu season. This year, London Drugs pharmacists are also reminding healthy individuals that one of the best reasons to get the flu shot is not just to protect yourself, but to protect those who are most vulnerable.
Getting vaccinated is crucial for individuals at high-risk for developing flu-related complications such as newborns, young children, pregnant women, and adults with chronic medical conditions. In addition to protecting susceptible people in your own community, getting your flu shot at London Drugs now helps protect the world’s most vulnerable children from vaccine-preventable diseases.
“Many people mistakenly believe there’s no need to get a flu shot because they are healthy,” says Gianni Del Negro, Pharmacist at London Drugs. “But good health is not an excuse to skip the vaccine. Getting a flu shot can save lives by preventing the spread of illness to high-risk individuals living in our communities.”
To reinforce this message, London Drugs is providing added incentive to get immunized this year. For every flu shot administered at any one of its 80 pharmacies, a lifesaving vaccine will be donated to UNICEF Canada to immunize children in a developing country against tetanus, polio or measles.
London Drugs’ vaccination donation campaign is in partnership with I Boost Immunity (“IBI”), an online immunization advocacy network managed by the Public Health Association of British Columbia (“PHABC”), the BC Centre for Disease Control and funded by the BC Ministry of Health.
I Boost Immunity has donated over half a million vaccines for children through UNICEF since March of 2016 through various campaigns.
Find a list of locations and more important vaccination information here »
Flu shots are available at all London Drugs locations. Be sure to ask your pharmacist if you qualify for a publicly funded flu shot (at no cost to you). If not, a fee will apply.
Follow London Drugs on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.
It’s been a holiday tradition in Vancouver for the last 45 years! A kick-off to the season, Circle Craft Christmas Market returns with over 300 artisans (more than 50 new to the Market) including clothing designers, potters, wood and metal workers, glass blowers, jewellers, toy makers, candle and soap makers, and more.
Circle Craft Christmas Market
When: November 8-12, 2017
Hours: Wed-Fri 10:00am to 9:00pm; Sat 10:00am to 7:00pm; Sun 10:00am to 5:00pm
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre West
Tickets: Available online with a $2 discount if purchased before November 8, 2017.
Formed in 1972, Circle Craft is a BC-run artist cooperative dedicated to providing opportunities for craftspeople to connect with the community. Members of Circle Craft exhibit at the Market; they also play host to makers of fine crafts from across Canada. The first Market took place in 1973 at The Cultch.
The 2017 Circle Craft Christmas Market features artisans from coast to coast: BC craftspeople from communities such as Salt Spring Island, Mission, Vancouver, Kelowna, Shawnigan Lake, Tofino, Prince George, and Halfmoon Bay will showcase the very best of this province. Artisans will also come from as far as Winnipeg, Edmonton, Waterloo, Montreal, Hamilton, Halifax, Moose Jaw, Okotoks, and more!
2017 exhibitors include long-time favourites Wee Woollies (children’s clothing), Cathi Jefferson (clay), Sophia Clay Art, Annie 50 (clothing), Chloë Angus Design (clothing), Adhesif Clothing, Les Guédines en Folie (toys), Anêmone (fashion accessories), The Fishery, and Salt Spring Island Cheese; new exhibitors include Boreal Folk Apothecary, Jumping Creek Pottery, VOILÀ Designs (clothing), Misheo (fashion accessories), Little Rock Jewellery Studio, Vintage Map Co. (pillow cases), Lennard Taylor Design Studio (clothing), Yifat Jovani (clothing), Lisa Fletcher Jewellery, Zoe Bemused Jewelry, East Van Jam, Engin&Dennis Design Studio (glass), and Illo Leather.
The Gourmet Alley’s Grapes & Grains will be back, craft distilleries and wineries, including new exhibitor, Old Order Distilling Co. of Penticton. Also returning, Haejin Lee Ceramics, winner of the 2016 Circle Craft Christmas Market Gold Award for Excellence in Craft.
To round out the experience, visitors will find entertainment by local performers, craft technique demos, contests, and the “Budding Artists” open area where emerging artists will introduce exciting and innovative new work. New this year: Senior Canadian fibre artist Sola Fiedler will demonstrate and teach the craft of macramé. Circle Craft Market has also partnered with Vancouver Community College’s Fashion program to produce a Fashion Show.
From “The Cultch” in the 70s, to “under the sails” at the Convention Centre, to the new Convention Centre West, the Market has moved around Vancouver, but it’s always retained its unique character and mandate to showcase high quality craft via the artisans themselves. Parents who went as children now take their own kids and grandchildren. Circle Craft Christmas Market is truly a Vancouver tradition.
Win Tickets:
I have a pair of tickets to give away to Circle Craft Christmas Market. Here’s how you can enter to win:
- Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
- Click below to post an entry on Twitter
[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win tickets to @CircleCraft Christmas Market http://ow.ly/aNQA30ghE9S” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 10:00am on Sunday, November 5, 2017. Follow Circle Craft on Twitter and Facebook to learn more about the co-op, their space on Granville Island and of course the Christmas market.
Update The winner is Serena!
The following has been contributed by Vancouver-based wellness educator and holistic nutritionist Nicole Porter. She specializes in helping busy professionals live more balanced, less stressful lives.
October’s Healthy Workplace Month might have come to an end, but stress in the workplace will always exist. As a Nutritionist and Wellness Consultant who typically works with busy, stressed out professionals (sound familiar?), I know that the most common stressor is work, often because of tight deadlines, struggling to find work/life balance, conflicts with colleagues, or adapting to new technologies. And although a little bit of stress is okay (it helps us gain clarity and get things done urgently), problems arise when stress is chronic, contributing to issues ranging from fatigue to headaches to weight gain to serious disease.
But those aren’t the only stresses we need to manage. There are other hidden stressors that impact your body, hormones and health in the exact same way as the work stresses listed above. These include stressors such as poor nutrition, lack of sleep, dehydration, excessive screen time, intense exercise, and dieting. Even the negativity typically associated with dieting and body image has been shown to cause stress on the body. And if studies estimate that up to 95% of disease is stress-related, it’s time we get this stress thing under control.
To understand what stress is doing to your body, we need to talk a bit of physiology. Keep in mind that your body is a beautiful, amazing thing, constantly making adjustments to find a state of balance so you stay alive. When you’re under stress, your body thinks your life is at risk, so it reacts by protecting you. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩
