Major city · Canada
Coquitlam
Skip Coquitlam as a base unless you have a car or a reason to be in the Tri-Cities: it is a suburb with parks, not sights. One half-day, or stay 1 night if visiting family.
Coquitlam is a Vancouver suburb of about 139,000 people in the Tri-Cities, 30-40 minutes from downtown Vancouver by SkyTrain's Millennium Line. There are no headline attractions: the draw is regional parks, trails and everyday suburban life. Come for a half-day of walking or a family visit, not as a sightseeing stop.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- May-Sep (dry, warm, long daylight)
- avoid Nov-Feb (rain, short days); occasional summer wildfire smoke
- Airports
- Vancouver International (YVR) · Abbotsford International (YXX)
- Nights
- 1
About Coquitlam
Coquitlam is a suburb of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada, sitting next to Burnaby, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody and New Westminster. It has no must-see attractions, so visitors come for its parks, which suit walking or relaxing rather than sightseeing. Highway 1, the Lougheed Highway, the Barnett Highway and North Road all reach the city, and SkyTrain's Millennium Line links it with East Van, Port Moody and Burnaby. The city also holds a large shopping mall and a historic French-Canadian neighbourhood.
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
See
What is worth your time in Coquitlam.
- ƛ̓éxətəm Regional Park — Formerly Colony Farm Regional Park, it has 8.5 km of trails and about 150 bird species, and it straddles Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam.
- Minnekhada Regional Park — Over 200 acres with 10 km of forest and wetland trails, plus Minnekhada Lodge, a heritage building where Queen Elizabeth once stayed.
- Pinecone Burke Provincial Park — A large park along Pitt Lake and Burke Mountain offering hiking, camping, swimming and boating, with day-use parking at $1/hour up to $3.
- Mundy Park — A large urban forest that allows off-leash dogs until 10AM and often hosts swim meets and soccer, baseball and lacrosse tournaments.
- Maillardville — A small community founded by French migrants in the forest industry, described as Western Canada's largest French-Canadian community outside Manitoba, with Place des Arts and the Makin House Museum.
Do
- Walk or jog the one-kilometre loop at Como Lake Park.
- Take on the Coquitlam Crunch, an urban outdoor fitness challenge.
- Swim at the City Centre Aquatic Complex, which has an Olympic-sized pool and a themed pool with a water slide.
- Skate at Planet Ice during public sessions on Monday, Friday and Sunday afternoons.
Customs
- Maillardville was founded by French migrants brought in for the forest industry, and its French population is declining.
- Place des Arts in Maillardville hosts exhibitions and performances.
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Coquitlam911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Coquitlam, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyCoquitlam is a low-crime Vancouver suburb and safe for tourists by day and night.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 811 Health advice (HealthLink BC, 24 h)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYVR Vancouver International (SkyTrain Canada Line to downtown, then Millennium Line to Coquitlam; about 1 h 15 min total).
- Getting aroundSkyTrain Millennium Line links Coquitlam Central and Lougheed Town Centre to Vancouver, Burnaby and Port Moody.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$3-6 (≈ US$3–5)
- Sit-down mealKorean BBQ or sit-down dinner mainC$18-36 (≈ US$14–30)
- BeerDraught beer in a pubC$7-10 (≈ US$6–8)
- Museum or sight ticketPublic indoor pool entryabout C$5.35 (≈ US$4)
- Budget bedHostel or budget motel bed, a night, per personC$45 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per roomC$200 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per roomC$320 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$80 (≈ US$60) · Mid C$150 (≈ US$110) · High C$260 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YVR Vancouver International (SkyTrain Canada Line to downtown, then Millennium Line to Coquitlam; about 1 h 15 min total) · YXX Abbotsford International (Regional airport east of Vancouver; car or bus onward, no direct transit to Coquitlam)
Map of Coquitlam
Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.
- Coquitlam
- Basic guide
Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps
Guides nearby
- Port Coquitlam · 2.5 km straight line
- Port Moody · 2.9 km straight line
- Pitt Meadows · 9.7 km straight line
- Surrey · 12 km straight line
- Burnaby · 12 km straight line
- New Westminster · 12 km straight line
- Maple Ridge · 16 km straight line
- North Vancouver · 20 km straight line
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Dec
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest Nov (20 rain days), driest Jul (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Coquitlam: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
19 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
15 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
17 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
15 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
13 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
11 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
16 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
20 rd
Dec
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
20 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
SkyTrain Millennium Line links Coquitlam Central and Lougheed Town Centre to Vancouver, Burnaby and Port Moody. Local buses (R3, 159, 160, 701) cover the Tri-Cities. A car is easiest for the parks; parking is free at most lots. Taxis, Uber and Lyft operate.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 45-60 min
SkyTrain Millennium Line to Commercial-Broadway, then Expo Line or bus
Downtown, Stanley Park and the seawall; do it as a day, not a commute.
Burnaby
goDoor to door: About 20-30 min
SkyTrain Millennium Line west
Metropolis mall, Deer Lake Park and Burnaby Village Museum.
Door to door: About 30-40 min
SkyTrain Expo Line via Columbia, or bus 159
Historic riverfront downtown and quay; good half-day.
Port Moody
goDoor to door: About 15-20 min
SkyTrain Millennium Line to Moody Centre
Brewery row and Rocky Point Park on the inlet.
Port Coquitlam
goDoor to door: About 20-30 min
West Coast Express or bus R3/159
Neighbouring Tri-City; combine with a walk on the Traboulay PoCo Trail.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Coquitlam Centre / Town Centre
SkyTrain-adjacent, mall, restaurants; best for a car-free one-night stay.
Lougheed Highway / North Road
Motels and chain hotels along the highway; car-oriented, cheaper parking.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$70-110 (≈ US$55–80) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$120-200 (≈ US$90–150) excl. bed
- High
- C$220 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Chain-hotel double room1 × 1 night × C$200 | C$200 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$150 | C$300 |
| SkyTrain from YVR to Coquitlam, one way2 × C$10 · check | C$20 |
| Compass Card day of transit, one day2 × C$11 · check | C$22 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$58 |
| Trip total≈ C$320 per person per day, bed included | C$640≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$3-6 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Casual lunch main | C$15-25 (≈ US$11–19) |
| Korean BBQ or sit-down dinner main | C$18-36 (≈ US$14–30) |
| Draught beer in a pub | C$7-10 (≈ US$6–8) |
| SkyTrain single fare (zone-based) | C$3-6 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Public indoor pool entry | about C$5.35 (≈ US$4) |
| Public skate session | C$3.75-4.50 (≈ US$3–4) plus skate rental |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Regional park gates close at dusk: do not get locked in.
- Pinecone Burke day-use parking is paid ($1 (≈ under US$1)/hour, max $3 (≈ US$3)).
- West Coast Express runs weekday commute hours only, no weekend service.
- Summer wildfire smoke can affect air quality: check before hiking.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Health advice (HealthLink BC, 24 h)
- 811
Pocket card
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CoquitlamCoquitlam
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- HealthLink BC (24 h)811
Embassy
No embassies in Coquitlam; the US consulate-general and most others are in downtown Vancouver (check addresses).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- SkyTrain Coquitlam to downtown Vancouver: about C$3-6 (≈ US$3–5) zone fare, 45-60 min
- Taxi Coquitlam to Vancouver: C$50-70 (≈ US$40–55) (check)
- Pinecone Burke day-use parking: C$1 (≈ under US$1)/hour, max C$3 (≈ US$3)
Say or show
- Thank you / Merci — Thank you
- Excuse me / Excusez-moi — Excuse me
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Where is the SkyTrain station? — Where is the SkyTrain station?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the washroom? — Where is the toilet?
English is the everyday language; French is spoken in parts of Maillardville.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Coquitlam. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May-Sep (dry, warm, long daylight) · avoid Nov-Feb (rain, short days); occasional summer wildfire smoke · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YVR: Canada Line plus Millennium Line timings field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Town Centre, Maillardville, Coquitlam Centre, Lougheed.
- Place pages with verified hours (Minnekhada, ƛ̓éxətəm, Pinecone Burke, City Centre Aquatic Complex) and eat pages with last orders.
- Wildfire-smoke and rain fixtures so gates A-D can go green.
Sources
- officialCity of Coquitlam
- officialTransLink
- officialMetro Vancouver regional parks
- officialBC Parks - Pinecone Burke Provincial Park
- secondaryWikivoyage: Coquitlam, revision 5332069 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Coquitlam
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