ABOUT COQUITLAM
Coquitlam is the sixth-largest city in British Columbia. It is located east of Vancouver, nestled between Burke Mountain and the Fraser River.
The city was first settled in the 1860s as a way-point between the province’s first capital in New Westminster and the year-round seaport in Port Moody. But in the early 1900s, the community boomed as a lumber town when French-Canadian mill workers settled around a new state-of-the-art mill on the banks of the Fraser River. And while the mills are gone, that French-Canadian heritage lives on in the neighbourhood of Maillardville, with Francophone street names, schools and an annual festival of French-Canadian culture, Festival du Bois.
Today Coquitlam is a bustling residential suburb with a burgeoning urban area developing around the Town Centre shopping mall. Much of that growth is being driven by the arrival of the new Evergreen SkyTrain transit line that provides a rapid link to many of the 21 communities that comprise Metro Vancouver.
COQUITLAM ENTERTAINMENT & TOURISM
Located just 30 km east of Vancouver, Coquitlam is a vibrant, growing city for outdoor and urban enthusiasts alike. The city is more than 125 years old, and has a population of 140,000, making Coquitlam the largest city within the Tri-Cities of Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, and Coquitlam. With plenty of outdoor activities, a rich history, and a growing arts and culture district, there’s a lot to love about living in Coquitlam.
The city is known for its deep connection to French-Canadian heritage, as Coquitlam is home to one of the earliest French-Canadian settlements in western Canada. European settlers called Coquitlman home in the late 1800s, creating a bustling centre for logging and farming. That heritage rings true today, as Coquitlam is home to the largest community of francophone and French Canadians in all of British Columbia. North American tribes have also played a large role in the city’s history: the land on which Coquitlam sits has been inhabited by the Coast Salish for thousands of years, and the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm still exist in the local community today.
There’s more to Coquitlam’s history than meets the eye: the Coquitlam River was once a favorite fishing spot for John Wayne and Clark Gable, while the Minnekhada Lodge was built in 1934 as an expansive, nature-focused retreat for the wealthy. And the Westwood Racing Circuit has its own claim to Canadian fame by being the very first of its kind in Canada: a purpose-built road racing track. The Sports Car Club of British Columbia (SCCBC) financed the track’s construction and held the record for the longest race in Canada in 1968.
Outdoor adventure is at your fingertips in Coquitlam. The city is incredibly bike-friendly and boasts more than 60 km of pathways and biking trails. Take a leisurely cruise through the city to see the sights, or get an afternoon workout on a mountain biking trail. You’ll find designated bike lanes on main thoroughfares such as United Blvd., Mariner Way, David Ave, and more.
If city cycling isn’t quite your style, get your adrenaline fix on one of Coquitlam’s bike skills circuits. Mundy Park has beginner and intermediate-level circuits – complete with obstacles, log stacks, bridges, and even a timber teeter-totter. Kids and beginners will love the Leigh Park circuit, followed by a leisurely ride down the Riverview Forest Flow Trail.
Coquitlam’s love of the outdoors certainly doesn’t stop at biking. From dog parks and off-leash walking trails to expansive floral gardens to award-winning parks and playgrounds, there’s an outdoor adventure for every member of the family. The Centennial Rose Garden and Canadian Heritage Rose Garden share 900-plus roses, making Coquitlam the perfect location for the Annual Rose Show. Take a stroll through the Riverview Arboretum to see more than 1,800 trees from around the world, and unwind amidst floral displays at Inspiration Garden.
Theatre and live music buffs will find their own inspiration within Coquitlam’s growing arts and entertainment community. The Evergreen Cultural Centre hosts a wide variety of shows and events throughout the year, from concerts to comedy shows to community theatre. Spend the evening immersed in music with the Cultural Centre’s Music on the Grill series, featuring dinner on a lakeside patio accompanied by live performances.
COQUITLAM CITY GUIDE
Coquitlam consists of more than 20 distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own character and appeal. Ranch Park is home to the Evergreen Cultural Centre, providing easy access to live theatre productions and musical events. Composed of large detached homes, Ranch Park features tons of family-friendly amenities, such as outdoor field hockey, baseball, and soccer fields; easy access to Mundy Park; the City Centre Aquatic Complex, and Douglas College.
Above Ranch Park lies North Coquitlam, a bustling city centre that lies in the heart of urban Coquitlam. With plenty of commercial buildings and expansive offices, North Coquitlam is the perfect place for young homeowners or business professionals. Tons of up-and-coming restaurants, bars, shops, and three SkyTrain stops make North Coquitlam a vibrant (and very walkable) place to buy a townhome or a condo.
Maillairdville is one of Coquitlam’s oldest neighbourhoods. This distinctive French-Canadian residential area was developed in the early 1900s around a local lumber mill. Macon Park features a skateboard bowl, spray park, and tennis courts. In the spring, Maillairdville is home to the Festival du Bois, a celebration of francophone heritage, including French-Canadian delicacies, music, and dance. Homes in Maillardville are diverse, ranging from 20th-century historical homes to newly built detached homes and condos.
Ready to learn more about Coquitlam and what each area has to offer? Use the interactive map to explore each neighbourhood further and find the perfect location for your new home!
WHY LIVE IN COQUITLAM?
Coquitlam is unique in that it has both a laid-back feel and a contemporary vibe, bringing the best of a community-based atmosphere with the best of urban living. The city effortlessly combines live music, theatre, art galleries, and shopping centres with wide-open spaces, parks, and hiking trails. There are a lot of reasons to buy a home in Coquitlam, but here are some of our favourites:
- Access to Vancouver: As part of Greater Vancouver, Coquitlam residents can easily enjoy the sights, entertainment, and dining of Vancouver. A new EverGreen SkyTrain brings passengers from Coquitlam to Vancouver in little more than an hour for a day trip to the city or a daily commute to work.
- Festivals and Markets: With such a prominent French-Canadian heritage, it’s no surprise that Coquitlam is home to Festival du Bois, the annual Francophone festival. Coquitlam is also home to the Coquitlam Food Truck Festival, fireworks-filled Canada Day celebrations, a weekly farmers market, a Christmas light display, and tons of local small businesses.
- Diverse Population: Coming in second after Burnaby, Coquitlam is one of the most diverse cities in Metro Vancouver. In fact, more than 40 percent of Coquitlam’s residents are new to Canada, with an immigrant population of more than 61,000. Coquitlam residents have the opportunity to experience cultural delicacies, exhibits, and languages from China, Korea, Iran, Philippines, Taiwan, India, and more.
- Outdoor Recreation: There are more than 890 hectares of green space in Coquitlam, making it a favourite destination for outdoor recreation. Even better, the city has more than 80 parks and outdoor spaces, providing everything from rec centres to pools and splash parks, to biking trails, and dog parks.
- Shopping: Coquitlam is home to one of British Columbia’s largest shopping malls: the Coquitlam Centre. Browse through almost 200 stores from Lululemon to Sephora, and don’t forget to stop at the Henderson Place Mall for an eclectic array of shops from around the world and a multicultural food court.
Whether you are looking to build a family or settle down in your golden years, Coquitlam is a wonderful place to call home. Although the commute to Vancouver may be a little longer than in other areas of Greater Vancouver, the ability to easily travel from a suburban community to a bustling metropolis makes Coquitlam an increasingly desirable city to live in.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT COQUITLAM REAL ESTATE
The Coquitlam real estate market is filled with homes, townhouses, and condos for sale across each neighbourhood. Because of its close proximity and easy commute to Vancouver, its expansive outdoor recreation, and down-to-earth community atmosphere, real estate throughout Coquitlam is consistently in high demand.
As a result, many real estate prices in the area tend to be on the higher end, along with the average cost of living. Within Greater Vancouver, Coquitlam ranks as the 12th most expensive city, making it a relatively affordable city when compared to neighbouring markets.
Of course, each and every neighbourhood has its own average cost, amenities, and community atmosphere that will influence the cost of realty in Coquitlam. The best way to find the right home for you – whether you want a detached home, a condo, or a townhome – is to talk with your real estate agent. Together, we’ll help you find the perfect Coquitlam home for your lifestyle, your needs, and your budget.