If you’ve never had your butcher offer you a free bag of bones for your dog, or had your barista warmly welcome you by your first name, you’re missing out on that neighbourhood that everyone should be searching for. We’re here to help you find it.
The fast and the luxurious.
One of the fastest-growing cities in BC, Coquitlam is known for a lot of things. Great trails, golf courses, parks and restaurants are at the top of that list. In Season One of RealTours, host Stephen Tadgh is shocked to learn that you can be just a few blocks away from Coquitlam Town Centre, and still be surrounded by nature.
The city is an eclectic mix of people, housing and terrain, and it's that diversity that’s made it such a robust, growing community. South Coquitlam is densifying with highrise towers perfect for first-time homebuyers, and Coquitlam-North is going through similar changes. Those looking for single-family detached homes can still find large lots in Westwood Plateau, and the brand new community in the northeast corner of Coquitlam, Burke Mountain, is attracting more attention from family-oriented buyers.
Though the offerings may be different across the city, it’s the proximity to SkyTrain (and thus downtown), nature, and great amenities that bond the communities sprinkled across Coquitlam.
Image captured from: socobyanthem.com
On the house.
Local real estate expert Krista Lapp doesn’t just sell homes in Coquitlam, she grew up and continues to reside here. Her knowledge of the area is made abundantly clear in RealTours, where she takes the reins and shows us around several neighbourhoods in this growing city.
Homes look very different across Coquitlam, with new developments taking shape in SOCO and Coquitlam-North, as we often see along popular transit routes.
Meanwhile, in Burke Mountain, a different story is unfolding. This master-planned community echoes past projects in Coquitlam’s sought-after Westwood Plateau, with homes ranging between 3,200 and 4,000 square feet on average. This is a cohesive area with consistent real estate, and plenty of new infrastructure to come. Krista tells us that Burke Village, a Whistler-inspired setting, is on the way, along with the first-ever condos to hit Burke Mountain.
Image captured from: burkevillage.ca
Room for activities.
Coquitlam offers residents a delightful blend of recreational activities that cater to both sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. You can find the crown jewel of Coquitlam’s golf scene at Westwood Plateau Golf Course, a vantage point with breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding landscapes. Unlike your 2-iron, the views here don’t disappoint.
For those who prefer team sports or just a day out in the sun, Town Centre is a hub of activity. Its sprawling fields are dotted with outdoor ping pong tables, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and a football field, ensuring there's something for everyone. If it’s a leisurely stroll you’re after, head to Lafarge Lake and enjoy its paved loop amidst the city's hustle. You’ll feel in the heart of nature while being just a few steps away from the end of the Evergreen Line.
Adventure seekers can explore the extensive bike trails north of Burke Mountain, offering challenges and scenic beauty. And for those who crave a deeper connection with nature, Minnekhada Regional Park beckons with its picturesque hiking trails, each leading to a new discovery. The lookout point at Minnekhada offers views from the Fraser Valley to Brentwood. On a clear day, you can even spot a couple of the towers at Surrey Central.
Down to business.
Towers aren’t the only thing expanding in Coquitlam, the local business community is flourishing in its own right. Here are some of the most popular local businesses in the area.
Learn more: Ibex Cafe + Kitchen
Ibex Cafe + Kitchen
The first and only cafe in Coquitlam’s new and growing Burke Mountain community, Ibex is much more than just a coffee shop. They’re serving gourmet food (the panang chicken with roasted vegetables and Korean chicken wings are divine), local wine and beer, and a brunch that’s about as popular as the Coquitlam Crunch on a Sunday afternoon.
Image captured from: @cafeibex
Learn more: Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club
Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club
Golf in the mountains is a thing of beauty, and golfers in BC will tell you that Westwood Plateau and its surrounding views are something special. But this isn’t just a course for low-handicappers. Westwood has a 12-hole executive golf course as well, perfect for practicing and improving your game. They have a restaurant, bar, pro shop, driving range, golf simulators, and some of the best instructors in town at Lago Golf Academy. This is a great course that feels right at home in one of Coquitlam’s most desirable communities.
Learn more: Mariner Brewing
Mariner Brewing
Exploring the boundaries of brewing through experimentation and plenty of collaboration with other local brewers, Mariner Brewing is the trusted local brewery that every community in BC needs. Their tasting room is a few blocks west of Town Centre and Mariner Way, featuring staples like the Orion Lager and Low Gravity Mango and plenty of rotating taps. And if you need a bite to eat while you sample their beverages, Wednesdays are always a fun night to visit. They open their test kitchen up to the public and let you in on what’s new and tasty. Throw in some live music and friendly people, and you’ve got a local brewery you’ll be proud to support.
Image captured from: @marinerbeer
Learn more: La Ruota
La Ruota
Neapolitan-style pizza has come to Coquitlam, and no one is happier about that than the residents of Town Centre. La Ruota is centrally located on the High Street, serving pizza by the pie and by the slice out of their popular storefront. This pizza is absolutely delicious, especially when eaten right out of their brick oven, so don’t stray far. Meat lovers will love the Calabria, which comes with fior de latte, grana padano, capicola, fennel sausage, and hot soppressata, but it’s the simplicity of the Pepperoni Honey Basil that calls our name on most weekends. Put their number on speed dial for quick access to the best pizza in Coquitlam.
Image captured from: @laruotapizza
Top of the class.
Of the 60 BC school districts, Coquitlam is the third largest, operating 46 elementary schools, 14 middle schools serving students from grades 6 to 8, and 11 secondary schools, many of which are newly renovated. A staff of 4,000 attends to roughly 32,000 students in the district, ensuring quality learning opportunities and instilling a passion for learning in the community.
View the schools in district number 43, and for more information on rankings, visit the Fraser Institute’s Report Cards on Coquitlam’s elementary and secondary schools.
Image captured from: @schooldistrict43
Old and new.
From Coquitlam’s northeast corner of Burke Mountain to the newly refreshed SOCO in the south, the city is undergoing rapid changes and upgrades. New communities are being built while old communities are being revitalized, driving more interest from homeseekers looking for detached homes, townhomes and condos alike. This is a city with huge potential, a diverse population, and plenty of access to trails and nature. For a closer look, be sure to watch Season One of RealTours, where we explore the crown jewel of the Tri-Cities in detail.
