COQUITLAM (British Columbia)

THE HOURGLASS CITY

Located at the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Coquitlam City belongs to the 21 municipalities that comprise Metro Vancouver. It is British Columbia’s 5th largest city. The city’s geographic shape is a fascinating view from above because it looks like an hourglass. It has two large parcels of land connected by a small portion at the middle. It experiences warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It is also in the warmest region of the country where the average yearly temperature is 50°F. The city is known to be a commuter town. Its citizens commute out to other cities to work and earn money. Because Coquitlam is close to the Lower Mainland, its people have unlimited access to different events, celebrations, festivals, leisure activities, and attractions.

HOW IT BEGAN

Europeans began settling in the area after the mid-1800s. During this time, the lumber industry is the focal point of the economy, with lumber mills in the north bank of the Fraser River becoming the foundation of the then called Coquitlam Municipality. At the present, the city of Coquitlam is more famous for being Vancouver's extension, in terms of residences and commercial activity.

YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK OUT...

╣Evergreen Cultural Center. It is located on the Town Center area and was designed with a 264-seat capacity. It has art studios, a rehearsal hall, and an art gallery. Groups like the Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Stage 43 Theatrical Society often perform on this facility. Other theaters in this city are the Terry Fox Theater with 336-seat capacity and the Inlet Theater with 206 seats.

╣the Place Des Arts. It is a teaching arts center was founded in 1972 and is now located at in Maillardville. The center offer programs in music, acting, visual arts, and more. It also gives lectures for home learners and school students, and presents exhibitions and concerts for everyone. Fibre arts, ballet, pottery, yoga, drama, painting, piano, and drawing are offered in their studios. Each year, Place Des Arts holds four concerts and many presentations and recitals.

╣Water’s Edge Festival. It is a popular festival held at the Evergreen Cultural Center and Lake Lafarge. The event features more than a hundred songs from all over the world for 25 hours. They also have workshops, drum circles at midnight, and lantern processions.

╣Mundy Park. It is the city’s largest park which has a total land area of 176 hectares. It is just one of 80 parks as well as natural areas. The park also has many trails for walking, running, cycling, and rollerblading. Visitors can also access their outdoor pool, picnic area, playground, lacrosse box, sports fields, and disc golf area. The entire family will surely have no dull moment in this park.

╣Pinecone Burke Provincial Park. This park has many trails, although most of these are rough. Those who love to hike or mountain bike will surely find this place perfect for the hobby.

╣the Town Center Park. It is located at the heart of the city and is surrounded by the city’s major police station, city hall, and houses. Lots of amenities are featured in this park, including basket ball court, tennis court, skateboarding area, and beach volleyball court.

╣Mackin House Museum. It is one of the best attractions to visit in Coquitlam. Located in Brunette Ave, this museum houses many artifacts which pertain to the early history of this city. They also have workshops and hold community events. This is a perfect getaway for the entire family. The place is very enlightening while the displays are truly captivating.

╣Crash Crawly’s. This two-story indoor playground for children with a lot of fun things to do inside. Its large tunnels and crazy mazes are so much challenging to explore. The playground also has pits, bridges, and slides. Some food stores are available for those who want to eat or grab some refreshments.

╣the Great Canadian Casino (also known as the Boulevard Casino). It is located at in United Boulevard and is definitely the place for those who want to try their luck and have a fun night out. The casino offers black jack tables, poker, slots, and roulette wheels. To make the night extra special, live entertainment is also available at the Lion’s Den Sports Bar and the Red Robinson Show Theater, which are both located near the Boulevard Casino.

╣Coquitlam Center. This is the best-known among the many stores, boutiques, specialty shops, and shopping centers in Coquitlam City. The shopping center features 200 stores and services. Whether you are shopping for clothes, accessories, foods, shoes, or bags, this place has it all for you. Some of its anchor stores are Sears, Zellers, Old Navy, Zephora, London Drugs, and The Gap.

╣the Henderson Place. The mall is also complete with whatever you need. Shoes, bags, clothes, accessories and more are also available here. The food court is there for those who want to eat. Some special events like Halloween party and costume party for kids, and Mid-Autumn Festival for the elderly are celebrated by the establishment.

╣other malls in the city including Pine tree Village, West Wood Mall Shopping Center, and Sunwood Square. These shopping centers also have food courts, dress shops, drugstores, and more.

TOURISTS SHOULD KNOW

The 140 non-smoking rooms of Executive Plaza Hotel Coquitlam offer privacy and comfort to all visitors. Some of the amenities they have are the piano lounge, swimming pool, Copper Club Grill & Steak House, and Foggy Dew Pub. They have Internet access and a parking area. Credit cards are accepted in this establishment.

The Best Western Plus Coquitlam Inn Hotel features Rockwell’s Bar & Grill and has a fascinating lush garden and green meadows view. Some of their facilities are swimming pool, Wi-Fi and internet access, and Jacuzzi. They have impeccably clean rooms and friendly staffs to assist visitors during their stay. This hotel also accepts credit cards.

The Best Western Plus Chelsea Inn features two-bedroom suites perfect for larger groups and families. The inn has an outdoor pool, hot tubs, internet access, parking area, and is serving complimentary breakfast at their restaurant. In addition, they give away newspapers to guests daily. They offer quality rooms and services at affordable prices.