City of Maple Ridge, BC: Complete City Guide

Maple Ridge is a fast-growing city of about 95,000 people on the north side of the Fraser River at the eastern edge of Metro Vancouver. Stretching from the river up to the wilderness of Golden Ears Provincial Park, it combines a lively downtown in Haney, family neighbourhoods, horse farms and some of the best lakes, rivers and mountain trails in the region. Maple Ridge is the gateway to Golden Ears and Alouette Lake, and with its neighbour Pitt Meadows it forms the Ridge Meadows area.

Maple Ridge sits on the traditional territories of the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) and q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen) First Nations.

Maple Ridge at a Glance: Quick Facts

Statistics Canada counted the population again in May 2026, but city-level results are not expected until 2027. Figures on this page use the 2021 census unless stated.

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History of Maple Ridge

Before the city

For thousands of years the Katzie and Kwantlen peoples fished for salmon and sturgeon, hunted and gathered along the Fraser, Pitt and Alouette rivers and around Pitt Lake. Both nations still have reserves in the area, including Kwantlen lands at Whonnock.

Settlers and river towns

Settlers arrived in the 1850s and 1860s, attracted by the fertile river land. Samuel Robertson, a Hudson's Bay Company cooper, settled near today's Albion, and Thomas Haney later built a brick works and founded Port Haney on the river. On September 12, 1874, the District of Maple Ridge was incorporated, named after a ridge of maple trees on John McIver's farm. River towns such as Port Haney, Port Hammond, Whonnock and Ruskin grew up along the Canadian Pacific Railway line, which opened along the river in the 1880s, with sawmills, brickyards and farms.

20th century

The Hammond Cedar mill became one of the largest sawmills in the region. Japanese Canadian farmers built a strong berry-growing community in the area until their forced removal in 1942. The Lougheed Highway (Highway 7) opened in the 1930s, and Maple Ridge grew steadily as a farming and mill town and then as a commuter suburb.

Recent decades

The West Coast Express commuter train began service in 1995, and the Golden Ears Bridge to Langley opened in 2009, replacing the small Albion Ferry. In 2014 the District officially became the City of Maple Ridge. From 2017 to 2019, the Anita Place homeless camp in downtown Maple Ridge drew provincial attention to homelessness in the suburbs. Today, new neighbourhoods are being built in Albion, Silver Valley and Cottonwood, and the city is revitalizing its downtown.

Key dates in Maple Ridge history

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Geography of Maple Ridge

Maple Ridge lies between the Fraser River to the south and the Coast Mountains to the north. Pitt Meadows is to the west, Mission to the east, and the Township of Langley across the river. The city rises from riverside lowlands and farmland through rolling hills to the forests of the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest and Golden Ears Provincial Park, where the twin peaks of Golden Ears, Alouette Lake and the Alouette River dominate the landscape. Kanaka Creek runs through the eastern part of the city to the Fraser.

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Maple Ridge Neighbourhoods

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Maple Ridge Climate and Weather

Maple Ridge has a mild oceanic climate, but it is wetter and has colder winters than Vancouver because it is closer to the mountains and the Fraser Valley. Outflow winds from the Fraser Canyon can bring cold snaps and snow in winter, while summers are warm and sunny.

Figures are approximate, based on Environment and Climate Change Canada normals for the area.

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Urban Planning in Maple Ridge

Maple Ridge is growing quickly, with new homes planned for Albion, Cottonwood, Silver Valley and the downtown core. Priorities include building a stronger, more vibrant downtown with more apartments and businesses, adding employment lands so more residents can work locally, improving transit (including calls for better West Coast Express service and future rapid transit), protecting farmland and rural areas, and keeping parks and recreation in step with growth.

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Maple Ridge Landmarks

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Maple Ridge Demographics and Population

The 2021 census counted 90,990 people in Maple Ridge, up about 11% from 2016, one of the faster growth rates in the region. The city has many young families, and most households own their homes. About one in five residents was born outside Canada.

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Ethnicity and Cultural Diversity

Figures are rounded from the Statistics Canada 2021 Census Profile.

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Languages Spoken in Maple Ridge

English is the main language for most residents. Other common languages include Punjabi, Mandarin, Korean, Tagalog, Spanish, German, Russian and French.

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Religion in Maple Ridge

About half of residents reported no religion in 2021, and Christians make up most of the rest, with Catholic, Protestant and Evangelical churches. There are small Sikh, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu communities.

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LGBTQ2S+ Maple Ridge

Maple Ridge has an active LGBTQ2S+ community, with Pride events in Ridge Meadows, inclusive programs at the library and recreation centres, and local support organizations.

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Homelessness in Maple Ridge

Homelessness has been a major issue in Maple Ridge. The Anita Place camp, which grew in downtown Maple Ridge between 2017 and 2019, became one of BC's largest homeless camps before residents were moved into temporary modular housing. Since then, the city and BC Housing have added supportive housing, a shelter and outreach services, but homelessness remains visible downtown and continues to be debated.

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Maple Ridge Economy

Maple Ridge's economy is based on retail, health care, education, construction, small business and agriculture. Ridge Meadows Hospital and School District 42 are among the largest employers. Many residents commute to Burnaby, Surrey and Vancouver. The city is working to attract more local jobs, especially in light industry, tech and film. Agriculture includes blueberry farms, nurseries and horse farms, and tourism centres on Golden Ears Provincial Park, Alouette Lake and outdoor recreation.

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City Government, Mayor and Council

Maple Ridge is governed by a mayor and six councillors, all elected city-wide for four-year terms. Voters also elect trustees to the Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Board of Education (School District 42). City Hall is at 11995 Haney Place.

Mayor and city councillors (term 2022–2026)

The next civic election is Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Other levels of government

Maple Ridge is in the federal riding of Pitt Meadows–Maple Ridge and the provincial ridings of Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge East. Metro Vancouver provides regional services, and TransLink runs transit.

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Policing and Crime in Maple Ridge

Maple Ridge is policed by the Ridge Meadows RCMP detachment, which also serves Pitt Meadows. Maple Ridge Fire and Rescue Service provides fire protection. Most reported crime is property crime, concentrated around the downtown and commercial areas.

For emergencies call 9-1-1. For non-emergency matters, contact the Ridge Meadows RCMP.

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Military in Maple Ridge

Maple Ridge has no military base. The Royal Canadian Legion is active locally, and Remembrance Day is marked each November 11 at the cenotaph in Memorial Peace Park.

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Maple Ridge Sister Cities

Maple Ridge does not currently promote any formal sister city relationships. Check with the City of Maple Ridge for the latest information.

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Public Transport and Getting Around Maple Ridge

Driving and bridges

The Lougheed Highway (Highway 7) and the Haney Bypass run through the city, and the Golden Ears Bridge connects Maple Ridge to Langley and Highway 1. Many residents rely on cars because of the large rural area.

Cycling and walking

The Fraser River dike trails, the Alouette River trails, Kanaka Creek Regional Park and the trails of Golden Ears Provincial Park are favourites for walking, running, mountain biking and horseback riding.

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Schools in Maple Ridge

Maple Ridge is part of the Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows School District (School District 42). Secondary schools in Maple Ridge include Garibaldi Secondary, Maple Ridge Secondary, Samuel Robertson Technical, Thomas Haney Secondary and Westview Secondary. Independent schools include Meadowridge School. The nearest universities and colleges are Douglas College in Coquitlam, Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Langley and Simon Fraser University in Burnaby.

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Maple Ridge Library

Maple Ridge is served by the Fraser Valley Regional Library system, with the Maple Ridge Library downtown near Memorial Peace Park. Membership is free for residents.

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Arts and Culture in Maple Ridge

Filming locations

Maple Ridge's forests, rivers, farms and historic Port Haney are popular with film and TV productions, and Golden Ears Provincial Park often stands in for remote wilderness.

Media

• Local news: Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows News
• Regional: CBC, CTV, Global BC and CityNews

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Maple Ridge Nightlife

Maple Ridge's nightlife centres on downtown Haney, with pubs, craft breweries and restaurants, and The ACT Arts Centre for shows and concerts. Summer events in Memorial Peace Park are popular. For clubs, most people head to Coquitlam or Vancouver.

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Parks and Nature in Maple Ridge

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Natural Attractions in Maple Ridge

Maple Ridge is one of the best places in Metro Vancouver for outdoor adventure. Golden Ears Provincial Park has lakes, rivers, waterfalls such as Gold Creek Lower Falls, and challenging hikes to Golden Ears peak. Alouette Lake is popular for swimming, boating and camping in summer. The forests of cedar, hemlock and fir are classic temperate rainforest, and the rivers have salmon runs in the fall.

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Things to Do in Maple Ridge: Top Attractions

1. Hike Golden Ears Provincial Park and see Gold Creek Lower Falls.
2. Swim or paddle at Alouette Lake.
3. Walk the trails at Kanaka Creek Regional Park.
4. Relax at Whonnock Lake.
5. Explore downtown Haney and Memorial Peace Park.
6. See a show at The ACT Arts Centre.
7. Visit the Maple Ridge Museum and Haney House.
8. Ride horses on Maple Ridge's trails.
9. Pick blueberries at a local farm in summer.
10. Explore the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest.

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Sports and Recreation in Maple Ridge

Maple Ridge is home to the Maple Ridge Burrards of the Western Lacrosse Association, and has strong hockey, soccer, baseball and equestrian communities. Recreation facilities include the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre, Planet Ice arena, Greg Moore Youth Centre, Albion Sports Complex and many parks and fields. Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing and paddling are especially popular.

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Annual Events and Festivals in Maple Ridge

Dates change from year to year, so check with organizers before you go.

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Sustainability and Green City Goals

Maple Ridge's environmental priorities include protecting salmon-bearing rivers such as the Alouette River and Kanaka Creek, preserving forests and farmland, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for wildfire, floods and heavy rain. Local groups such as the Alouette River Management Society and the Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society help restore streams and protect fish habitat.

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City Services and Amenities

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Maple Ridge FAQ

How far is Maple Ridge from Vancouver?

About 45 km, or 45 to 60 minutes by car. The West Coast Express takes about an hour from Port Haney to Waterfront Station.

What is Maple Ridge known for?

Golden Ears Provincial Park, Alouette Lake, horse farms, Kanaka Creek, its riverfront history and its family-friendly neighbourhoods.

What is Ridge Meadows?

Ridge Meadows is the area made up of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, which share a school district, RCMP detachment and some services.

What is the population of Maple Ridge?

The 2021 census counted 90,990 people.

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Sources

• City of Maple Ridge: Get ready for the 2026 municipal election
• Maple Ridge News: Ruimy and A Better Maple Ridge win 2022 election
• Metro Vancouver: Homeless population data
• Statistics Canada: Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

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