03 About Coquitlam
A city between the river and the mountains
Coquitlam takes its name from the Kwikwetlem First Nation, whose people have lived along the Coquitlam River for thousands of years. The city covers a lot of ground: older neighbourhoods near the Fraser River in the southwest, a modern city centre around Coquitlam Centre and Lafarge Lake, and newer hillside communities that climb toward Eagle Mountain and Burke Mountain.
Much of Coquitlam’s character comes from that spread. In Maillardville you can still see the legacy of the French Canadian mill workers who arrived in 1909 to work at Fraser Mills. Austin Heights and Burquitlam are established, walkable pockets in the west, both changing quickly as new towers rise near transit. Up the hill, Westwood Plateau and Burke Mountain are planned communities of family homes, parks and greenbelts.
The city centre and SkyTrain
The opening of the Evergreen Extension of the Millennium Line in December 2016 reshaped Coquitlam. Coquitlam Central, Lincoln and Lafarge Lake–Douglas stations now anchor a dense city centre with Coquitlam Centre mall, City Hall, Douglas College’s David Lam campus, the Evergreen Cultural Centre and Town Centre Park. Lafarge Lake, with its walking loop, is a favourite for an easy evening stroll.
Getting outdoors
Coquitlam is a strong pick if you like being outside. Popular options include:
- Mundy Park, a large urban forest with two small lakes and shaded trails.
- The Coquitlam Crunch, a steep hydro-corridor trail that climbs to Westwood Plateau.
- Minnekhada Regional Park and Pinecone Burke Provincial Park on the northeast edge.
- The Coquitlam River, with riverside paths and salmon runs in the fall.
Who it suits
Families tend to choose Coquitlam for its parks, schools and newer homes, while students and commuters lean toward the condo neighbourhoods near SkyTrain. The city also has a large Korean community, most visible along North Road near Burquitlam, and a growing food scene across its town centres. Use the city centre as a base, then explore one neighbourhood at a time: each has its own pace and its own reasons to visit.
