02 The story
The heart of Maple Ridge
Downtown Maple Ridge grew up on the hill above Port Haney, and for many years the area was simply known as Haney after pioneer Thomas Haney. Today it is the city’s main centre, laid out around 224 Street, Lougheed Highway and Haney Place. City Hall, the public library, the RCMP detachment and the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre are all here, along with Haney Place Mall and Valley Fair Mall for everyday shopping.
Along 224 Street you will find local restaurants, cafés, pubs and independent shops mixed with newer condo buildings. Public art and tile mosaics add colour to the sidewalks, and the city has invested in making the core more walkable.
Memorial Peace Park and The ACT
Memorial Peace Park is downtown’s main gathering place, a green square that is also home to the city cenotaph. It hosts many of Maple Ridge’s community events, from summer concerts and festivals to Remembrance Day ceremonies. Across the way, The ACT Arts Centre has a main theatre of close to 500 seats for touring shows, concerts and local productions, and it houses the Maple Ridge Art Gallery.
Practical tips
Downtown is the best base for exploring Maple Ridge without a car. Buses from Haney Place reach most neighbourhoods, and Port Haney’s heritage sites and river wharf are a short walk downhill. Golden Ears Provincial Park, Kanaka Creek and the Alouette River are all within a 30-minute drive.
On event days around Memorial Peace Park, street parking can be tight, so consider arriving by bus or parking a few blocks away and walking in.
