02 The story
A traditional main street that still works
Downtown Port Coquitlam grew up around the railway, and its main street, Shaughnessy Street, still has the scale of an older town centre. Low-rise storefronts hold family restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, barbers and independent stores, while newer condo buildings have added residents within walking distance. It is the kind of downtown where people run into neighbours on a Saturday morning.
City Hall anchors the core, and next to it is Leigh Square, a public gathering space that reopened in 2025 after an upgrade that added a stage, a water feature, better lighting and more seating. The square is the setting for many community events through the year.
Community centre and Terry Fox tributes
The Port Coquitlam Community Centre, a large modern recreation hub downtown, has pools, arenas and fitness spaces. It also honours the city’s most famous resident. A plaza, a permanent exhibit and a set of sculptures called Gateway of Giants, unveiled in 2025, celebrate Terry Fox, who grew up in Port Coquitlam. Many visitors make this their first stop.
Parks along the river
The Coquitlam River runs along the western edge of downtown, and a paved section of the Traboulay PoCo Trail follows it past Gates Park and Lions Park. Gates Park has sports fields and paths, while Lions Park is a favourite with families for its playground. From here you can walk or cycle north toward Hyde Creek or south toward the Fraser.
Tip: downtown events, including the city’s hometown Terry Fox Run in September, can close nearby streets, so check the city’s calendar before driving in.
