02 The story
Living on the mountainside
Heritage Mountain rises behind Port Moody’s town centre, and the neighbourhoods built on its slopes are among the city’s most family-focused. Heritage Mountain sits partway up, close to Newport Village and the Civic Centre, while Heritage Woods climbs higher above David Avenue toward the Coquitlam border. Both are largely residential, with detached homes, townhouses and low-rise buildings tucked between forested ravines and creeks.
Many homes enjoy views over Burrard Inlet and the Port Moody waterfront, and the greenbelts give the area a calm, wooded feel. Streets are hilly and winding, so most residents drive or take the bus down to the shops.
Schools and parks
Families are drawn by the schools, including Heritage Mountain Elementary, Aspenwood Elementary, Eagle Mountain Middle and Heritage Woods Secondary. Parks such as North Shore Community Park, Heritage Mountain Park and Aspenwood Park provide fields and playgrounds.
Trails close to home
The real draw is the forest. Bert Flinn Park, Port Moody’s largest nature park, starts near the top of Heritage Mountain Boulevard by the David Avenue roundabout, with forest trails, small bridges and boardwalks over a wetland. Further up, trails on Eagle Mountain and in the surrounding greenbelt offer steeper climbs, and Buntzen Lake and Belcarra Regional Park are a short drive away. Wildlife, including black bears and deer, is common, so keep garbage secure and stay alert on the trails.
Everyday shopping is a few minutes downhill at Newport Village and Suter Brook, while Coquitlam Centre is an easy drive east along David Avenue.
Tip: if you plan to explore by bike, expect steep hills. Many riders take the bus up and ride down.
