Port Coquitlam Hikes
There are several hikes accessible from Port Coquitlam. The big ones begin with Burke Mountain if you're heading out on foot, or if you want to use a boat to drop you off further north in the backcountry, you can put in at the largest freshwater tidal lake in North America, the awesome Pitt Lake.
But if you want to stay in town, there are still a few great trail systems (see below), like Minnekhada and the citywide PoCo Trail, including the popular dykes along the Pitt River.
Bigger Hikes in PoCo
The biggest hikes related to Port Coquitlam are those treks which bring you into Garibaldi Provincial Park or Pinecone-Burke Provincial Park, both of which stretch into the mountainous wildlands north of the Fraser Valley.
Next in scope are the hikes around Burke Mountain, including the moderate hike to the Coquitlam Lake View Lookout, the more strenuous* hike to Munroe and Dennett Lakes, and the Widgeon area.
Finally, the PoCo Trail (aka Traboulay PoCo Trail) is Port Coquitlam's big 17 km of innercity hiking mixed well with gorgeous rainforests and riverside vistas. It encompasses the city, for the most part, and is accessible from a great many locations.
Smaller Hikes in Port Coquitlam
Minnekhada Park is most people's idea of a hike - not too far or difficult, and if you feel like working a little bit for a great view, the high knoll presents a very satisfying lookout over the Pitt River Valley, with views of Mt Baker exciting thoughts of how wonderful it would be to witness an eruption from the knoll.
Crystal Falls - Follow PoCo Trail as it runs upstream on the east shore of the Coquitlam River. The PoCo Trail itself veers away from the river before River Springs, but you'll want to stay on the riverside trail as it curls upstream past the houses, and finally plunges into the darkness under the long shadow of Burke Mountain. Follow the trail through the woods, past a clearing with an old ruin, and finally to Crystal Falls, a pretty drop of a few meters, with a mysterious pool beneath (swimming not recommended).
The dykes along De Boville Slough and the Pitt River make for a beautiful, open trailway of several kilometers, with opportunities to exit the trail at many points. Not only do you get to see all kinds of birds and beasts (watch for black bears) along here, but because the dykes are so much higher than the surrounding land, the view is always amazing, especially with Golden Ears Mountain and Burke Mountain in every backdrop. Access to the dykes are at the Pitt River Bridge, and at the ends of Dominion, Prairie, Devon, Lincoln (off Devon), Cedar Drive (where it crosses under the power lines) and Oliver Road near Minnekhada Park.
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* Munroe Lake is at a lower altitude than the Coquitlam Lake View, but the hike is steeper, and starts at a considerably lower point.