Tired of always running along the Seawall? Why not switch up your scenery and discover some of the great parks and running trails that Coquitlam has to offer! Venture out of Vancouver and mix up your workout routine at these jogging-friendly spots. [Photo credit: iStock.com/ vm]
There’s no question about it, Town Centre Park is Coquitlam’s recreational hub. The park boasts a variety of green spaces for soccer, baseball, football and tennis, and even has sandy volleyball courts and a track-and-field stadium. Here you can find people of all ages jogging, strolling or rollerblading around the Lakeside Loop at scenic Lafarge Lake within the park. If you want to treat yourself, don’t forget to take a trip to Coquitlam Centre across the street for a post-jog bite!
Nestled in the heart of Coquitlam, Mundy Park is a hidden gem that’s well known to locals. Several trails run through the park, including the Perimeter Trail, a four-kilometer path that weaves through the heavily wooded area. With its mysterious and fairytale-like feel, it’s no wonder that this 178-hectare nature-filled park has been used as a filming location for the popular TV show, Supernatural. If you love jogging with your dog, several trails within the park are off-leash in the morning until 10:00 am, making it a great place to bring along your four-legged running buddy!
One of the most surprising jogging areas in Coquitlam is located just a few blocks away from busy Como Lake Avenue in a seemingly residential area. Take a look here and you’ll find a picturesque lake surrounded by a kilometer-long walking trail. All year long, Como Lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including trout, which are released into the lake regularly for recreational fishing. The trout also bring other animals out of hiding, which makes Como Lake an ideal spot to observe nature at play while working up a sweat.
Are you looking to challenge yourself and add some variety to your workout? Why not visit Eagle Ridge Park, the starting point of Coquitlam’s famous Coquitlam Crunch trail. With comparisons to the Grouse Grind, the Crunch begins with 300-metres of stairs that’ll give you a great pump for your legs, and the 2.2-kilometre trail boasts an 800-foot elevation gain that’ll give you some of the best views of Coquitlam.
If you’re into watching nature at work, visit Hoy Creek Linear Park, a peaceful retreat just off Lougheed Highway. The Hoy Creek Trail meanders along the watershed where you can observe the life cycle of Coho salmon at the Hoy Creek Hatchery. The gravel trail is perfect for those who want to enjoy a quiet walk or jog on a peaceful, quiet trail.
Located in the historic Maillardville district, Mackin Park is the perfect place to jog if you enjoy watching youth sports teams in action. This park is home to four baseball diamonds, two playing fields, two tennis courts, a spray park, and even has a concession stand that sells snacks for participants and spectators. The jogging trail that surrounds the park allows joggers to be close to the action and cheer on their favourite team!
For those who not only want to jog but also want to enjoy some quality family time, Blue Mountain Park is the place to be. As one of Coquitlam’s original parks, this family friendly park allows visitors to shade themselves under tall Douglas Fir trees while enjoying their jog, and has picnic tables which are perfect for planning a post-workout get together. Blue Mountain Park is also home to Coquitlam’s first public recreation facility – a wading pool built in 1958 – and also has a large playground and spray pool area, which is popular with kids throughout the summer months.