Port Coquitlam City Guide

You’ll find everything from seafood and classic Canadian dishes to a mix of Asian, Indian, and European options. Plant-based choices are easy to find. Most late-night eats are fast food.

Nightlife is low-key, mostly pubs and sports bars. For bigger clubs, head to Vancouver.

The city has a mix of chains and independent cafés. It’s more about hanging out than specialty coffee. Wi-Fi is good and many spots let you work for hours.

Tipping 15–20% in restaurants and for most services is expected. Round up a taxi fare or tip 10–15%.

SIM cards and eSIMs are available at main mobile stores in shopping centers. Bring your passport for registration.

Streets and parks are clean. Local waste collection is reliable.

Few true 24/7 businesses. A few chain minimarts are open late. Pharmacies have extended hours but aren’t 24/7.

Big supermarkets and smaller stores carry both local and international brands. Grocery stores are open all week, usually 7 AM–10 PM.

Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Cash is rarely needed, even in small shops or cafés.

ATMs are common at most banks and convenience stores. Fees at out-of-network ATMs are about CAD $1.50-$3.00.

Local public schools teach mostly in English. Most families follow a simple registration process based on where they live.

There’s no big nomad scene here. Most remote workers use local cafés or work from home.

There’s tons of green space. Most neighborhoods are near trails, parks, or rivers.

The city’s trails and riverside paths are safe and well-kept. The Traboulay PoCo Trail is a local favorite.

You’ll find modern gyms and a community center with full facilities.

Tennis courts are at Gates Park and other parks. Bring your own gear—there’s usually no rental.

Padel courts are rare in Port Coquitlam.

Yoga studios are in town, offering drop-in classes and different styles.

Several gyms teach Karate, Taekwondo, BJJ, boxing, and kickboxing. Most instructors speak English.

Skiing is a 45–60 min drive away at resorts like Cypress, Seymour, and Grouse. Rentals and lessons are easy to find.

Paddleboarding and kayaking are popular on local rivers and lakes. Rentals are available seasonally.

No surfing near Port Coquitlam. The closest options are several hours away on Vancouver Island.

Diving is best near Vancouver or on the coast. Good sites, but expect to travel 30+ minutes to reach most spots.

Hospitals and clinics nearby offer quality care. Pharmacies like Shoppers and London Drugs sell OTC meds and provide advice. Most staff speak English.

Tap water is safe and meets high Canadian standards. No need to buy bottled water.

Lots of parks, trails, and playgrounds. Baby supplies and kid-friendly spaces are easy to find. Pools, rec centers, and safe outdoor spaces suit all ages.

The city is safe and welcoming for LGBTQ+ people. Most venues are inclusive. Pride events are mainly in Vancouver.

Dogs are welcome in many parks and on trails. Vets and pet shops are easy to find. A few rentals and hotels allow pets—check first.