Coquitlam stretches from the old francophone streets of Maillardville up to forested slopes and marshland at the edge of the mountains. In between, a man-made lake in the city centre has become the setting for one of the region's best-loved winter light displays. It's a city where you can stroll past a heritage home, sit in a lakeside gallery and walk a forest loop all in the same day. These Coquitlam date ideas take you from late fall into the bright weeks of the holiday season and beyond.
Lafarge Lake After Dark
Lights at Lafarge: The City of Coquitlam calls Lights at Lafarge the largest free outdoor winter lights display in Metro Vancouver. Opening night is Friday, November 27, 2026, with a kick-off celebration running 5 to 8 p.m. Wrap up in a warm coat, follow the glowing paths around the lake and let the reflections on the water do the talking. The city posts updates through the season, so check its page before you head out on a stormy night.
Town Centre Park: By day, the loop trail around Lafarge Lake is a gentle walk past lawns and a fishing pier. It's hard to picture now, but the lake was once a gravel pit, donated to the city by the Lafarge company in the mid-1980s. Some trails are closed for upgrades, so follow the detour signs. The park is right beside Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain station, which makes it easy to arrive without a car. Find a bench by the water and watch the light change over the mountains.
Evergreen Arts on Pinetree Way
Evergreen Arts: Steps from the lake at 1205 Pinetree Way, this arts centre is celebrating its 30th anniversary season. It houses a 257-seat black box theatre and a public gallery of contemporary art, and its glassed-in lobby looks straight out over Lafarge Lake. The gallery is open from noon on Wednesday through Sunday, and until 6 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. Browse the current exhibition, then look through the season calendar for a performance you'd both enjoy. A small theatre means every seat feels close to the stage, which makes even a short performance feel personal.
An Edwardian Afternoon in Maillardville
Mackin House Museum: In Maillardville, once the largest French-speaking community in Western Canada, this heritage house tells the story of Coquitlam's early days. Its new exhibit, An Edwardian Bedroom, runs until January 2027 and explores grooming, fashion and hobbies from 1901 to 1910. Imagine getting ready for an evening out more than a century ago, and compare notes on which customs you'd bring back. The museum also hosts afternoon teas from time to time; check its website for dates and hours.
Forest Hours in Mundy Park
Mundy Park: This 178-hectare forest park in the heart of the city is one of Coquitlam's most treasured places. A trail circles the whole park and takes about an hour on foot, while shorter interior paths lead to Mundy Lake and the viewing benches at Lost Lake. The west side of the Mundy Lake loop is closed through the fall for maintenance, so plan to visit Lost Lake instead. Bring a thermos and claim a bench for a quiet chat under the trees.
Marsh Trails at Minnekhada
Minnekhada Regional Park: In the northeast corner of the city, forest, marsh and rocky outcrops make Minnekhada feel far from town. The Lodge Trail is a mostly flat 2-kilometre return walk from the Quarry Road entrance, with good wildlife viewing along the Lower Marsh, while more adventurous couples can climb to the views at High Knoll. On most Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m., the historic Minnekhada Lodge opens its doors to visitors. Construction is causing detours on the roads leading to the park, so give yourselves extra time.
Sample Date Itineraries
1. Opening night glow: A walk around Lafarge Lake at dusk on November 27 → the Lights at Lafarge celebration → a warm drink near City Centre.
2. Lakeside culture: The gallery at Evergreen Arts on a Thursday or Friday → a loop of Town Centre Park → an evening performance in the black box theatre.
3. Heritage and forest: The Edwardian Bedroom exhibit at Mackin House → a walk to Lost Lake in Mundy Park → dinner in Maillardville.
Pro Tips for Memorable Dates
Lights at Lafarge is free, and the SkyTrain stops right beside the park.
Follow the posted detours in Town Centre Park while trail upgrades continue.
Download the Mundy Park trail map from the city's website before you go.
Minnekhada is bear country; make noise on the trails and keep your distance from wildlife.
Coquitlam pairs city lights with deep forest in a way few places can. Choose a lake, a little history and a trail, and spend the day together.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Photo credits: Lafarge Lake in the fall by Rajivkozhikode, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Minnekhada Regional Park by Colin W, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Owl in Mundy Park by Jeff Macleod, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.