
Gates Park
A vibrant park along the Coquitlam River, featuring sports fields, trails, and refreshing water access for all.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for river dips

Gates Park
Best Time
Perfect for river dips

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant park along the Coquitlam River, featuring sports fields, trails, and refreshing water access for all.
"A truly well thought out large park that is also beautiful."

🚗 Parking is Easy
Plenty of parking available, even on busy days. Spots are often close to the river access. :car:
☀️ Beat the Heat
The Coquitlam River is a fantastic spot to cool off on hot summer days. :sunny:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Coquitlam River Dip
Along the Coquitlam River
Cool off in the clean, refreshing Coquitlam River. Varying depths make it great for all ages, with spots for wading, floating, and even a rope swing.

Sports Fields Galore
Various locations within the park
From tennis and basketball to soccer and baseball, Gates Park offers a wide array of well-maintained sports facilities for active visitors.

Recreational Trail
Park perimeter and along the river
Enjoy a scenic walk or bike ride on the paved recreational trail, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a brisk jog.

Outdoor Fitness Zone
Designated fitness area
Stay active with the outdoor fitness equipment available for public use, catering to various exercise routines.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
River Access & Parking
Sports & Recreation Hub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Where to park to access Coquitlam river? (Not from the area)
🚗 Parking is Easy
Plenty of parking available, even on busy days. Spots are often close to the river access. :car:
☀️ Beat the Heat
The Coquitlam River is a fantastic spot to cool off on hot summer days. :sunny:
What are some of your favourite things to do in and around Coquitlam?
Salmon Viewing
👟 Trail Ready
Paved trails are great for walking, jogging, or biking. Wear comfortable shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🚴♀️ Cyclist Air Kit
Find a thoughtful air kit for cyclists along the way. :bike:
What can y'all tell me about living in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is Easy
Plenty of parking available, even on busy days. Spots are often close to the river access. :car:
☀️ Beat the Heat
The Coquitlam River is a fantastic spot to cool off on hot summer days. :sunny:
👟 Trail Ready
Paved trails are great for walking, jogging, or biking. Wear comfortable shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🚴♀️ Cyclist Air Kit
Find a thoughtful air kit for cyclists along the way. :bike:
🎨 Art on the Ground
Look out for interesting artworks integrated into the park grounds. :art:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gates Park is highly praised for its beautiful setting along the Coquitlam River, offering a refreshing escape with clean, accessible water. Visitors love the wide range of sports facilities, from tennis courts to numerous fields, and the well-maintained recreational trails. While some basketball courts are noted as older, the park is generally seen as a well-thought-out, beautiful, and functional space for diverse outdoor activities.
"Great park that has it all and it's next to a wonderful river. Tennis courts, outdoor fitness equipment, softball and baseball fields, lots of soccer and lacrosse fields, and even some basketball courts (although these are a bit old). Food is also sold at certain times if the week and there are plenty of clean washrooms. A truly well thought out large park that is also beautiful."
David Durango
"We have a nice afternoon at the beautiful Gates Park. Along the Coquitlam river, people go hiking or biking on the green trail, and enjoy the natural gift. There are many spacious sports fields and other facilities that are well maintained. I found an air kit for cyclists on the way. It’s really thoughtful. Love the artworks on the ground."
Helena
"Park with paved walking trails, exercise equipments, and various outdoor sporting areas. There are often people of various ages and ethnicities walking, jogging, or playing sports at this park. There are few benches for sitting and lots of green space for gatherings. Plenty of parking is available at a big lot."
May Zhagro
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gates Park is accessible by car, with ample parking available. Visitors mention turning off a main road with a train rail overhead to find parking areas. Public transport options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the park area.
There's a large parking lot within the park that offers convenient access to trails and the river. Even on busy weekend days, finding a spot is usually not an issue.
Yes, Gates Park is generally easy to locate, especially if you're familiar with the area. Visitors have described turning off a main road with a train rail overhead to access the park.
Absolutely! The park is situated along the Coquitlam River, and there are clear entrances to the water from the park's trails.
Visitors often park in the main lot and find it's just across from the entrance to the water, making it very convenient for river access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Gates Park is a public park and does not typically have an entrance fee. Enjoy the facilities and natural beauty for free!
As an outdoor public park, Gates Park is generally accessible from dawn until dusk. Specific facility hours, like sports field bookings, may vary.
For organized sports or group events, it's advisable to check with local park authorities or sports leagues regarding booking procedures for fields.
Standard park rules apply, such as respecting wildlife and keeping the park clean. Visitors are advised to be aware of potential wildlife, like bears, especially during morning walks.
Generally, public tennis courts in parks are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis, though specific rules might apply.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Gates Park offers a wide range of activities including swimming/wading in the Coquitlam River, hiking/biking on paved trails, playing on sports fields (soccer, baseball, softball), using outdoor fitness equipment, and enjoying the green spaces.
The river has varying depths, making it suitable for different comfort levels. Visitors find the water clean and a pleasant temperature for cooling off. Always exercise caution and supervise children.
Yes, the park is equipped with clean washrooms for visitors' convenience.
Yes, there are plenty of green spaces for gatherings and benches available for sitting. Some nearby parks like Lions Park offer picnic shelters and tables.
Definitely! The river's varying depths are great for kids, and there are open green spaces for them to play. Nearby Lions Park also has water play features.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food is sold at certain times of the week, so it's best to check the park's schedule or local listings for availability.
While the park has plenty of green space for gatherings, specific picnic shelters and tables are more prominently mentioned at the adjacent Lions Park.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and enjoy picnics in the park's open green spaces.
The park is primarily an outdoor recreational area. For a wider selection of dining options, you would likely need to travel to nearby commercial areas.
Specifics on food sold are not detailed, but it's likely to be casual park fare. It's best to confirm availability and offerings directly.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the scenic Coquitlam River, the vibrant sports fields, and the natural beauty of the park's trails. Don't miss the artworks on the ground!
Yes, the park offers opportunities for nature photography along the river and its surrounding greenery. Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna.
While you can photograph general park activities, be mindful of privacy if focusing on individuals engaged in sports.
The Coquitlam River itself is a major draw, as are the various sports fields and the unique artworks found on the ground.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best natural light for photography, creating softer shadows and warmer tones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the park itself has sports fields and fitness equipment, the nearby Lions Park is often mentioned for its water play features and picnic areas, making it a great complementary spot for families. The paved trails are also easy for strollers or for kids learning to ride bikes. Remember to bring essentials like sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water for a comfortable family outing.
🏃♀️ Active Individuals & Fitness Buffs
If you're into racquet sports, the tennis courts are available, and the park also boasts numerous fields for soccer, baseball, and softball, ideal for pickup games or organized sports. The proximity to the Coquitlam River also offers opportunities for swimming or simply enjoying water-based activities.
🚶♀️ Nature Lovers & Casual Strollers
Keep an eye out for the artworks integrated into the ground, which add a unique touch to the walking experience. The park's open green spaces are also ideal for relaxing, reading a book, or simply enjoying the natural surroundings. While it's a popular spot, weekday mornings often offer a quieter, more tranquil atmosphere.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Embracing the Coquitlam River
Beyond just swimming, the riverbanks offer beautiful scenery for leisurely walks and photography. The experience of simply sitting in the cool water with a chair is described as incredibly relaxing. It’s this accessible, natural water feature that brings many visitors back repeatedly, especially those who miss having a nearby swimming spot.
Key Takeaways:
* Ideal for cooling off: The river is perfect for hot summer days.
* Family-friendly: Varying depths make it safe for children.
* Easy access: Convenient parking is available near the river entrance.
* Relaxing atmosphere: Enjoy wading, floating, or simply sitting in the water.
A Sports Enthusiast's Paradise
Beyond the traditional field sports, the park also includes outdoor fitness equipment, catering to those who prefer a more structured workout. This variety ensures that visitors can engage in a wide range of physical activities. The presence of these diverse sporting options contributes to the park's reputation as a comprehensive recreational hub for the community.
Sports Facilities at Gates Park:
* Tennis Courts
* Basketball Courts
* Soccer Fields
* Softball Fields
* Baseball Fields
* Outdoor Fitness Equipment
Exploring the Recreational Trails
Visitors appreciate the accessibility of these trails, noting that they are well-maintained and suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. The loop connecting Lions Park to Gates Park is a popular 3 km round trip, offering a manageable and enjoyable walk. The presence of artwork on the ground adds an interesting visual element to the trail experience, making the journey more engaging.
Trail Highlights:
* Paved and accessible: Suitable for walking, jogging, and biking.
* Scenic routes: Offers views along the Coquitlam River.
* Artistic elements: Integrated artworks enhance the visual appeal.
* Loop options: Popular routes like the Lions Park to Gates Park loop are available.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit