Neighbourhoods matter a lot. And not just for resale value, either. In their own way, they are alive. They live, breathe, grow and develop. And there’s a sense of each of these places, something that’s impossible to engineer; a certain feeling that comes from knowing the people in your community, and feeling like you’re a part of it.
If you’ve never had your butcher offer you a free bag of bones for your dog, or had your barista warmly welcome you by your first name, you’re missing out on that neighbourhood that everyone should be searching for. We’re here to help you find it.
The best-kept secret in the Tri-Cities
At REW we see a lot of search traffic (over 50 million searches per year, to be exact). If we asked you to guess what the busiest market in the Tri-Cities is, what would be your first inclination? You might think of Coquitlam’s Westwood Plateau, Port Moody’s Suterbrook Village, or Port Coquitlam’s Citadel Heights, all popular neighbourhoods in their own right.
But what if we told you that West Coquitlam, sitting right along the border with Burnaby, is the most searched market in the Tri-Cities this year? Well, that’s what we’re telling you. Burquitlam is a hit amongst homeseekers and investors alike. And for good reason.
Roam-ancing the neighbourhood
Burquitlam is nestled between Lougheed Town Centre, Simon Fraser University, and Port Moody. So if you move here, you’re probably going to like your neighbours. Not only is West Coquitlam quick access to some of the best amenities in the Tri-Cities, you’re also a short walk from Burnaby at all times. Tell Michael Bublé we said hello, we just haven’t met him yet.
If it’s the outdoors you’re after, West Coquitlam has you covered. Home to the Vancouver Golf Club, Como Lake and Mundy Park, and of course the stunning nose-tickling flowers at Centennial Rose Garden. It’s a transit-oriented community which makes getting anywhere from New Westminster to Downtown Vancouver just a quick trip away. There’s no sacrificing any of your favourite restaurants, bars, or commuting hours when you’re this close to the Millennium Line.
Down to business
Here are a few of our favourite local businesses in West Coquitlam, but be sure to take a stroll down Clarke Road and visit any of the hundreds of diverse shops in the area for yourself. You’re bound to find a local favourite that makes you feel right at home.
Nice meating you
Feast your senses at Nice Meating You BBQ, the sizzling sensation nestled in the heart of Burquitlam. Renowned for its succulent, smoky, and tender meats, this barbecue haven has quickly become a go-to destination for carnivores and grill enthusiasts alike - but don’t get it twisted, this isn’t your grandpa’s steakhouse. The items on the menu range from chicken skins and tripe to lamb skewers and spicy clams. It’s an unforgettable BBQ experience, so save your appetite and spend your evening.
Accept cookies
Put on your stretchy pants, fellow dessert lovers. BjornBar Bakery has raised the bar (pun intended) with its dazzling second location, unveiled in 2021. It’s a tasty smorgasbord of heavenly baked goods, decadent dessert bars, magnificent cakes, and irresistibly sweet and savoury party boxes that will knock your sweet tooth out cold.
We’d be beside ourselves if we didn’t mention their showstopper, The Ganookie. Choose your own adventure with a personalized 5-inch Ganookie that's tailored to your wildest ganache and cookie-flavoured dreams. Our sights have always been set on the divine chocolate-peanut butter combo, and we're never looking back. A word of caution, though: your taste buds will need some time to prepare for this party. Be sure to place your order at least 48 hours in advance, or simply surrender to the siren call of their irresistible flavour of the week.
Beers with attitude
Part of the BC Ale Trail, you can find Moody Ales at Port Moody’s most famous attraction, Brewers Row. This craft brewery has been doing things right since 2014 and is just a five-minute trip away from Burquitlam down Snake Hill. Wet your whistle with old favourites like the Hardy Brown Ale, seasonal beers, limited edition flavours, or small-batch experimental brews complemented by rotational food trucks. And the best news is, you can bring Fido. Dogs are always welcome at their year-round patio. Now, go fetch yourself a pint.
Celebrate good times
What’s not to love about a food festival? The annual month-long Taste of the Tri-Cities food festival takes place between mid-February and mid-March, featuring 45 local restaurants, breweries, distilleries, cafes, and more across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody.
Specialty menus and offerings are exclusive to the festival period. Examples of featured establishments offering up delicious food include BjornBar Bakery, House of Tofu Soup, and Moody Ales. As they say, Tri-Local, Buy-Local.
A beautiful day in the neighbourhood
It’s hard to put a finger on what makes a neighbourhood a great neighbourhood. There’s a spirit to these places, a meshing of the lives and loves and laughter and losses of all of those who took root there at one time or another. It’s places to eat that would never succeed anywhere else. It’s local grocers whose produce is only outweighed by their personalities. It’s the lives of the people who truly bring the bricks and mortar to life. And that’s worth buying into.
If you’re looking to buy into one of the hottest markets on REW, take a look at Alina in West Coquitlam. Alina is a vision of balance in design, pairing a timeless aesthetic with luxurious modern details that capture a sense of sophistication and elegance.
REW is facilitating multiple unique event experiences to showcase Alina, each of which includes exclusive incentives that you need to register to receive. Experiences begin April 12 and run through April 25, you won’t want to miss.
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