With the forecast this weekend calling for near 30 C degree weather and clear skies, the city of Coquitlam is urging residents to seek out the region's less travelled trails in a push to maintain physical distancing and halt the spread of COVID-19.
“People naturally want to flock to places like the [Coquitlam] Crunch and Mundy park,” said the city’s communication manager Kathleen Vincent. “We’re encouraging people to seek out those less busy trails, their local parks — those hidden gems.”
To that end, the city is recommending a handful of “lesser-known” trails where it’s easier to avoid the crowds. They include:
- Riverview Forest loop, a two-kilometre unpaved, mainly flat trail with some moderate inclines, located across the street from Mundy Park. Start at the south end at Mariner Way and Austin Avenue, or at the north end near the Mundy Park East parking lot on Mariner Way at Chilko Drive.
- Mackin Park loop, a one-kilometre loop with a flat, stair-free path with a hard surface. You can park an access the trail at 1046 Brunette Avenue, off King Edward or Nelson Street.
- Burke Mountain loop 1, a two-kilometre loop with mixed trail surfaces and some steep sections. Start at Burke Mountain Pioneer Park, 1428 Collins Road.
- Burke Mountain loop 2, a 3.2-kilometre loop with mixed trail surfaces and some steep sections. Start anywhere along the route, which includes sections of David Avenue, Coast Meridian Road, Highland Drive, Wales Avenue and Sheffield Avenue.
- Rochester Park loop, a 592-metre loop with inclines and approximately 240 stairs. The park is located at 1390 Rochester Avenue.
Downloadable maps of the five routes can be found at www.coquitlam.ca/trails.
Beyond these city recommendations, all parks and trails remain open in Coquitlam, though the city is monitoring them to ensure users are:
- following one-way and single file travel guidelines at busy spots and times;
- remaining two metres apart from those not in your household;
- walking in groups of no more than two to three people, all from the same household;
- and staying home if you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
The city also strongly recommends hikers walk single-file, stepping off the trail when passing people and warning other trail users that you’re coming when passing from behind.
