My love for Canada runs deep. Back in 1996, our family took several vacations with one being to Canada. Canada is so clean and beautiful. I enjoyed shooting as many sites as I could with my little 110 camera.
So, after I had my own children, I promised myself that I would take them there when they were about the age that we went. It’s even written in my Lifebook. We are at that stage now where it’s time for us to go.
This past December for Christmas, we did experience a bit of Niagara Falls on the border of New York and Canada, however, my goal is to get there and actually spend a bit more time, perhaps in Port Coquitlam.
Port Coquitlam
Port Coquitlam is just about 16 miles east of the city of Vancouver but is a city well worth visiting in its own right. It’s gorgeous. I have even seen gorgeous photos and canvases that remind me of the city on Illusionphotograph.com.
There is plenty to do in the area with children of all ages, whether you want to soak up some culture or get out into the great outdoors for some fresh air.
Colony Farm Regional Park
If you’re looking for some fresh air and somewhere for the kids to run wild, then this regional park is ideal. There are lots of trails to be explored that suit various different activity levels, so you can find a trail to suit you whether you’re taking a walk with Grandma or need somewhere for active kids to blow off some steam.
And, once everyone is tired out and ready to eat, you can head a short distance over to Pizza Factory since everyone seems to love meat pizza.
Hyde Creek Hatchery Tour
On the Hyde Creek Hatchery Tour, you have the opportunity to learn about fish and get up close to them at the hatchery. The facility was set up to preserve the fish environment and to promote awareness of the environmental issues that fish are facing.
There are informal tours throughout the day, led by volunteers, so that the family can learn all about the day to day operations of the hatchery and the fish they help.
Daniel Le Chocolate Belge
Whenever we are visiting various places, we tend to stop by a candy factory. For example, while in Wisconsin, we toured the Jelly Belly Factory and while in Florida, we toured the Angel and Phelps Chocolate Factory.
Visiting Canada is no different. So if you have a love for chocolate, then you need to make a stop at Daniel Le Chocolat Belge for chocolates, pastries, and ice cream. This one is a great treat for the entire family and shouldn’t be missed by anyone with a taste for sweet treats.
Kids Playzone
If you have younger children under 10 years of age, the Playzone would be ideal. You can drop in on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer and the kids can get some energy out by bouncing, sliding, and playing for hours on this enormous indoor playground.
Think of a Skyzone or Elevate Trampoline park in the US. There is even an area dedicated to toddlers.
Jungle Jac’s Play Centre
And, if one play place isn’t enough, then try this one; Jungle Jac’s Play Centre. You can play together as a family in the laser tag arena, bounce around in the trampoline zone, slide on the water slides, take on the bumper cars, and basically just have a huge amount of fun. There are also specialized areas and toys for toddlers, so the whole family can enjoy themselves safely.
Port Coquitlam Bowling
This is more than just a bowling alley. Port Coquitlam Bowling has disco nights and drop in bowling times, so you can always find a lane for some friendly competition with the family.
For smaller kids, 5-pin bowling works well, as it may be easier for them than using the larger bowling bowls used for 9-pin bowling. Keep an eye out for offers where kids play for free for a budget day out together.
Hyde Creek Recreation Center
Lastly, is a complete aquatics center where you’ll find all sorts of activities, including a river run, a water slide, a leisure pool, a lap pool, and a whirlpool. In the same building, you’ll also find other sports options and rooms you can hire for birthday parties.
If you’ve never been to this center, it is huge with large, garage door size windows and entrances. Pedestrians can enter on Wilson Avenue on the north side of the building, and on Mary Hill Road on the west side of the building. Just so that you know, there is no access from Kingsway Avenue.
If you are curious about large, garage door size entrances such as these, visit Canadiandoors.net.
Final Thoughts
Port Coquitlam is just one of the many amazing places that you can visit as a family. It offers a variety of activities that are suitable for the entire family, regardless of age.
I hope you enjoyed viewing our 1996 Canada trip from my 100 film and have been inspired to visit Port Coquitlam.
