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Maple Ridge (population: 68,949) is located in the Fraser Valley by the north bank of the Fraser River along Lougheed Highway (Hwy 7). Just a one-hour drive east of Vancouver, Maple Ridge sits pastorally in the southern reaches of the Coast Mountains, an agricultural district comprising of farms and ranches interspersed with meadows, lakes, streams and rivers.
The twin summits of 1,716m/ 5,630ft Golden Ears Mountain rise majestically above Maple Ridge and its neighbouring city of Pitt Meadows, affording stunning views from just about anywhere in the area. The region is the traditional home of the Katzie and Kwantlen First Nations, whose territory throughout the Pitt and Stave watersheds once comprised of at least 10 villages. Activities in Maple Ridge Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to Maple Ridge, and no wonder: the area boasts over 160km/ 100 miles of walking, cycling, hiking and equestrian trails. Kanaka Creek Regional Park has 400 hectares/1,000 acres of forests, meadows and marshes with horseback riding, fishing, picnicking and caneoing and kayaking not to mention spectacular Cliff Falls. Aboriginals were catching salmon on this creek 4,000 years ago at Kanaka Creek and you can learn more at the Bell Irving Fish Hatchery. Take the Heritage Walk that winds through historic buildings, and stop off at Haney House. This restored century-old homestead belonged to one of the area’s founding families. At the Maple Ridge Museum, browse through First Nations and pioneer photos and artifacts, learn about the railway’s influence on the area. Don't miss the Beast. A fantastical metal horse atop the clock tower at Municipal Hall, it rears up every hour on the hour.
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