 Great Blue Heron, Kim Kamstra photo Discover how this greenery-laden, mountain-ringed community next to the Fraser River also feeds the soul. Explore the rich past of Pitt Meadows at local historic and heritage sites, or celebrate with the affable locals at festivals and events throughout the year. From art galleries to boutique shopping to skydiving, there's something here for every taste. Outdoor Activities
Bird WatchingUnspoiled nature is within easy reach throughout Pitt Meadows. Check out nesting ospreys near Pitt Lake, North America's largest freshwater tidal lake, or spot blue herons and bald-eagles at the bog-strewn Pitt Polder. Cyclists can enjoy a comfortable flat ride along local dykes.
Water ActivitiesFish for mighty salmon or sturgeon in the Fraser River and Pitt River, or see what's biting in terms of rainbow trout and Dolly Varden at Golden Ears Provincial Park or Rolley Lake Provincial Park. Canoeing, kayaking, wakeboarding, and water-skiing can also be explored at local lakes.
Horseback Riding Led by organizations like the Haney Horsemen Association, horseback riding is another popular option, and equestrian buffs can ride scenic trails all over Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge.
SkydivingSkydiving buffs can experience the thrill of freefall with Pacific Skydivers (#730-11731 Baynes Rd) at the Pitt Meadows Airport. It's the closest skydiving option to downtown Vancouver. Instructors are certified by the Canadian Sport Parachute Association.
Shopping & FoodMuch of the best area shopping is in downtown Maple Ridge, which offers close to 600 shops and services. Affordable pricing is the norm. Pick up stylish furniture and home accessories at Good Company (22420 Dewdney Trunk Rd), specialty toys and clothes for kids at Monkey Business (11947 224th St) or inspiring and relaxing photos and paintings at Dreamscapes Gift Gallery (11987 224th St).
Circle Farm Tour Foodies are in for a treat. On the self-guided driving Circle Farm Tour, score quality local meats at Hopcott Premium Meats or savour organic honey at Honeyland. Other destinations for the peckish include the Laity Pumpkin Patch (21145 128th Ave, October) with its farm animals and fairy tale montages for families, and Bruce's Country Market (23963 Lougheed Hwy), featuring smoked salmon and a splendid variety of organic apples.
Pitt Meadows HistoryPitt Meadows occupies an area of 85 sq km/33 sq mi and is a flourishing bedroom community of Vancouver. Learn more about its past at the Pitt Meadows Museum and Maple Ridge Museum, and on the self-guided Fraser River Heritage Walk. Celebrate the present at festivals like the Caribbean Festival and the Maple Ridge Jazz & Blues Festival in Memorial Peace Park.
Famous Local PeoplePitt Meadows and Maple Ridge are noted for producing world-class athletes.
Pitt Meadows spawned hockey forward Brendan Morrison, among the most popular and talented Vancouver Canucks from 2000 to 2008. Cam Neely, an NHL hockey all-star with the Boston Bruins, grew up in Maple Ridge. Homegrown baseball hero Larry Walker played for the Montreal Expos, Colorado Rockies, and St. Louis Cardinals during a decorated 16-year career.
Hollywood Comes CallingActress Molly Parker (Six Feet Under, Deadwood) is from Maple Ridge, but beyond that, lots of Hollywood movies have been filmed locally. Scenes for Twilight (Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart) and The A-Team (Liam Neeson) were shot in Golden Ears Provincial Park. Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler), Jumanji (Robin Williams), and 3000 Miles to Graceland (Kurt Russell) also used locations in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge.
For more information about activities, directions, and availability in Pitt Meadows, head to the Visitor Centre (12492 Harris Rd).
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