For outdoorsy types, Pitt Meadows offers a ton of things to do.
Its regional and provincial parks (such as Golden Ears Provincial park) are ideal for cycling, hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, and fishing, plus other water activities. Six championship golf courses make this a perfect place to tee off.
Yet this Metro Vancouver community, just 45 minutes east of downtown Vancouver, also offers quality urban shopping, and foodie fun from fine dining to farm-fresh produce on the Circle Farm Tour.
Culture is another significant draw, both in Pitt Meadows and neighbouring Maple Ridge. Don't miss the art galleries, festivals, and heritage sites that spice up life in this unspoiled land of mountains, fields, and rivers.
Outdoor Activities
Encompassing 62,540ha/154,540ac, Golden Ears Provincial Park is a popular day trip from Vancouver. Beneath the spectacular twin peaks that give the park its name, go fishing for rainbow trout, take a swim, or try wind-surfing, wakeboarding or boating on the park's famous Alouette Lake. Cycling buffs and hikers alike relish the numerous trails, like the 20km/12.4 mi round-trip Alouette Mountain Trail. Or stay at one of 400 campsites in the park.
At WildPlay Maple Ridge (13165 236 St), children and adults enjoy swinging from Tarzan ropes and clambering across teetering bridges suspended up to 18m/60ft in the air between huge fir trees. In this "element park," attentive guides and safety harnesses ensure everyone remains adrenalized but unscathed.
Bird Watching
Bird-watchers flock to Grant Narrows Regional Park, a short drive north of Maple Ridge. It includes the Pitt-Addington Marsh Wildlife Management Area, which abounds with sparrows, ospreys, eagles, and 200-plus other bird species. Also, don't miss the abundant bird life in the boggy Pitt Polder, part of the Pacific Flyway route.
Horseback Riding
The more than 48km/30mi of dykes locally are also popular among cyclists. And at local stables like Liberty Meadow Stables and Evergreen Stables, enjoy horseback riding lessons, horse shows, and guided trail rides. Spot the metal "Beast" horse on the clock tower at Maple Ridge's Muncipal Hall.
Fishing
Grant Narrows Regional Park also borders on Pitt Lake, North America's largest freshwater tidal lake. Fish year-round for cutthroat and rainbow trout, or view native pictographs while kayaking or boating. The Pitt River Lodge is an upscale getaway for fishing and wilderness enthusiasts.
The Fraser River and Pitt River abound with enormous sturgeon and salmon throughout the year. Hook up with local outfitters like Double Header Sport Fishing and REM Salmon Guiding to charter boats and take fishing expeditions.
Water Activities
Whether it's swimming and tubing at Davidson's Pool or riding pedal boats at Alouette Lake, water activities in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge provide fun for kids of all ages.
Skydiving & Skateboarding
There's an undeniable spirit of adventure in Maple Ridge, whether it's tandem skydiving for 30-50 seconds of freefall from 3,810m/12,500ft with Pacific Skydivers at the Pitt Meadows Regional Airport or pulling tricks at the state-of-the-art Thomas Haney skateboarding park.
Golf
Ready to tee off in swanky yet affordable style in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge? Try the classic par-72, 18-hole course designed by Les Furber at Meadow Gardens Golf Club. Watch for deer and eagles on the greens and relax at the resort-style clubhouse at Swan-E-Set Bay. Or play 36 holes with rolling fairways and water features aplenty at Golden Eagles Golf Club 365 days a year. Driving ranges and par-3 courses are also available for hackers.
Shopping
Shopping options abound in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge. Beyond the mainstream retailers at the two shopping centres, Haney Place Mall and Valley Place Mall, and various strip malls, check out the 600-odd shops and services in downtown Maple Ridge.
The area near the junction of Dewdney Trunk Road and 224th Street is particularly vibrant. Stock up on used books at Ba'Bilia Book Services (11958 224th St), buy specialty toys and clothes for kids at Monkey Business (11947 224th St), or guzzle sweet treats at Trevi Gelato & Espresso (11968 224th St).
Self-Guided Circle Routes
Hungry for local, organic, and seasonal food and beverages? Drive the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Circle Farm Tour route, which includes tasty stops like Honeyland, Hopcott Premium Meats, and Blue Heron Winery.
Arts & Festivals
Galleries and studios aplenty await arts lovers in this area. A great starting place is the Maple Ridge Arts Centre & Theatre (ACT) next to Memorial Peace Park. The ACT features eight exhibits by acclaimed regional visual artists each year. With a 500-seat main theatre, it also hosts plays, dance recitals, and concerts by rockers like Trooper and April Wine.
Art in the Park (September) is a weekend celebration of local talent, from acrylic paintings to decorative stoneware. Expect close to 40 artists. The Garibaldi Art Club helps organize a tour of local art studios annually (April).
For more details on things to do in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, contact the Visitor Centre (12492 Harris Rd).
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