Coquitlam Crunch Trail

Coquitlam Crunch Trail isn’t actually in Port Moody, it’s in Coquitlam, but it’s close enough that locals from both cities use it as their go-to fitness climb. This 5.8 km out-and-back route gains about 260 m and tops out around 283 m, so it’s more of an urban workout than a backcountry mission. Expect an easy-to-follow path, a steady grind, and a solid sweat in under two hours, or much faster if you push the pace.

The Coquitlam Crunch Trail starts off with the famous stairs section, just under 500 steps that wake up your legs fast. After that, the route shifts between gravel and paved path under the power lines, with views opening up over Coquitlam, Burnaby, and distant peaks on a clear day. It’s not a wilderness escape, but you do get pockets of wildflowers in season, a bit of river sound near the far end, and the odd deer hanging out to remind you you’re not in a gym.

Right now, recent hikers report a well-maintained, family-friendly trail with free parking and very easy navigation, though there have been occasional partial closures for construction, so it’s smart to check current notices before you go. Go early in the morning or on cool, cloudy days for more shade and fewer crowds; by late morning on a sunny day the exposed sections get hot, so bring water, a hat, and sunglasses. The Coquitlam Crunch Trail is open year-round, works in most weather, and in late summer you can even grab a few blackberries along the way as you grind out the climb.