Tri-Cities
Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody
A hybrid for all lifestyles where urban living meets breathtaking rural areas
The Tri-Cities is an informal grouping of three lively suburban communities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody and two semi-rural residential areas of Belcarra and Anmore that have grown together, and are each unique from the other. These stunning communities offer urban living in a picturesque natural setting – the ideal location for the avid city-goer and outdoor enthusiast. The centrally located area of the Tri-Cities offers the perfect hybrid for all lifestyles.
Your ideal blend of city life and natural beauty
Nestled between ocean shores and mountain peaks, the Tri-Cities region—comprising Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, and the nearby communities of Belcarra and Anmore—offers a rare fusion of vibrant city life and serene natural surroundings. Each area brings its own distinct character: Port Moody’s scenic waterfront, Coquitlam’s welcoming family atmosphere, and Port Coquitlam’s strong sense of community. Whether you’re drawn to urban convenience or outdoor adventure, this region provides a dynamic lifestyle that caters to both.
Location
Where nature meets city living
The Tri-Cities offers an ideal blend of livability, accessibility, and opportunity. Just 30 km (about 25 minutes) from downtown Vancouver, the region provides a quieter, more spacious alternative to city living without sacrificing convenience. With excellent schools, diverse housing options, and a strong sense of community, it’s a place where newcomers can settle in and feel at home quickly.
Surrounded by the Fraser River and Coquitlam Mountain Range, the Tri-Cities offer a setting that’s both peaceful and inspiring. Residents enjoy easy access to lush green spaces, scenic waterfronts, and a variety of outdoor activities—all just minutes from the city. Whether it’s weekend hikes, evening strolls, or simply enjoying the view, nature is never far away, making it easy to stay active and connected to the outdoors while enjoying the comforts of urban living.
The Tri-Cities reside on the traditional, ancestral and unceded shared territories of the qicəy (Katzie) [kut-zee], kʷikʷəƛəm (Kwikwetlem), xʷməθkʷəyəm (Musqueam) [mus-kweeum], Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish) [Squ-HO-o-meesh], and səlilwətaɬ (TsleilWaututh) [slay-wha-tooth] First Nations, and is home to the North Fraser Métis Association and Golden Ears Métis Society.
Places to live
Neighbourhoods with personality—and plenty of options
The Tri-Cities region is home to a wide variety of neighbourhoods, each offering its own distinct lifestyle. In Coquitlam, you’ll find everything from family-oriented suburbs to bustling urban centres like Coquitlam City Centre. Port Moody blends creative energy with waterfront living, while Port Coquitlam offers a mix of heritage charm and modern convenience.
Belcarra and Anmore add a quieter, nature-focused dimension to the region, with forested properties and lakeside views that feel worlds away—yet still close to everything. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant streets, peaceful trails, or something in between, the Tri-Cities offer a neighbourhood that fits your pace and personality.
Things to do
Urban charm. Forest trails. Waterfront fun.
The Tri-Cities offer a perfect blend of nature, culture, and community. Start your day in Port Moody’s charming Brewery Row or explore the local shops and cafés in downtown Port Coquitlam. Public art, friendly streets, and vibrant markets make every stroll memorable.
Adventure awaits in every direction—hike the lush trails of Minnekhada Regional Park, paddle across Buntzen Lake, or cycle along the scenic Traboulay PoCo Trail. Families love exploring Rocky Point Park’s splash pad and playground, or enjoying a lakeside picnic at Sasamat Lake.
Whether you’re golfing at Westwood Plateau or boating in the ocean at Burrard Inlet, the Tri-Cities allows you to recharge, connect, and discover something new every day.
Transportation
Green living, city access
The Tri-Cities form a unified region nestled between the Fraser River and the scenic Coquitlam Mountain Ranges, just 25 minutes (30 km) from Downtown Vancouver. With easy access to major highways, getting in and out of the region is fast and convenient. A widespread public transit network, including TransLink bus routes, the SkyTrain’s Evergreen Extension, and the West Coast Express commuter rail, connects neighbourhoods, schools, and shopping hubs like Coquitlam Centre and Shaughnessy Station.
For active commuters, the Tri-Cities offer walkable streets, bike-friendly routes and forested paths through parks. With growing EV infrastructure and a commitment to sustainable mobility, getting around the Tri-Cities is not only easy—it’s scenic, family-friendly and eco-conscious.
Schools for your children
Education in the Tri-Cities is as diverse and dynamic as the communities themselves. The School district includes of elementary, middle, and secondary schools offering diverse programs such as French Immersion, Montessori, International Baccalaureate (IB), and Indigenous-focused education. Classrooms across the region foster safe, innovative, and supportive environments where students are encouraged to thrive.
Families seeking independent education will find excellent private school options, including British Columbia Christian Academy, Our Lady of the Assumption School, and Coquitlam Montessori School, each offering unique approaches to learning, leadership, and personal growth.
Whether you’re looking for public, private, or alternative education, the Tri-Cities provide a wide range of choices to support every learner’s journey. For registration, catchment maps, and program details, visit the Tri-Cities School District.
Arriving in B.C.
Making your move easy
While you wait for your moving day, there are a few things you can do to ensure your arrival in B.C. is smooth and you can settle in quickly.
WelcomeBC has information to prepare you for your arrival to B.C. and outlines steps you can take in the first few days to help you settle in.
You’ll also find the B.C. Newcomers’ Guide helpful with tips and information on healthcare, finding a place to live, education, money & banking, and much more. It is available in 13 languages.
Resources
Local resources
General resources
FAQs
The Government of British Columbia (Provincial government) health plan is called the Medical Services Plan (MSP). It pays for basic, medically required health services. These include some doctor visits, medical tests, and treatments. Not all health costs are covered by MSP like dental, optometry/vision or physiotherapy to name a few.
MSP is for:
• B.C. residents who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents
• B.C. residents who are government-assisted refugees
• international students with study permits
• some people with work permits for 6 months or more
Click here to find out if you are eligible for MSP.
Registering for MSP
You should register for MSP as soon as you arrive in B.C.
All residents of B.C. must be registered with MSP. You need to apply to register for MSP. On your application, make sure you write your name exactly as it appears on other official documents.
You may have to wait for up to 3 months for your application to be processed. If you do not have MSP, you should buy private medical insurance. If you need medical care in B.C. and you do not have MSP or private medical insurance, you will have to pay all medical costs yourself. These costs can be very high.
Check out the Newcomers Guide for more details on B.C.’s healthcare system.
You will need a BC Services Card to access health care services.
Follow these steps to get your BC Services Card.
1. Apply for MSP.
- Complete and send the BC MSP enrolment form.
- You can also apply online.
2. Visit an ICBC driver licensing office. After you send your documents and enrolment form, you will receive a letter in
the mail. Take the letter to an ICBC driver licensing office. You will also need to take 2 pieces of identification.
- Find out what kind of identification you will need. icbc.com – Search for “Service card
accepted ID” - Find an ICBC office near you.
Children under 19, people 75 and older, and people with study and work permits do not have to visit an ICBC office. You will receive a BC Services Card without a photo. Click here for more information.
Check out the Newcomers Guide for more details on B.C.’s health care system.
There are many real estate sites that list local rentals and sales of homes in New Westminster. Here are some to choose from:
Buyers:
Renters:
- apartments.com
- realtor.ca
- rentals.ca
- Join a local Facebook group
Tips:
- Check out the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) website for information on mortgages for newcomers to B.C.
- Visit financial institutions like RBC, TD, Scotiabank or a Credit Union for newcomer mortgage programs and book a meeting with a mortgage advisor.
- BC Housing can help you find out about affordable housing and first-time home buyer programs.
For families relocating to the Tri-Cities, the region offers a well-rounded education system that combines academic excellence with community values—providing diverse public and private school options designed to support every learner from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Learn more at Tri-Cities School District.
Tip: Ensure you have all the documentation needed to register your children in school:
- Birth Certificate
- Proof of Residence (home address)
The child care facilities listed here are licensed by Fraser Health. This list is regulated under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act of B.C. and is updated approximately every four months.
Outdoor Adventures
Coquitlam
Port Coquitlam
Port Moody
Arts & Theatre
Coquitlam:
Port Coquitlam
Port Moody
Local Events
Shopping
The Tri-Cities boast a diverse and growing food scene that reflects the region’s vibrant community. From locally inspired dishes to international cuisine, there’s no shortage of flavour to explore. Check out local dining options in:
- Vancouver – 45 minutes by car
- Abbotsford – 50 minutes
- Tsawwassen – 45 minutes by car
- Richmond – 55 minutes by car
- Whistler – 2 hours & 15 minute drive by car
- USA Border – 50 minutes by car
Click here to find information on schedules, routes and pricing.
The only way to get to Vancouver Island from the mainland is by ferry or airplane.
Ferry
The main ferry services are run by BC Ferries, which operates vessels between these ferry terminals:
- Tsawwassen (Vancouver) and Swartz Bay (for Victoria)
- Tsawwassen and Duke Point (Nanaimo)
- Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) and Departure Bay (Nanaimo).
Seaplane
You can take a seaplane between the downtown Vancouver and Victoria harbours through Harbour Air.
Airplane
You can take a commercial airline and fly between Vancouver International Airport and Victoria International Airport.
Area Facts
The three major communities making up the Tri-Cities (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody) have come together as a unified region located north of the mighty Fraser River and nestled at the base of the beautiful Coquitlam Mountain Ranges. The Tri-Cities are located approximately 25 minutes (27 km) outside of Vancouver’s city centre. With easy access to major highways, the neighbouring municipalities are conveniently accessible via a widespread network of public transit including bus routes, the SkyTrain, and the West Coast Express commuter rail.
Combined, these communities have a population of over 234,000 residents. The Tri-Cities have been deemed one of the fastest growing regions in Metro Vancouver.
The Tri-Cities are the third largest public-school district in British Columbia, serving the entire region of Anmore, Belcarra, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody. Schools include kindergarten through grade 12, with a number of private schools in the area.
Douglas College and Coquitlam College are two post-secondary institutions in the area. Simon Fraser University (SFU) and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) are easily accessible from the Tri-Cities in neighbouring communities.
Thriving industries in the Tri-Cities include manufacturing, rail transportation, construction, retail and wholesale, and tourism and food services. Due to rapid growth in the region, finance, insurance, and real estate have also become key contributors to the economy in the Tri-Cities.
Things To Do
For the outdoor adventurer or city-goer, there are no shortage of activities. Horseback riding, fishing, canoeing, boating and swimming at nearby lakes, and hiking, are all popular activities in the area and are abundantly available. Spend the day hiking at Minnekhada Regional Park or visit a food truck while you check out the Lights at Lafarge.
The Tri-Cities is made up of an extensive network of trails and pathways, including the well-known 25 km Traboulay PoCo Trail, which encircles the area.
Explore Our Region
The Tri-Cities (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody) are located approximately 25 minutes (27 km) outside of Vancouver’s city centre.
Eagle Ridge Hospital
Eagle Ridge Hospital has 168 acute care beds. As a community hospital, it provides primary and secondary acute care and some specialty services that can be accessed with or without referrals, such as 24/7 emergency, diagnostics, inpatient and outpatient care in general medicine, rehabilitation, surgery and other specialty services such as urology, plastics, and orthopaedics.
Other secondary acute care, such as maternal, infant, child and youth and inpatient psychiatry are not provided at ERH, but are readily accessible to Coquitlam residents at Royal Columbian Hospital where referral patterns have been well established. In 2013/14, Eagle Ridge Hospital saw 50,610 emergency room visits, provided care to 6,343 inpatient and 10,649 surgical daycare cases, and had 70,094 visits to ambulatory care.
As a community hospital within an integrated network of care, ERH provides care and services mostly to its local population with the exception of a regional Rehabilitation Program, which serves all Fraser Health communities.
Emergency Expansion and Upgrades
The emergency department expansion and upgrades project is now complete. The expanded emergency department has 39 new treatment spaces, up from 19, is approximately three times larger, and allows for quality emergency care in spaces better designed to meet the growing needs of patients in the Tri-Cities.
Eagle Ridge Hospital
Eagle Ridge Hospital
475 Guildford Way, Port Moody, BC V3H 3W9, Canada
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