From gorgeous parks and trails to an array of cool recreational activities, Maple Ridge is a surprisingly fun destination that’s often overlooked by those in the Lower Mainland.
While mostly known as a residential city, Maple Ridge can be full of great surprises… just like its neighbour, Pitt Meadows.
In this post, we’ll be sharing some of the top things to do in Maple Ridge, BC, whether you want to explore the great outdoors, hole up and play some cosmic bowling, or munch on artisan cheese.
Explore Golden Ears Provincial Park
One of the most amazing places to visit in Maple Ridge is Golden Ears Provincial Park, widely considered to be one of the prettiest parks in the entire Lower Mainland.
As one of the largest parks in the province, it’s full of gorgeous trails, but the real star of the show here is Alouette Lake, a scenic haven for swimming and watersports.
Bundled with the rolling mountainscape, this may well be one of the most beautiful places in BC… and a locals’ favourite for camping, thanks to its postcard views.
Fun fact: They’ve even filmed several famous movies here, including Rambo First Blood and Twilight (two very opposite ends of the movie spectrum).
Sample some amazing local cheese
Golden Ears Cheesecrafters is a beloved local spot for (farm-made) artisan cheese, and a must-visit if you’re looking for foodie things to do in Maple Ridge.
Created by a young sister duo, this Maple Ridge gem prides itself on a personal connection between producers and consumers, an ethos which can be seen all throughout the business.
From a window where visitors can watch cheesemakers do their thing, to various on-site cooking classes and events, there’s something undeniably wholesome about Golden Ears Cheesecrafters, which is located on the sisters’ family farm.
Besides stocking up on cheese at their Farm Shop, they also have a “Country Kitchen” open six days a week where you can choose from a menu of cheesy comfort foods, like grilled cheese, mac and cheese, and poutine… all made of course with their own artisan cheese!
… So yes, be sure to allocate plenty of time (and stomach space) for your visit.
Explore Kanaka Creek Regional Park
Famed for its waterfalls, fish hatchery and trails, this scenic regional park is another gem of Maple Ridge that is well worth a visit.
400 hectares of picturesque wilderness await in this Maple Ridge must-visit, which spans for 12km along Kanaka Creek.
Beginner hikers will especially appreciate the Canyon Trail, which is an easy 1.2km one-way hike that takes you across bridges, boardwalks, and a sandstone canyon for lush views featuring waterfalls and rainforest.
If you’re looking for outdoorsy things to do in Maple Ridge, this is one to definitely add to your list!
Visit the Haney House Museum
Of course, in addition to outdoorsy activities, there’s a fair bit to do in Maple Ridge for history lovers as well.
Haney House Museum is a beautiful heritage home perched on a hill overlooking the Fraser River. It dates back to 1883, and housed members of the Haney family all the way until 1979, when it was donated and turned into a museum about family life.
Today, visitors get a chance to see what life would have been like back in the day, through informative displays and artifacts scattered around the house’s remarkably well-preserved rooms.
And for an extra special experience, yes, they do afternoon teas and murder mystery nights here.
Stop by Maple Ridge Museum
Another great museum that you can visit in Maple Ridge is (quite aptly named) the “Maple Ridge Museum”, which pays tribute to local history through exhibits and displays containing some of the 15,000 objects they have in their collection.
Located in a former brickyard building in Jim Hadgkiss Park, admission here is by donation, so it’s a very budget-friendly Maple Ridge activity that’s perfect for a rainy day.
Catch a show
And for lovers of culture, the ACT Arts Centre in Maple Ridge provides a wonderfully varied program of unique performances, from music and theatre to comedy and dance.
Catching a show here is by far one of the top things to do in Maple Ridge if you’re looking for a fun and unique evening out.
Check out their schedule here for more info.
PS: Besides performances, they also show rotating art exhibitions at the ACT Gallery. For the latest news on current exhibitions, be sure to check the official site here.
Go bowling
We’ve already written about the nostalgic wonder that is Rev’s in our ‘Things to do in Burnaby‘ article, but they also have a location in Maple Ridge that is well worth a visit, especially if you’re looking for a rainy day activity.
Rev’s is an entertainment centre that offers 5 and 10 pin bowling and a sports lounge with big TV screens and tasty options for a bite to eat… little wonder why it’s a go-to for birthdays and big group dates.
PS: They’re best known for their ‘cosmic bowling’, which involves lasers and top 40 music. Trust us, this isn’t your grandma’s bowling alley!
Hit up WildPlay Maple Ridge
For those in search of adventurous Maple Ridge activities, a visit to the WildPlay Maple Ridge location is a must.
This fun outdoor adventure park has it all – from adventure courses involving treetop ziplines and tightropes to axe-throwing and a daring 40 ft jump casually named “What’s the Fear?”
While definitely a place made with young ones in mind, we think a visit here would make for a fun date idea or outing with friends as well.
As a bonus, there are also additional amenities like (BBQ-allowed) picnic areas, walking trails, and free parking… meaning you can easily make a day of your visit!
Visit a pumpkin patch
Last but not least, if you’re looking for fun Autumn things to do in Maple Ridge, make sure you add a pumpkin patch to your list.
Laity Pumpkin Patch is one of the most famous pumpkin picking spots in the Lower Mainland, now with two locations (right across from each other) in Maple Ridge.
This family-run business has been around for well over three decades, and offer a really special pumpkin picking experience, with a variety of cute photo opps, and fun activities for visitors of all ages.
Did we miss any of your favourite things to do in Maple Ridge?
Let us know in the comments so we can add more recommendations to our list!