From lush green trails and outdoor escapes to public art and heritage buildings, those looking for things to do in Port Moody, BC are spoiled for choice.
This self-proclaimed “City of Arts” makes up one third of the Tri-Cities (alongside Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam)… and we honestly think it’s one of the most underrated places to visit in the Lower Mainland.
Located only a 30 minute drive from Downtown Vancouver (or even reachable by Skytrain), Port Moody has great nature like in North Vancouver and Pitt Meadows, an array of breweries like in Mount Pleasant, and pretty views for days…
Add on a proximity to other hotspots in the area like Burnaby and Surrey, and you’ve got a pretty ideal hang-out spot for visitors from across Metro Vancouver.
So, wondering what there is to do in Port Moody? Read on for some of our top picks.
Walk down the pier at Rocky Point Park
Ahh, Rocky Point Park. This is hands down one of the most beautiful places to visit in Port Moody, with a slew of great amenities like a spray park, pool, picnic areas, trails, and a ridiculously good-looking pier.
And while it’s not as lengthy as the Pier in White Rock (which is actually the longest in Canada), we’d argue the backdrops are actually a bit better, with snow-dusted mountains, and layers of hills stacked on top of beautiful harbourside homes.
Rain or shine, this park is a beauty, so be sure to check it out!
Chow down on famous fish and chips
Pajo’s World Famous Fish and Chips is one of the most popular places in Metro Vancouver to inhale fish and chips… and although the business was originally established in Steveston (over in Richmond), Port Moody is home to one of its few additional locations, making it a must-do if you’re in the area.
Conveniently located at Rocky Point Park, the Pajo’s in Port Moody serves the same delectable fish and chips that made their original Richmond location famous, whether you go for wild cod, salmon, or halibut. They also have a variety of burgers on the menu, if you’re looking to switch things up.
Fish and chips with gorgeous pier views? Count us in.
Hit the trails
Green space accounts for more than 35% of the land in Port Moody, which means a vast array of trails and parks to frolic through, whether you go on foot, or on bike.
We’re fairly partial to the Shoreline Trail (which we’ll discuss more in-depth below), but there are tons of different options if you’re looking to escape the crowds and go more off-the-beaten path.
Check out this page for a map of trails in Port Moody.
Walk along the Shoreline Trail
As mentioned above, one of the best things to do in Port Moody is enjoy the trails. Of the many trails in the city though, the Shoreline Trail is probably the most scenic (and famous!)
This trail takes you on a tour of Port Moody’s most beautiful parks, including Rocky Point Park, Inlet Park, Pioneer Memorial Park, Old Mill Site Park, and Old Orchard Park, all while maintaining views over the Burrard Inlet pretty much the entire time.
If it’s a trail with views you’re after, you really can’t beat this one.
Laze out on White Pine Beach
As many locals will tell you, Port Moody is actually home to one of the most popular summer destinations in Metro Vancouver – White Pine Beach, found on the scenic shores of Sasamat Lake.
Trying to get a spot here on a summer weekend is like the Hunger Games, but those who volunteer as tribute are treated to sandy beaches, warm swimmable waters and… honestly, crowds. But in our opinion, braving the crowds is worth it to enjoy this spot at least once! It really is such a treat.
Stop by the Port Moody Station Museum
Of course, there’s no shortage of geeky and historical things to do in Port Moody either, one of them being a visit to the Port Moody Station Museum.
This museum is housed in the former Port Moody Station, originally built in 1908. With a variety of exhibits to help you travel back in time and learn more about the history of the Canadian Pacific Railway and Port Moody itself, this is an attraction that’s perfect for a rainy day (or an outing with young ones in tow).
Highlights of a visit here include a 1921 railcar, a WWI outdoor trench display, and a few pretty gardens.
Best of all? Entrance is by donation!
Go kayaking
Port Moody is a nature lover’s dream, and one of the best ways to experience the area’s surreal beauty is from the water!
Luckily, there’s several great places to go out for a paddle (and rent a kayak too, if you don’t have one of your own). Rocky Point Kayak is always a popular pick, and there’s also the Belcarra Park Paddling Centre.
Drink your way around Port Moody’s Brewers Row
There’s no escaping craft beer in the Lower Mainland, and Port Moody is no exception.
Luckily, if you want to sample the offerings of Port Moody’s small but mighty selection of craft breweries, you’re in luck!
They all happen to be located within walking distance of each other, so you can easily hit up Moody Ales, Parkside Brewery, The Bakery Brewing, and Twin Sails Brewery all in one go.
… Or maybe, for the sake of your liver, best to space them out over a few different visits.
Peruse Port Moody Farmers Market
Looking for foodie things to do in Port Moody? The farmer’s market at Port Moody Recreation Complex is a local favourite that takes place every Sunday in the winter and every Wednesday in the summer.
Since its inception in 2008, the market has been a go-to for Metro Vancouverites to stock up on everything from local produce and gluttonous baked goods to artisan crafts and unique gifts.
So, if you’re looking for a great place to eat, shop, and support local, make sure to add this market to your list!
Enjoy some life-changing pie
As you can probably tell from our roundup of the best dessert places in Downtown Vancouver, we are pretty obsessed with sweets around here… and if we were to write a similar dessert roundup for Port Moody, Gabi & Jules Handmade Pies would definitely make the list.
This cheerful bakery is known for selling some of the best pie in town, whether your vice is apple, lemon meringue, chocolate peanut butter, or even butter chicken.
If you’re looking for some great foodie things to do in Port Moody, a stop here is a must.
Go on a public art crawl
Public art is abundant across Metro Vancouver, with murals and sculptures brightening up neighbourhoods from Punjabi Market to New Westminster to Langley.
And Port Moody, true to its nickname “City of Arts” offers a great selection of public art pieces to admire.
From colourful mosaics and heron sculptures to impressive murals and wood carvings, click here to check out a full list.
Check out some of Port Moody’s Heritage buildings
And if appreciating local history is more your speed, then you’ll be pleased to know that Port Moody has a fair share of lovely heritage buildings to ogle.
Click here to check out a list.
Do a day trip to Buntzen Lake
While not located in Port Moody proper, it felt wrong to make a list of the top things to do in Port Moody and NOT include Buntzen Lake, which is located just a stone’s throw away in Anmore.
This active hydroelectric reservoir is a dream to visit, with some of the most mesmerizing views in the area. There are plenty of ways to spend a day here, from (non-motorized) water sports on the lake and dreamy trails to perfect picnicking spots and fishing.
Those looking for a challenge can also try out the Diez Vistas Trail, a 15km loop trail departing from Buntzen Lake that offers sweeping views over Indian Arm. It’s widely considered to be one of the most beautiful hikes in the area, and the work is well worth the reward!
Grab/leave a book at a free library
Last but not least, one of the most charming details we noticed on our recent trip to Port Moody was the many adorable free libraries scattered around in public areas.
Keep an eye out for these (or refer to a map here), and pick out your next read. Just remember to bring some books to drop off too!
Did we miss any of your favourite things to do in Port Moody?
Let us know in the comments so we can add more to our list!