Port Coquitlam is one of Metro Vancouver’s most underrated weekend destinations. With a growing craft beer scene, scenic trails, family-friendly attractions, and a relaxed neighbourhood vibe, PoCo makes for the perfect low-key staycation. Whether you’re planning a brewery crawl with friends or a casual weekend escape, here’s how to spend a weekend exploring Port Coquitlam — including five breweries on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail
Day 1
Arrive & Explore Downtown PoCo
Start your weekend in the heart of Port Coquitlam at Leigh Square. Featuring public art and fountains, the square is also a hub for community events during the summer months.
Shop for farm-fresh produce, homemade treats, and artisan-made goods every Thursday from 3 to 7 pm.
Enjoy live music, a beverage garden, family activities, local vendors, and a fountain light show on Friday, June 19 and July 3 from 4–9 pm.
Live afternoon concerts featuring professional musicians and a variety of genres on July 5, July 19, August 9, and August 23 from 2 to 5 pm.
Visiting on a Friday or Saturday evening? Stick around for the Leigh Square fountain light shows at 7 and 9:30 pm.
Dinner & Drinks at Patina Brewing Co. Brewhouse & BBQ
A fitting next stop, Patina Brewing Co. pairs craft beer with slow-smoked barbecue. The rotating tap list keeps both casual beer drinkers and craft enthusiasts happy, featuring approachable lagers, award-winning core favourites, and the occasional experimental brew. The food menu leans heavily into comfort classics, including brisket, ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken wings, and several barbecue-inspired poutines.
If you’re visiting on a Friday or Saturday, stay for late-night happy hour from 8:30 pm until close. Between the busy patio, friendly staff, and laid-back atmosphere, Patina is the kind of place where one quick pint easily turns into an entire evening.
Day 2
Breakfast & the Traboulay PoCo Trail
Kick off Saturday with brunch at Crave Bistro & Bar, a local favourite that elevates breakfast classics with global twists. The menu ranges from waffle bennies and rolled omelettes to flavour-packed specialities like Mexican chilaquiles and Turkish menemen. Whatever you order, Crave is the perfect spot to fuel up before a day of exploring.
Walk or Bike the Traboulay PoCo Trail
One of the best ways to experience Port Coquitlam is by getting outside. The Traboulay PoCo Trail is a scenic 25-kilometre multi-use loop connecting parks, pathways, forests, wetlands, and urban neighbourhoods. The trail is mostly flat, with a mix of paved paths and packed gravel, making it accessible for walkers, runners, and cyclists of all ages and activity levels.
Do the full loop, or just pick a section and go at your own pace. Either way, the trail offers a peaceful contrast to a weekend of brewery hopping and makes that first afternoon pint feel especially well earned.
Explore the North of the Fraser Ale Trail
PoCo’s brewery scene is small but well-connected, offering a laid-back way to spend an afternoon. Several tasting rooms are located in close proximity to one another, making for an ideal self-guided tasting tour. Be sure to download the free BC Ale Trail app before you start, and it’ll help you navigate between stops. Plus, check in at each brewery and earn rewards along the way.
A 12-tap neighbourhood brewery with a welcoming, community-focused space, Tinhouse Brewing is known for balanced, approachable beers with a noticeable lean toward British-inspired malt-forward styles. Alongside hazy IPAs and crisp lagers, expect rotating brown ales, porters, seasonal releases, and occasional barrel-aged offerings.
Just a block from Tinhouse, Side Quest Brewing Co. brings a playful, pop-culture twist to the craft beer experience. Inspired by fantasy, gaming, sci-fi, and all things nerd culture, the beer lineup stays grounded in thoughtful, approachable beers, but with plenty of character.
Bright, open, and inviting, Taylight Brewing focuses on easy-drinking IPAs and refreshing lagers across its rotating tap list. Its location near the riverfront section of the Traboulay PoCo Trail also makes it a convenient stop for walkers and cyclists looking to rest and replenish.
Circle back to Patina Brewing Co. for another flight and a round of shareable barbecue favourites.
End the brewery loop at Poco Brothers Brewing Co., located inside the historic Cat & Fiddle Pub. Established in 2021 as the pub’s in-house brewery, Poco Brothers offers fresh small-batch beers alongside the Cat & Fiddle’s full menu.
Fremont Village & Casual Local Dining
After an afternoon of tasting rooms, spend some time exploring the Fremont Village area. The north-side district combines shopping, dining and outdoor spaces, making it a convenient place to continue the evening.
When dinner rolls around, Cat & Fiddle Pub is a natural choice. A longtime neighbourhood favourite, it has been a cornerstone of the Port Coquitlam community since 1979 — known for hearty comfort food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a longstanding commitment to local charities and sports teams.
And when you’re ready for one last pint, Poco Brothers Brewing Co. is right there for an effortless nightcap.
Day 3
Family-Friendly Activities & One Last Pint
Start your final morning at The Big Flat Pancake Co., a popular local brunch spot known for its Dutch-style pancakes. Unlike traditional North American pancakes, these are thin, soft, yet still fluffy, with plenty of sweet and savoury flavours to choose from. Alongside the signature pancakes, they also serve waffles, eggs, sandwiches, coffee, mimosas, and Caesars for a leisurely brunch experience.
Before heading home, Port Coquitlam has a few great options for a relaxed Sunday morning:
A popular local complex with pools, racquet courts, and fitness amenities.
Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC)
Featuring a leisure pool and seasonal spray park that’s perfect for kids on a warm summer morning.
A relaxed urban walking area connecting downtown pathways, art installations, and green space.
If you missed any breweries on Saturday, Sunday afternoon is the perfect time to squeeze in one last tasting room stop. It’s also a great opportunity to pick up a growler or four-pack and bring a little bit of PoCo home with you.
Why Port Coquitlam Makes a Great Weekend Getaway
Port Coquitlam strikes the balance between outdoor adventure, local flavour, and a strong sense of community. The city feels relaxed without lacking energy, and its growing craft beer scene adds to its appeal as a weekend destination.
Whether you’re visiting for the breweries, restaurants, trails, or a quieter escape within Metro Vancouver, Port Coquitlam is well worth a weekend getaway.
Continue your travels along the North of the Fraser Ale Trail.
Every Pint Tells a Story
