Robert WebbDriving into Port Moody, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the way it effortlessly combines nature and urban vibrancy. Kayakers paddling on the Burrard Inlet, people bustling in and out of quaint shops, the city’s walls adorned with vibrant public art…
This unique balance is so great to explore, and that’s precisely what we’ll do in this guide. Let’s dive into Port Moody’s rich history, welcoming neighborhoods, outdoor recreational opportunities, and more!
What is Port Moody?
Before settlers arrived in Port Moody, several First Nations groups, such as the Cowichan, Nanaimo, Muskwiam, Squamish, and Homalco, inhabited the region along the southern coast.
Fast forward to the late 19th century, the Fraser Valley gold rush spurred the creation of a trail to safeguard the town of New Westminster, which was gradually gaining wealth.
But what was anticipated to be a backdoor for supplies and personnel during a potential attack ironically did not result in the destruction of a community. Instead, it gave rise to one.
Like in other towns where the Canadian Pacific Railway started, many of the early settlers were members of the Royal Engineers who had crafted the trail.
In 1859, the town was named Port Moody after Col. Richard Clement Moody, and numerous streets later on took the names of engineer John Murray Sr. and his family.
The early years of Port Moody is a nice story to tell to your grandkids in Vancouver. This story is closely linked to our city’s history, as back in 1879, Port Moody was best known for being the western terminus of CPR.
However, in 1887, the powers that be decided to move the terminus to Vancouver, which ended the boom and may have stalled the population of the town for almost two decades.
In 1913, Port Moody officially gained city status and primarily thrived as a mill town. Post-World War II, it evolved into a more suburban community as it welcomed chemical plants and refineries in the city.
Things to Know about Port Moody
Geographical Borders: Port Moody is bordered on the east and south by Coquitlam, on the north, by the villages of Belcarra and Anmore, and on the west, by Burnaby.
Population: Based on the 2021 census, the population of Port Moody is 33,535. There was no marked percentage change in population compared to 2016.
Weather and Climate: Port Moody experiences a West Coast warm and temperate climate with expected rainfall throughout the year.
July is the driest month, while December sees more frequent rainfall, with the highest quantity of rain typically falling in November.
In terms of temperature, August is the warmest month, with an average of 18.5°C (65.4°F). December is the coldest month, with an average low temperature of 1.9°C (35.4°F).
What is Port Moody known for?
Port Moody is known for its scenic location, outdoor recreational opportunities, and thriving arts and culture scene. Its history as the western terminus for the Canadian Pacific Railway is also renowned.
Port Moody is home to many of the wonderful parks in the Lower Mainland, including Belcarra Regional Park. The city also enjoys a waterfront location as it borders the eastern end of Burrard Inlet.
Because of its location, it’s wonderful to walk and bike on the lush green trails, and swim or kayak on the waters. There are also many celebrations happening around, as we’ll explore further.
And just when it appears that Port Moody has perfected the balance between city and nature, it goes a step further by embracing the arts.
The POMO Museum, the festivals, and the influx of artists into this “City of the Arts” all highlight a dedication to the arts.
Is Port Moody, B.C. a good place to live?
Port Moody is a great place to live in. Besides the green spaces, stunning waterfront, and strong support for the arts, other factors such as its economy and security contribute to a high quality of life in Port Moody overall.
The city’s quality of life is highly regarded by its residents. In a 2022 survey, 98% of respondents (over 1000 through telephone and online surveys) describe their quality of life as either good or very good and 83% think they’re receiving their tax dollars’ worth.
We explored some factors that would have contributed to these numbers and could also help you decide if Port Moody is the right place for you to call home.
Relationship with the Tri-Cities
As part of the Tri-Cities community, which includes Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam, as well as the villages of Anmore, and Belcarra, Port Moody enjoys a strong economy and sense of community.
Despite being the smallest of the three cities, Port Moody collaborates with its neighbors, sharing resources for community projects. This collaboration leads to a collectively more resilient market and increased economic opportunities.
Based on the region’s collective economic profile in 2019, sectors such as light manufacturing, retail trade, business services, and transportation exhibit dynamic growth across all Tri-Cities members.
If you’re considering a move to Port Moody, the close relationship within the Tri-Cities is reassuring. It means you’ll enjoy an attractive and supportive environment that could enhance your quality of life.
Sub-urban Living and Urbanization
Like other members of Tri-Cities, Port Moody is a Metro Vancouver suburb. The city is characterized by a network of family-friendly neighborhoods featuring spacious homes, often with lush gardens and views of the surrounding mountains and waters.
Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, with numerous parks, schools, and recreational facilities that cater to families.
But this is not to say the city is completely residential. It’s increasingly undergoing a transformation, embracing urbanization with infrastructure enhancements and mixed-use developments like new street promenades.
Port Moody residents also have access to a diverse range of retail and commercial spaces. There’s the popular Brewery District, for example, which is an excellent place to hang out.
Now, if you’re considering building a life in Port Moody, this mix of suburban comfort and evolving urbanization means you get to enjoy tranquil moments while also witnessing the city’s growth.
Traffic and Transportation
One drawback to this evolving mix of suburban and urban elements is the increased traffic in the area.
In the same citizen survey in 2022, traffic congestion was the top reason given by respondents who said their quality of life worsened.
Understandable, as traffic on major roads such as St. Johns Street, Clarke Street, and Ioco Road can get quite heavy during rush hour. Thirteen percent of the respondents in that survey said traffic needs service improvement.
This is a good balancer of insight. If you’re considering settling down in Port Moody, you might want to reside closer to your workplace or plan alternatives to lessen the inconveniences caused by heavy traffic.
If you still prefer to use a car, you can consider using an electric vehicle to save on fuel costs. ChargePoint EV charging stations are conveniently located near Rocky Point Park and other landmarks.
Or you can check out carsharing via Modo. Their cars could pick you up from Newport Drive, Capilano Road, Moody Centre SkyTrain Station, and a few more locations.
Now, if you’re open to the idea of using public transit, Port Moody has two SkyTrain Stations, at Moody Centre and Inlet Centre. This option keeps you out of backed-up traffic so it’s a good alternative to driving.
Many facilities and attractions in Port Moody are also within walking distance of these train stations.
However, Port Moody receives a Walk Score of 28. That means it’s more convenient to use a car or public transit for errands rather than walking.
Biking is a more preferable mode of transportation with a Walk Score of 54. Port Moody offers on-road and off-road paths for bikers, and there’s a “Fixit” bike service station near Rocky Point Park for basic adjustments and repairs.
Security
In terms of safety, Port Moody’s Crime Severity Index (CSI) provides a reassuring picture of security in the city over the past five years:
Data from Statistics Canada
Based on this data, Port Moody maintains a lower level of crime when compared to Port Coquitlam (72.43 in 2022); Vancouver (91.99 in 2022); and the national average for Canada (78.10 in 2022).
CSI measures how often crimes happen in a place and how serious those crimes are. In Port Moody, the CSI specifically for violent crimes went down from 39.70 to 25.31, with non-violent crimes accounting for a larger share of the overall CSI in 2022.
Education
Port Moody is served by School District 43. If you’re thinking of where to send your children to school, you’d be glad to know that the city has seven elementary schools, one middle school, and two public high schools.
In this school district, there are around 33,000 students, over 5,000 of which have diverse needs, and over 1,000 are indigenous.
If you’re attending college or uni, the ones that are closest will require a short commute to neighboring cities.
Take Douglas College in Coquitlam – it’s approximately 13 minutes by car or by train to Lafare Lake-Douglas and then a walk for around seven minutes.
Simon Fraser University and Fraser International College in Burnaby are just less than 15 minutes away from Port Moody. If you’re planning to take public transit, it might take you longer than 30 minutes to get there, though.
Healthcare
When considering a move to a new area, access to healthcare is a crucial factor. In Port Moody, residents benefit from high-quality and accessible healthcare.
For starters, they can go to Eagle Ridge Hospital, a full-service community hospital recognized by Fraser Health, the largest of the regional health authorities in the province.
For quick reference, here are the details of the hospital:
Eagle Ridge Hospital
Address: 475 Guildford Way Port Moody, B.C. V3H 3W9
Phone number: +1 604 461 2022
Operating Hours: Daily 12 AM to 12 PM
Additionally, for urgent care, walk-in clinics, or family doctor practices, you’ll find several accessible options within the city. Here are some of the healthcare options you can visit:
Port Moody Urgent and Primary Care Centre
Address: 3105 Murray Street Port Moody, B.C. V3H 1X3
Phone number: +1 604 469 3123
Operating Hours: Daily 9 AM to 8 PM
Newport Medical Clinic
Address: 205 Newport Drive Port Moody, BC V3H 5C9
Phone number: +1 604 461 0016
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 9 AM to 7 PM; Saturday 9 AM to 2 PM
Rocky Point Medical Clinic
Address: 2523 St Johns St, Port Moody, BC
Phone number: +1 604 936 7277
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 12 PM; 1 to 4 PM
Now, if you already have your Medical Services Plan (MSP) as a resident of BC, you can readily use it for your hospital visit.
The MSP is the health plan provided by the province to cover some consultations, medical tests, and treatments. Since the MSP doesn’t cover dental, vision care, and other surgeries, you may also avail of private insurance and use it for your healthcare.
Neighborhoods in Port Moody
Port Moody Centre
Port Moody Centre is a lively, well-connected neighborhood in the heart of Port Moody. You’ll find a mix of housing options, from apartments to houses, and enjoy easy access to the Port Moody SkyTrain station for quick trips to Vancouver and nearby areas.
The neighborhood is packed with great dining spots, boutique shops, and even Rocky Point Park for outdoor fun with waterfront views.
Families will appreciate the presence of local schools here, and the neighborhood’s vibrant arts and culture scene adds to its appeal.
Heritage Mountain
Heritage Mountain in Port Moody offers a mix of natural beauty and easy access to the amenities of the city. The neighborhood features walking and biking trails, a secondary school, and a community park.
Many homes enjoy scenic views of the Burrard Inlet. The neighborhood provides shopping and dining options at Newport Village and Suterbrook Village, and community facilities are easily accessible.
The challenging hiking and biking trails are also great for those who are looking to stay active.
Barber Street
Barber Street is located in the northern part of Port Moody along Ioco Road. It’s known for its peaceful ambiance and the charm of its detached homes, which often provide residents with captivating water views.
One of its standout features is the walking trails in the vicinity, allowing residents to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings and embark on scenic journeys around the Burrard Inlet.
These trails eventually guide you to Rocky Point Park, where you explore the ‘Brewers Row’ with its collection of craft breweries.
Belcarra
Belcarra, situated in the northern part of Port Moody, is a peaceful haven that derives its name from the cherished Belcarra Park.
This neighborhood boasts hiking trails, perfect picnic spots, and a charming waterfront area. If you enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding, this neighborhood is an awesome spot to visit.
Though Belcara is a secluded neighborhood up north, there’s a handy shuttle bus service to Newport Village. The Inlet Skytrain station, a short walk or quick bus ride away, can lead you back to Vancouver or whisk you away to Coquitlam or Burnaby.
How to Get to Port Moody
Cars: To reach Port Moody from Vancouver, you have a couple of route options. You can take Highway 7A or Barnett Highway, which will lead you through Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, and Maple Ridge, offering a scenic journey to your destination.
If you’re traveling from Trans-Canada Highway 1, a convenient route is to take the Gaglardi Way exit (Exit 37), continue on to Como Lake Rd, and make a left turn onto Clarke Rd, which will lead you to Port Moody.
Buses: From NB Granville St @ Davie St, you can take #14 bus, heading toward Hastings, and get off at Kootenay Loop Bay 5.
Then, proceed to Bay 2 and board the #160 bus, bound for Port Coquitlam Station. Ride this bus until you arrive at SB Barnet Hwy @ Gore St in Port Moody.
If you happen to be near Waterfront Station, you can take the R5 Kootenay Loop bus at Bay 1 instead. While this route may take a bit longer to reach Kootenay Loop Bay 8, you can also catch the #160 bus from Bay 2 to continue your journey to Port Moody.
Trains: To travel from Vancouver to Port Moody, From Vancouver, you can start by taking the Expo Line until you reach Commercial-Broadway Station. Transfer to the Millennium Line at Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station.
The Millennium Line has two stops in Port Moody. Moody Centre is the closest stop to Rocky Point Park, while Inlet Centre is close to Newport Village.
What to Expect, See, and Do in Port Moody
Relax at Rocky Point Park
Rocky Point Park, a serene waterfront park, is one of Port Moody’s most popular spots.
You can take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, indulge in a picnic, or take a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool. The park features a playground, a spray park, and a pier, all of which make it an ideal setting for relaxation.
For those with canine companions, there’s a fenced dog run conveniently located next to Slaughterhouse Creek. This park surely has something for everyone.
Follow the Trails
Port Moody offers an extensive network of scenic trails. The Shoreline Trail, spanning 6 kilometers, is one of the city’s primary trails as it takes you along Burrard Inlet and lets you visit a number of green spaces between Rocky Point Park to Old Orchard Park.
Port Moody also co-manages mountain biking trails with the Tri-cities. For more adventure, you can explore the many interconnected hiking and biking trails in the nearby mountains.
Take a Look Back through the Heritage Buildings
Take a step back in time by visiting the historic heritage buildings in Port Moody. The City has prepared a map of the heritage properties that you can visit.
You can start at the Ioco Ghost Town showcases well-preserved relics from the past, including a general store, church, and workers’ houses.
Brave the Crowds at White Pine Beach
White Pine Beach is a popular spot in summer. Located at Sasamat Lake, it’s great for swimming, picnicking, and water sports.
Be prepared for a lively atmosphere during the warm months. Particularly on the weekend, everyone seems to want a space on the sandy beach – but if you enjoy being around people, this shouldn’t stop you from having a great time.
Tour around to See Public Art
Port Moody embraces public art, and a walking tour will lead you to numerous outdoor art installations. Explore sculptures, murals, and other artistic expressions throughout the city.
The murals, such as the “Old Firehall Mural,” “The Future is Behind Us,” and the recent addition “Coming Home,” infuse vibrant colors and vitality into the city. Sculptures like “Knots” and “Play” serve as engaging pieces that invite conversations and admiration.
Visit the POMO Museum
You can also delve into the city’s history at the POMO Museum. Housed in a restored 1908 train station, the museum provides insights into the area’s heritage, including the role of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Keep an eye on the museum’s calendar for special events, workshops, and programs that are offered throughout the year.
Go Brewery Hopping at Brewers Row
Port Moody is home to ‘Brewers Row,’ featuring a cluster of craft breweries where you can sample local craft beers.
You can explore spots like Yellow Dog Brewing Co., Moody Ales, Twin Sails Brewing, Parkside Brewery, and The Bakery Brewing. Brewers Row offers plenty of options for a fun night out with friends.
Launch a Kayak into the Waters
Port Moody’s waterfront location offers great opportunities for kayaking. You can rent kayaks from Rocky Point Kayak and explore Burrard Inlet or nearby Sasamat Lake for a peaceful day on the water.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you paddle along. If you’re an experienced paddler, you can bring along your dog in a double kayak – if you’re new, a lesson or guided tour should help.
Drop by the Port Moody Farmers Market
The Port Moody Farmers Market is a delightful spot to savor local flavors. Once a week (this year, it was Sunday), you can drop by the Rec Centre Parking Lot and browse fresh produce, artisanal goods, and handcrafted items from local vendors.
It’s a fantastic way to support the community and enjoy a taste of Port Moody.
