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You are here: Home / Cycling Reviews / Bike Tours and Trails / Cycling in Canada / Traboulay PoCo Trail in Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada

Traboulay PoCo Trail in Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada

February 15, 2016 by Average Joe Cyclist

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AvatarThis is a complete guide to the Traboulay PoCo Trail in Port Coquitlam, plus a video. The Poco Trail is a great cycling trail and hiking trail. It is family friendly and dog friendly. Located just 27 km  (17 miles) from Vancouver, the Poco Trail is very well worth a day trip. If you’re trying to enjoy as much of BC as you can in a short time, you could not do much better than this trail. (Unless you wanted to cycle the world-class Stanley Park Trail in downtown Vancouver.)

The Traboulay Poco Trail in Port Coquitlam, BC, offers breathtaking views of nature - and lots more besides
The Traboulay Poco Trail in Port Coquitlam, BC, offers breathtaking views of nature – and lots more besides

The Poco Trail is safe and well-maintained, offering something for everyone! And this ride is not just for tourists – it should be on the bucket list of every local cyclist, because it has so much to offer. Here’s a video that shows just a little bit of what it’s like:

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The Poco Trail is a really great cycling trail, with good signage as well
The Poco Trail is a really great cycling trail, with good signage most of the way

Route: Traboulay PoCo Cycling Trail, Port Coquitlam, BC (also known as the Poco Trail)

Surfaces: mainly off-road, mainly smooth. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter some mud. Once, after a wind storm, we had to climb over many trees that had been blown over, but that was very unusual!

Location: 27 km (17 miles) from Vancouver

Distance: 25.5 km (15.8 miles) , circular route (or you can just go a few miles from the parking lot and turn around – the route is bi-directional)

Difficulty level: easy but long if you do the entire circuit (but you don’t have to); easy to follow because it is well sign-posted

Type of bike required: any kind, but mountain or hybrid would be best

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Safety level: very safe, almost entirely off road

Suitable for: the whole family, including the dog. Unaccompanied children should not do the entire route, because there are a few short parts where you have to cross major roads or travel along the shoulder of a major road.

Congestion: Not bad most times, can be very quiet if you pick your time well

The Traboulay Poco trail will bring a smile to everyone's face. This photo was taken on a beautiful fall day, when I was lucky enough to cycle the trail with Maggie, plus good friends Zee and Calli from My Matcha Life
The Traboulay Poco trail will bring a smile to everyone’s face. This photo was taken on a beautiful fall day, when I was lucky enough to cycle the trail with Maggie, plus good friends Zee and Calli from My Matcha Life

Getting there from downtown:  Travel east on Hastings Street through Vancouver and follow the signs onto Highway #1 Eastbound.  Take the Exit #44 for United Boulevard and then stay left following the signage for Maple Ridge.  Turn right at the first set of lights at Shaughnessy Street and enter the parking lot.

Parking: You can park your car right next to the Poco Trail, for free

Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist and our dog Billy in the car park at the PoCo Trail, getting ready for a great bike ride!
Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist and our dog Billy in the car park at the PoCo Trail, getting ready for a great bike ride!

Average Joe Cyclist Rating: Poco Trail rates a Gold Bike-Star for a pleasant family bike ride with diverse scenery and terrains, and lots of interest and history. For more guides to bike trails, see Average Joe Cyclist Trail Guides

The Traboulay PoCo Trail is an ambitious, 25.5 km long, dog-friendly, family-friendly cycling and hiking trail. It encircles the busy British Columbia suburb of Port Coquitlam, yet feels as if you are out in the country. Ducks paddle peacefully on lakes, unperturbed by the nearby traffic thundering over the Mary Hill Bypass.

The Poco Trail is dog-friendly and family friendly. Photo courtesy of Alan Wallis
The Poco Trail is dog-friendly and family friendly. Photo courtesy of Alan Wallis

The Traboulay PoCo Trail has something for everyone: diverse cycling terrain and wildlife, interesting features for history buffs, a pub for thirsty adult cyclists and a play park for the kids. It’s also a dog-friendly trail, if you want to take a nice long walk with your dogs. We sometimes take our dogs along for the ride, and when they get tired they ride in their Axiom Premium Pet Baskets (reviewed here).

We sometimes take our dogs along for the ride, and when they get tired they ride in their pet baskets. Read about the best bike dog baskets here
We sometimes take our dogs along for the ride, and when they get tired they ride in their pet baskets. Read about the best bike dog baskets here

How to Get to the Poco Trail

  • By Car: The Traboulay PoCo Trail is  27 km (17 miles) east of Vancouver. It is most easily accessed by car, driving east on Highway 1, following the signs for United Boulevard. Go over the Mary Hill Bypass and then turn right on Shaughnessy Street to get to the free parking at the Citadel Landing.
  • By Bike: You can cycle from Vancouver to the PoCo Trail on the Loughheed Highway, but if you add in the entire trail, you’d be cycling about 100 km (62 miles), which is more than most day  trippers are likely to want to do.
  • By Public Transit: Take your bike on the Skytrain and get off at Sperling or Braid Skytrain stations. Then cycle to the PoCo Trail along Loughheed Highway.

Map of the Traboulay Poco Trail

This map was kindly provided for us by Alan Wallis. It reflects recent changes to the trail, as of July 2020. The trail no longer runs through Colony Farm. Instead, there is a new section beside the old sheep pastures, between the Lougheed Highway and the Coquitlam River.

Map of the Traboulay Poco Bike Trail in Port Coquitlam. Our thanks to Alan Wallis for this map
Map of the Traboulay Poco Bike Trail in Port Coquitlam. Our thanks to Alan Wallis for this map

Diverse Terrain on the Poco Trail

The Traboulay PoCo Trail offers many happy changes and surprises, as the terrain switches from good gravel track, to very infrequent roadside shoulder, to tree-canopied single track, then to meandering, multi-user paved trail.

The Traboulay PoCo Trail offers many happy changes and surprises, as the terrain switches from good gravel track, to very infrequent roadside shoulder, to tree-canopied single track, then to meandering, multi-user paved trail
The Traboulay PoCo Trail offers many happy changes and surprises, as the terrain switches from good gravel track, to very infrequent roadside shoulder, to tree-canopied single track, then to meandering, multi-user paved trail

One moment you will be cycling past a blueberry field, the next you’re next to the peaceful De Boville slough, filled with modest boats that all seem to be doing nothing in particular. Time slows down on this trail in a magical way. One minute you’ll be hitting the brakes to admire a soaring Blue Heron, and the next you’ll be skidding to a halt to confirm that yes, that really is a llama grazing solemnly on the adjacent farm.

There’s so much to see that you quickly realize there’s no need to hurry. The Poco Trail is about the journey, not the destination (which is after all, usually the car park).

The point is the journey, and the magnificent views. This is the view across the Pitt River from the second viewpoint. Photo courtesy of Alan Wallis
The point is the journey, and the magnificent views. This is the view across the Pitt River from the second viewpoint. Photo courtesy of Alan Wallis

Interest is maintained all the way by a rich diversity of animal life, including eagles, ducks, horses, cows, llamas (!) and even a solitary but splendid swan. Also, if you ride the trail in the fall, you may be privileged to witness salmon spawning in shallow creeks. We saw this on one ride, and it was truly awesome. In future when I eat salmon, I will do so with respect for the courage and effort those mama salmon put in when they are swimming upstream.

Expect to see wildlife! Photo courtesy of Alan Wallis
Expect to see wildlife! Photo courtesy of Alan Wallis

A River (or Two) Runs Through it – Rivers at the Poco Trail

Enjoy views of the Pitt River and the Coquitlam River while riding the Poco Trail. Photo courtesy of Alan Wallis
Enjoy views of the Pitt River and the Coquitlam River while riding the Poco Trail. Photo courtesy of Alan Wallis

The Traboulay PoCo Trail constantly crisscrosses water. A lot of the time you will be cycling on dykes beside the Pitt River; other times you’ll be biking on single-track next to the sometimes fast-flowing Coquitlam River. The river provides many inviting picnic spots. The sound and smell of water adds to the peaceful ambiance of this awesome slice of wilderness.

Sometimes you will be cycling on single-track next to the Coquitlam River. Photo courtesy of Alan Wallis
Sometimes you will be cycling on single-track next to the Coquitlam River. Photo courtesy of Alan Wallis

The Gilnetter Pub on the Poco Trail

If you’re not the picnicking type, do not despair! Just a couple of kilometers east of the car park you’ll find the Gillnetter Pub. It offers better-than-average pub fare, and it’s right on the Pitt River, with a great view. And you can lock your bikes within sight of your table.

The Gilnetter Pub on the Poco Trail offers a welcome stop. It's right near the car park, so you can park your bikes at the end of your ride and enjoy a well-deserved meal
The Gilnetter Pub on the Poco Trail offers a welcome stop. It’s right near the car park, so you can park your bikes at the end of your ride and enjoy a well-deserved meal. This pub was a favorite of ours long before we discovered the Poco Trail

Plenty for History Buffs on the Poco Trail

If you’re not enchanted by the ever-changing terrain and the great scenery (or by the pub), you may be impressed by the history lessons offered along the trail. At Citadel Landing you can see living evidence of the backbone on which British Columbia was built: the logging industry.

You can witness logging and beautiful scenic vistas from the Poco Trail
You can witness logging and beautiful scenic vistas from the Poco Trail

Along the way, look out for strategically placed lookout posts, some of which have great information signs.

Along the way, look out for strategically placed lookout posts, some of which have great information signs. Traboulay Poco trail
Along the way, look out for strategically placed lookout posts, some of which have great information signs

We took a couple of friends on the trail recently. They were completely blown away by it – agreeing that this trail is one of BC’s best-kept secrets. They were also fascinated by the information on the signs. Ride a little, stop and learn some fascinating history, and then ride a little more!

We took a couple of friends on the trail recently. They were completely blown away by it - agreeing that this trail is one of BC's best-kept secrets. They were also fascinated by the information on the signs. Ride a little, stop and learn some fascinating history, and then ride a little more!
We took a couple of friends on the trail recently. They were completely blown away by it – agreeing that this trail is one of BC’s best-kept secrets. They were also fascinated by the information on the signs. Ride a little, stop and learn some fascinating history, and then ride a little more!

About 12 km (7 miles) later, you’ll come across a series of informative signposts. From them you will learn that the Traboulay PoCo Trail was pioneered in 1967, to celebrate Canada’s one-hundredth birthday. As with so many impressive projects, this great trail was spearheaded by a small, dedicated group, who became known as the “PoCo Trail Blazers”.

Informative signposts along the Poco Trail offer a history of the area
Informative signposts along the Poco Trail offer a history of the area

The PoCo Trail was named after Leonard Macaulay Traboulay, an emigrant from Trinidad who became mayor of Port Coquitlam in 1981, and held the position for nineteen years. In a stroke of trail-making genius, the developers of the Poco Trail have added historic plaques to the trail, so that you can cycle forwards or backwards in time, depending on which direction you’re going in. The plaques tell about key events in Port Coquitlam history.

Informative plaques on the Poco Trail enable you to travel backwards or forwards in time, depending on which direction you cycle
Informative plaques on the Poco Trail enable you to travel backwards or forwards in time, depending on which direction you cycle

Next you will reach the entrance to Kwikwetlem First Nation territory (Kwikwetlem is Stolo for “Red Fish up the River”). The name of the Stolo people means “People of the River.” The PoCo Trail is a lot quieter around here, but still used by a wide variety of cyclists and hikers.

Signs remind you that you are on First Nations territory Poco Trail
Signs remind you that you are on First Nations territory

Facilities: Washrooms and Play Park on the PoCo Trail

There are at least two sets of washrooms on the Poco Trail, and they were clean, well-lit, and well-equipped too.

There is a nice big children's park along the Poco Trail
There is a nice big children’s park along the Poco Trail

A nice feature for cycling families is the big children’s play park that is halfway around the PoCo Trail. It provides a welcome break for tired young cyclists! Personally I used to find that my children needed some kind of bribe to get them excited about a bike ride, and this park is perfect for bribing young ones: “Just a little way further and you get to play in the park!” (If you need a bribe for adult members of the family, the Gilnetter Pub is probably a better bet.)

Here are tips on encouraging kids to cycle.

Bottom Line on the PoCo Trail

The Traboulay Poco Trail offers something for everyone - get your bike down there!
The Traboulay Poco Trail offers something for everyone – get your bike down there!

The Traboulay PoCo Trail is a great cycling trail. It offers something for everyone, it’s well-maintained – and it’s totally worth journeying 27 km (17 miles) out from Vancouver. If you’re trying to see as much of BC in as little time as possible – on a bike or hiking – you could not do much better than the Poco trail. And it’s a trail for all abilities: there were no steep climbs, and no terrifying descents.

The Poco Trail is so family friendly that you can tow your kids around in a bike trailer
The Poco Trail is so family friendly that you can tow your kids around in a bike trailer

History, nature and diverse, easy cycling … the PoCo Trail is a little slice of cyclist heaven for the whole family – and it’s dog friendly too!

The Poco Trail is dog friendly
The Poco Trail is dog friendly

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Filed Under: Cycling in Canada Tagged With: BC bike trails, Family friendly bike trails, Port Coquitlam cycling, Traboulay PoCo Cycling Trail

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  1. How to have a fun cycling vacation in Vancouver says:
    April 4, 2016 at 8:58 pm

    […] a car to get your bikes and family there. But it’s very well worth the trip. The Traboulay Poco Trail is another lesser known ride, but amazing. We do it at least once a […]

  2. April 22nd, 2016 – Tri-Cities Today says:
    April 22, 2016 at 7:08 am

    […]  These PoCo trails were meant for two wheels! ‪#‎cycling‬ ‪#‎PortCoquitlam   Article by Average Joe Cyclist on the PoCo […]

  • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs 830 vs 530

Welcome to Average Joe Cyclist!

Average Joe CyclistWelcome to our blog! I’m Joe Goodwill, an average cyclist, and I write a blog for people like me. People who love cycling but will probably never win any races, and who don’t necessarily look good in Lycra! I also write the Electric Bikes Blog and Average Joe's RV Living Blog. To find our most popular posts, check out our Start Here page.

Mrs Average Joe Cyclist - MaggieHi! I'm Maggie Neilson (aka Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist). Joe and I have done a lot of cycling, and we share what we have learned on this blog . We also write reviews of cycling products and trails! Get to know us better HERE.

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