Como Lake Coquitlam

Como Lake Park Quick Info

  • Address: 700 Gatensbury Street, Coquitlam, BC
  • Loop Trail Length: Approximately 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) around the lake
  • Difficulty: Easy, flat, wide gravel path
  • Estimated Time: 15 to 20 minutes at a walking pace, longer with stops for birdwatching or fishing
  • Good For: Families, dog walkers, joggers, anglers, birdwatchers, strollers
  • Dogs: Welcome on the trail, leash required
  • Parking: Free parking off Gatensbury Street at both the north and south ends of the park
  • Neighbourhood: Central Coquitlam, near the historic Maillardville area
  • Official City Page: City of Coquitlam Como Lake Park listing for current hours, trail advisories, and closures

Hours, facility closures, and event dates change from season to season. Always confirm current details on the City of Coquitlam’s official park page linked above before you visit.

Como Lake in Coquitlam BC with calm water surrounded by trees on a clear day Vertical view of Como Lake Park Coquitlam showing the lakeside walking trail Wide gravel walking trail circling Como Lake in Coquitlam British Columbia Tree-lined section of the Como Lake lakeside loop trail in Coquitlam Wooden fishing dock and pier extending into Como Lake Coquitlam Lookout point over Como Lake with mountain reflections on the water Ducks swimming on Como Lake in Coquitlam BC near the shoreline Interpretive display board about local bird species at Como Lake Park Park interpretive signage along the Como Lake walking trail in Coquitlam Fenced children's playground at Como Lake Park Coquitlam Playground equipment for kids at Como Lake Park near the south parking lot Vertical photo of the Como Lake Park playground surrounded by trees Scenic view of Como Lake Park with open grass area for picnics Shoreline view of Como Lake Coquitlam with benches along the trail Como Lake Park Coquitlam BC pictured from the lakeside walking path

A Small Urban Lake With a Big Local Following

Como Lake Park sits in central Coquitlam, tucked into a residential pocket between Como Lake Avenue and Foster Avenue, just west of Gatensbury Street. The lake itself is modest in size, averaging about 2 metres deep with a maximum depth of roughly 4 metres, and it forms the headwaters of the Como watershed. Despite its small footprint, Como Lake has built a devoted following among Tri-Cities locals who treat the lakeside loop as a daily ritual rather than an occasional outing.

The surrounding neighbourhood was once part of Maillardville, one of the earliest French Canadian settlements in British Columbia, and the park still functions as a quiet community anchor in an area that has grown considerably around it. Unlike the steeper forested terrain found on Burke Mountain or in North Coquitlam, Como Lake Park is flat, compact, and easy to reach on foot from nearby homes, which is a large part of why it stays busy with walkers throughout the day.

Como Lake Park Coquitlam BC with calm reflective water surrounded by trees

Walking the Lakeside Loop Trail

The main draw at Como Lake Park is the Lakeside Loop Trail, a wide, well-packed gravel path that circles the entire lake in approximately 1 kilometre, or a little over half a mile. Most visitors complete the loop in 15 to 20 minutes at an easy pace, though the trail is flat enough and short enough that many locals walk it two or three times in a single visit for a longer workout.

Benches are spaced around the loop at regular intervals, giving walkers, parents with strollers, and anyone who wants to sit and watch the water plenty of places to rest. The path’s gentle grade and firm gravel surface also make it a practical option for wheelchair users and stroller-pushing parents who want a scenic walk without any hills or rough terrain. Runners use the loop for quick interval workouts, since a few laps add up to a reasonable distance without ever leaving the park.

Dogs are welcome on the trail but must stay on a leash, both to comply with City of Coquitlam bylaws and to keep the resident waterfowl population undisturbed.

Wide gravel lakeside loop trail circling Como Lake in Coquitlam

Fishing at Como Lake

Como Lake is one of the more accessible urban fishing spots in the Tri-Cities. The lake is stocked annually with catchable-size rainbow trout by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, and it also holds resident carp and catfish. Two docks along the shoreline give anglers a stable platform to cast from, and there is plenty of open bank space around the rest of the loop for those who prefer to fish from the grass.

Anglers 16 and older need a valid British Columbia freshwater fishing licence to fish at Como Lake, the same requirement that applies at any stocked lake in the province. Each May, the City of Coquitlam hosts the Como Lake Fish Derby, a free community event aimed at young anglers 16 and under, pairing casual fishing with a family-friendly atmosphere around the lake.

Wooden dock and fishing pier on Como Lake Coquitlam BC

Birdwatching and Wildlife Around the Lake

Como Lake draws a steady population of ducks, Canada geese, and herons throughout the year, making the loop a reliable spot for casual birdwatching without any special equipment or planning. Interpretive display boards positioned along the trail identify the species most commonly spotted at the lake, giving visitors a self-guided introduction to the local birdlife as they walk.

In spring, the rhododendron shrubs planted around portions of the park come into bloom, adding colour to the walk and drawing photographers looking to frame the lake against flowering branches and distant mountain views. The combination of calm water, mature trees, and consistent wildlife activity makes Como Lake a popular stop for anyone documenting Coquitlam’s quieter green spaces.

Ducks and waterfowl on Como Lake in Coquitlam British Columbia

Playground, Picnic Space, and Family Amenities

A fenced playground sits near the south end of the park, giving families a safe, enclosed space for younger kids while older children and adults continue around the loop. Open grass areas near the playground work well for picnics, and the flat, shaded setting makes the park a comfortable place to spend an afternoon rather than a quick stop.

Como Lake also allows non-motorized boats to launch from its shoreline, so canoes and kayaks occasionally share the water with the resident waterfowl. Free public Wi-Fi is available at the park as part of the City of Coquitlam’s ongoing rollout of connectivity at major parks and outdoor facilities, useful for anyone who wants to work from a bench between laps of the trail.

Fenced playground for children at Como Lake Park in Coquitlam

Lookout Points and the Best Photo Spots

Several points along the loop open up unobstructed views across the lake, particularly near the docks, where the water is calm enough on still days to reflect the surrounding trees and, on clear days, the North Shore mountains in the distance. These lookout points are the most popular spots for photos, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and the park is quieter.

The interpretive boards near the lookout areas add useful context for first-time visitors, covering the lake’s role as an urban fish habitat and the birds most likely to be seen from that exact spot. Locals recommend a slow first lap purely for orientation, then a second lap once you know where the benches, docks, and best viewpoints are.

Lookout point with mountain reflections over Como Lake Coquitlam

Visitor Tips

  • Bring a valid BC freshwater fishing licence if you plan to fish; anglers 16 and older are required to carry one.
  • Keep dogs leashed on the loop trail, both for bylaw compliance and to avoid disturbing nesting waterfowl in spring.
  • Parking fills up quickly on warm weekends. Arrive early or plan to park a short walk from the north or south lot.
  • Check the City of Coquitlam’s official park page before visiting for any temporary trail detours or facility closures.
A one kilometre loop is short enough to walk before breakfast and calm enough to make you want to stay for a second lap around the lake.

Getting to Como Lake Park

Como Lake Park is located at 700 Gatensbury Street in Coquitlam, with free parking lots at both the north and south ends of the park. The south lot sits closer to the playground and picnic areas, while the north lot is a shorter walk to the main lookout points and docks. The park is served by regional transit connections into central Coquitlam, making it a reasonable stop for visitors who are also exploring nearby Coquitlam attractions such as Minnekhada Regional Park.

For visitors building a broader Tri-Cities itinerary, Como Lake Park pairs naturally with a stop at Coquitlam’s other attractions, or with similar lakeside walks in neighbouring Burnaby, such as the pond and trail network at Central Park Burnaby or the wildlife-focused trails at Deer Lake Park.

Como Lake Park Coquitlam BC viewed from the lakeside walking path

Como Lake Park FAQ

How long is the trail around Como Lake?

The Lakeside Loop Trail around Como Lake is approximately 1 kilometre, or about 0.6 miles. Most visitors complete the loop in 15 to 20 minutes at a relaxed walking pace.

Is Como Lake Park free to visit?

Yes, Como Lake Park is a free public City of Coquitlam park with no entry fee. Parking at both the north and south lots is also free.

Are dogs allowed at Como Lake Park?

Dogs are welcome on the lakeside loop trail but must be kept on a leash at all times, in line with City of Coquitlam park bylaws.

Can you fish at Como Lake?

Yes. Como Lake is stocked with rainbow trout and also holds carp and catfish. Anglers 16 and older need a valid BC freshwater fishing licence, and the park hosts a free youth fishing derby each May.

Is the trail suitable for strollers and wheelchairs?

The Lakeside Loop Trail is flat with a firm, wide gravel surface, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchair users under normal conditions. Check the City of Coquitlam’s official park page for any temporary trail closures or detours before visiting.

What wildlife might I see at Como Lake Park?

Ducks, Canada geese, and herons are common sights around the lake year-round. Interpretive display boards along the trail help visitors identify the species they are most likely to spot.

Is there a playground at Como Lake Park?

Yes, a fenced children’s playground is located near the south end of the park, close to open grass areas suited to picnics.

Where should I park at Como Lake Park?

Free parking lots are available off Gatensbury Street at both the north and south ends of the park. The south lot is closer to the playground, while the north lot is closer to the main lookout points and fishing docks.

Explore More of Coquitlam

Como Lake Park is one of two Coquitlam green spaces featured on Explore Vancouver. Continue your visit with the wetlands and heritage farmhouse trails at Minnekhada Regional Park, or head back to the Coquitlam hub page for the full list of things to do in the Tri-Cities.