Maple Ridge sits between the Fraser River, verdant provincial parks and undulating mountains, where Canada’s natural beauty takes centre stage. A prosperous agriculture industry has created an exceptional dining scene that pairs perfectly with national historic sites, riverside parks and contemporary shopping malls.
Things to do in Maple Ridge
Maple Ridge is paradise for nature lovers, thanks to its surrounding provincial parks, particularly the sprawling Golden Ears Provincial Park. Along with water sports and hiking trails, this park offers secluded camping sites and the towering Golden Ears mountain. Walk around the scenic Rolley Lake at Rolley Lake Provincial Park or kick back on the sandy shores of Hayward Lake.
Discover more about the region’s fascinating history at the Fort Langley National Historic Site. This interactive open-air museum is housed in the circa-1800s Hudson’s Bay Company trading post and features ancient artefacts and live shows by costumed actors. It’s surrounded by three golf courses, including the riverside Fort Langley Golf Course.
Need some retail therapy? Head to Haney Place Mall or ValleyFair Mall to browse local boutiques. The nearby ACT Arts Centre hosts music concerts, film screenings, live theatre and an art gallery. Snap a photograph of the iconic Beast Horse Clock before enjoying classic Canadian comfort food at Big Feast Bistro or delicious Japanese cuisine at Shinobi Japanese Restaurant.
Active travellers should make a beeline for Pinecone Burke Provincial Park, where you can enjoy hiking, fishing and mountain biking in the verdant backcountry. Take the kids to WildPlay Element Parks Maple Ridge for high-ropes courses or chill out at Whonnock Lake, which has a park and auditorium.
Getting around Maple Ridge
Maple Ridge is 15 minutes’ drive from Pitt Meadows Regional Airport and 40 kilometres from Abbotsford International Airport. The town is serviced by public buses, taxis and ferries and some areas can be explored on foot.