{"id":62940,"date":"2025-12-11T16:08:43","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T00:08:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bcaletrail.ca\/?p=62940"},"modified":"2025-12-12T17:40:27","modified_gmt":"2025-12-13T01:40:27","slug":"coquitlam-winter-staycation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bcaletrail.ca\/coquitlam-winter-staycation\/","title":{"rendered":"24 Hours in Coquitlam: A Festive Winter Staycation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sometimes the best getaways are right in your own backyard. <\/span><\/p>\n

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This winter, Lower Mainlanders can skip the long drive and discover Coquitlam, where Metro Vancouver’s largest free holiday light display transforms Lafarge Lake into a glowing wonderland with over one million lights. But the magic doesn’t stop at the lakeside\u2014you’ll find locally brewed craft beer at Mariner Brewing, Coquitlam’s beloved first brewery and a true community hub, plus cozy restaurants serving everything from warm chimney cakes to wood-fired pizza, and a unique opportunity to let your inner child out to play.<\/p>\n

The real star of your staycation is Mariner Brewing, the one spot you absolutely can’t miss. Since 2017, this welcoming taproom has been pouring award-winning brews, from crisp lagers to bold IPAs, including their seasonal favourite, Lights at Lafarge Lager.<\/p>\n

Between the twinkling lights, exceptional beer, and food that warms you from the inside out, these 24 hours prove that festive magic is closer than you think. Nick Nicholson (@ThirstyExplorersClub) recently tested out our itinerary; you can watch the highlight reel from his stay here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Lights at Lafarge Lager in Coquitlam, BC, brewed by Mariner Brewing (photo: Nick Nicholson)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Here’s how to spend a perfect winter overnight in the city:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Day One<\/h3>\n

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Executive Plaza Hotel Coquitlam<\/h4>\n

405 North Rd #1, Coquitlam<\/i><\/p>\n

Your winter staycation begins at the Executive Plaza Hotel Coquitlam<\/a><\/span>, just an 11-minute walk from Lougheed Town Centre Station. With its central location and welcoming atmosphere, it\u2019s the perfect spot to drop your bags, freshen up, and get ready to step into Coquitlam\u2019s holiday festivities.<\/span><\/p>\n