Things To Do
in Maple Ridge
Maple Ridge sits on the eastern fringe of Metro Vancouver, where forested hills meet the Fraser River. The city blends a small-town vibe with easy access to outdoor adventures, including the nearby Golden Ears Provincial Park and Alouette Lake. Families, commuters, and outdoor enthusiasts mingle in tree-lined neighborhoods and a welcoming downtown core.
With pristine nature, friendly locals, and a growing dining scene, Maple Ridge offers a relaxed Pacific Northwest experience just outside Vancouver.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café, enjoying fresh pastries and coffee. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets of Maple Ridge's historic downtown, admiring charming heritage buildings. Don't forget to stop by the Maple Ridge Museum to learn about the area's rich history.
After lunch at a nearby bistro, spend the afternoon exploring the local shops and art galleries. Engage with local artisans and discover unique handmade crafts that reflect the culture of the region. Make sure to visit the Arts Centre to see any ongoing exhibits or performances.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delicious dinner at a waterfront restaurant, savoring local dishes made from fresh ingredients. After your meal, take a scenic walk along the waterfront, soaking in the beautiful views of the river and surrounding mountains. End your evening with a cozy drink at a nearby pub, mingling with locals.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off to Golden Ears Provincial Park, just a short drive from Maple Ridge. Once there, lace up your hiking boots and embark on one of the many scenic trails, surrounded by towering trees and vibrant wildlife. The fresh air and serene atmosphere will invigorate your spirit.
After a morning of hiking, enjoy a packed picnic lunch at one of the park's designated areas, taking in the picturesque views. Spend the afternoon exploring more trails or take a refreshing dip in Alouette Lake, which offers a perfect spot for relaxation and swimming. Keep your camera ready as you might spot local fauna like deer or eagles.
Head back to Maple Ridge and freshen up before dinner at a local steakhouse known for its hearty meals. As night falls, consider attending a local event or concert if available, immersing yourself in the community's vibrant culture. Wind down your day with a quiet walk through one of the local parks, enjoying the tranquility.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $25-50 |
| 🏨One night in a mid-range hotel | $120-200 |
| 🚆Public transit monthly pass | $90-120 |
| 🛒Groceries for a week | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Access to outdoor recreation just outside Vancouver
- Calm, family-friendly community
- Strong local markets and dining options
- Friendly locals and easy access to nature
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Some areas are car-dependent
- Housing costs rising in the region
- Traffic congestion during peak hours
Places to Visit in Maple Ridge
Visit one of these nice places.
Rocky outcrops and sweeping views of the Golden Ears peaks and surrounding forests provide dramatic foregrounds and timeless landscapes.
Calm water and forested shoreline create reflective sunrise or sunset scenes over the lake.
Boardwalks, boating activity, and river reflections offer dynamic compositions across seasons.
Historic buildings and seasonal foliage provide charming, vintage photography opportunities.
Food in Maple Ridge
Maple Ridge Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh, locally sourced salmon prepared with cedar smoke and a subtle maple glaze, a staple at many waterfront–adjacent eateries.
Must-Try!
Seasonal local berries baked into a warm, comforting cobbler, often featured in cafés and dessert spots during berry season.
A modern take on West Coast flavors with fresh salmon, rice or greens, avocado, and crisp vegetables.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market offering local produce, baked goods, prepared foods, and artisan crafts.
A rotating lineup of food trucks delivering diverse eats from regional cuisines.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings and saying please and thank you are appreciated; wait your turn in lines and respect personal space.
In rural park areas, follow bear safety guidelines: store food properly, make noise on trails, and carry bear spray if recommended.
Safety
Tipping in Maple Ridge
Ensure a smooth experience
In Canada, tipping 15-20% at restaurants is customary; tips can be left in cash or added to a credit card. Small tips for bar staff and service in cafés are appreciated.
Debit and credit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; Interac e-Transfers are popular for person-to-person payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with long daylight hours; ideal for outdoor hikes, lake days, and farmers markets. Expect occasional rain showers and comfortable evenings.
Cooler temps and vibrant foliage; great for autumn photography, harvest festivals, and outdoor walks before winter.
Mild winters with occasional snow at higher elevations; best for indoor venues and lower-elevation trails that stay accessible.
Mild and wetter than summer; blooming landscapes make trails and parks particularly scenic, though some paths may be muddy.
Maple Ridge at Night
Hiking in Maple Ridge
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A challenging day hike with alpine scenery and sweeping valley views.
A lakeside route suitable for easy to moderate day walks.
Gentle forest trails surrounding Whonnock Lake with scenic settings.
Forest trails and viewpoints offering varying levels of difficulty.
Airports
How to reach Maple Ridge by plane.
Major international hub about an hour from Maple Ridge by car, with extensive domestic and international flights.
Smaller regional airport about 45-60 minutes away, serving primarily domestic flights and some international routes.
Small general aviation airport nearby for private flights and local pilots.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large presence of families, including long-time residents and newcomers.
A significant senior population with supportive community services.
Growing communities from diverse cultural backgrounds contributing to local culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A staple sport in the region with local leagues and facilities nearby.
Active community leagues and youth programs; fields spread across the city.
Seasonal youth and adult leagues with local support.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Maple Ridge.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for plant-based options such as roasted vegetables, grain bowls, and legumes; most menus can accommodate vegetarian requests with a quick substitution.