4.4km
Distance
244m
Gain
2h
Time
About this Trail
The Tri-Cities' answer to the Grouse Grind -- 894 stairs climbing 244m up Westwood Plateau along a BC Hydro right-of-way. Two parallel stairways with directional flow, views of Mount Baker and the Fraser Valley, an off-leash dog park midway, and up to 52,000 visits per month at peak season. Free, open 24/7, with 60-stall parking.
Best Suited For
The Crowd
- 🔹Fitness Enthusiasts
- 🔹Stair Climbers
- 🔹Trail Runners
- 🐕Dog Walkers
- 🔹Morning Exercisers
- 🔹Hill Repeat Runners
The Occasion
- 🏃Exercise
- 🔹Quick Workout
- 🔹Weekend Challenge
- 🔹Competitive Event
Highlights
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Coquitlam's most popular fitness trail — 244m gain on stairs
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Panoramic views of the Fraser Valley and Coast Mountains
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Free, accessible alternative to the Grouse Grind
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Local fitness community with regulars doing daily laps
Route Details
A fitness stair-climb following a BC Hydro right-of-way up Westwood Plateau. The trail features 894 stairs split across two parallel stairways (east for ascending, west for descending), with gravel paths and paved sections connecting four distinct sections from Runnel Drive to Eagle Mountain Drive.
The Route
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Runnel Drive parking / Harrier Park km 0.0, elev ~40m
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Cross Guildford Way km 0.5
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Lansdowne Drive — base of stairs km 0.8
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East stairway ascent begins — 457 stairs km 0.8
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David Avenue crossing — top of stair section km 1.5
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Bramblewood off-leash dog area km 1.8
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Panorama Drive / Bramble Park access km 2.0
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Eagle Mountain Drive — summit/end point km 2.2, elev ~284m
Along the Way
894 stairs — 437 west (descent) + 457 east (ascent) with non-slip metal grating
Views of Mount Baker, Blue Mountain, Burnaby Mountain, and the Fraser Valley
Bramblewood off-leash dog park midway through the climb
500,000-volt BC Hydro transmission towers as dramatic backdrop
Up to 52,000 visitors per month at peak season
Annual Coquitlam Crunch Challenge competitive event
Practical Tips
Best Times to Visit
Insider Tips
- 💡
Go up the stairs, down the gravel path — that's the etiquette
- 💡
The upper section has the best views — push through the forest section
- 💡
Free, no parking fee, no permits — just show up and climb
- 💡
Locals treat this as a gym — expect crowds before 8 AM and after 5 PM
What to Bring
Accessibility & Facilities
Slippery when wet or icy — Headlamp recommended for winter evening workouts.
Not Available
Not wheelchair accessible. 894 stairs and gravel surfaces throughout. Significant elevation gain of 244 metres.
History
The Coquitlam Crunch is an urban fitness trail built along a BC Hydro right-of-way in Coquitlam. It has become one of the Tri-Cities' most popular workout hikes, often compared to the Grouse Grind.
Source · coquitlam.ca
Location
Getting Here
🚌 Transit
Bus routes 152, 160, 169, 184, 185 stop near Falcon Dr at Guildford Way (3-minute walk to trail). Evergreen Extension SkyTrain to Inlet Centre or Coquitlam Central stations with bus transfer.
🚗 Parking
Lansdowne Drive lot: 60 paved stalls with digital real-time parking counter (expanded September 2021). Runnel Drive lot at community garden (southern end). Street parking on Lansdowne Dr if lots full. Fills quickly on weekend mornings -- arrive before 8 AM.