Pitt Meadows & Maple Ridge
M aple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are approximately one hour east of Vancouver in an agricultural district on the Fraser River.
The communities sit in the southern reaches of the Coast Mountains and are set against a backdrop of pretty meadows, lakes, streams and rivers. The twin summits of Golden Ears Mountain rise majestically above Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, affording stunning views from just about anywhere in the area.
Both cities charm with their unique combinations of urban amenities, small-town lifestyle and rural surroundings. Visitors can take advantage of great outdoor recreation opportunities in the cities’ immediate surroundings.
Transportation to 2010 Winter Games Venue Cities
To Vancouver:
The drive from Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows to Vancouver takes approximately 50 minutes. Learn more about screenshots!
SkyTrain and public buses connect Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows with Vancouver.
The West Coast Express Train and TrainBus are the quickest public transit link between Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows and Vancouver. These operate primarily during peak commuter periods, although TrainBus does have weekend service.
Visitors can also take a Greyhound bus to Vancouver from the depot in Maple Ridge.
To Richmond:
Driving from Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows to Richmond takes approximately one hour.
SkyTrain and public buses link Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows with Richmond. Depending on the destination in Richmond, it may be quicker to take the West Coast Express train or TrainBus to Waterfront Station in Vancouver then transfer to a public bus to Richmond.
From 2009, the Canada Line rapid transit route will provide an option for public transport from Vancouver to Richmond.
To West Vancouver:
It takes approximately 50 minutes to drive from Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows to West Vancouver.
The West Coast Express Train and TrainBus are the quickest public transit links between Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows and Vancouver. Services are concentrated in peak commuter periods, although TrainBus does have weekend service. From Vancouver, passengers transfer to a public bus to West Vancouver.
It is also possible to get from Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows to West Vancouver by public buses .
To Whistler:
The drive from Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows to Whistler is approximately 2.5 hours and passes some of the prettiest scenery in the Lower Mainland. Travellers without their own vehicle can take a Greyhound bus to Whistler from the depot in Maple Ridge.
Accommodation
Both Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows have several large chain hotels located along the main highway, each with restaurants nearby. There are also a small number of bed and breakfasts in the communities’ residential neighbourhoods.
Things To Do
Skiers and boarders have the choice of Hemlock Valley Resort or the North Shore Mountains’ three excellent ski areas at Cypress, Seymour and Grouse mountains. Cypress Mountain will host the freestyle skiing and snowboard events during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
There are plenty of options for walkers and wildlife spotters as Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows has trails in and around nearby Regional Parks, Wildlife Management Areas and near Pitt Lake - the largest freshwater tidal lake in North America. Trails along the many dyke embankments are very popular with walkers, cyclists, birders and equestrians. Visitors who love to golf can play year round – there are several courses in the vicinity.
There are also a number of historic sites and beautiful buildings on Maple Ridge’s self-guided Fraser River Heritage Walk. History buffs will also discover many heritage buildings in Pitt Meadows, including the Pitt Meadows Museum which focuses on the area’s pioneers and First Nations peoples.
Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy visiting HoneyLand Canada, an educational bee farm with more than 1,000 bee colonies on site.
Vancouver:
