One of my most-loved recreational trail in the area

Even though I wasn’t able to participate in the 2019 Coquitlam Crunch Challenge, it made me think that I should write about this amazing, accessible and outdoor workout space, right next to our home!

The Coquitlam Crunch is a steep, urban trail that follows a route under large hydropower lines and features stairs with more than 400 steps and an incline that gains 250 meters. 

Some people (maybe most) consider that the sole purpose of the Coquitlam Crunch is to exercise, but I would argue that, even if I usually go there to keep fit & enjoy an outside training session. This free, open year-round trail is also socially “intense” as you will run into at least one person you know during the summer season. The views along the way are amazing and refreshing and sure, as everyone says: “it has nothing to do with the view on top of the Grouse Grind”, but why compare? 

And if we are comparing, however, let me list some of the perks that the Coquitlam Crunch has:

1. It’s a dog-friendly path with an enclosed dog park halfway up the trail

2. It is not overcrowded. You can move through easily and never feel the pressure of others as the staircase is wide enough (on top of having the choice of two sets of stairs parallel to each other)

3. You can see Mount Baker pretty much all the time

4. Blackberry picking is definitely an option as you will find hundreds of blackberry bushes along the trail

5. Last but not least, the after-crunch activities selection is pretty spectacular in this area! Breweries are a 5-minute drive from the crunch, the Eagle Ridge outdoor pool is around the corner, the Beanery Coffeehouse & Eatery, known for its thin-crust (New York-inspired) pizza, gourmet sandwiches, and locally roasted coffee is near the top or wine at my house for those who are looking for a more authentic experience lol

Having said all of this, if you are looking for an easy and in the shade hike, then the Coquitlam Crunch might not be your best option. I personally love the fact that the sun is there pretty much all the way, but also realize that my relationship with the sun is pretty special 😉 

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