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History
The early inhabitants of this area were the Squamish and Musqueam bands of the Coast Salish people, their ancestors having occupied the Lower Mainland for the past 8,000 years. They used the Port Moody area to fish, hunt, and gather shellfish. Evidence of their summer campsites, in the form of shell middens and Indian artifacts, can be found at the eastern end of Burrard Inlet.
Non-indigenous people began to occupy the area around 1800. Fur traders regularly traveled through this region. With the appearance of gold prospectors during the Cariboo Gold Rush of 1858 and the need to develop a back-door defence for New Westminster, in 1859 the Royal Engineers - under the command of Col. Richard Moody - were sent to clear a trail. The trail, later known as North Road, would allow ships anchored in Burrard Inlet to unload military supplies and personnel if New Westminster were attacked from the south. No attack occurred, but a town - at first no more than a cluster of tents and shacks - began to grow.
Big changes came in 1886, when Port Moody was named the original Pacific terminus of the transcontinental railroad (later extended to Vancouver). The town experienced an influx of new residents, from 200 people in 1887 to 1,200 in 1910, and the combination of railroad and harbour proved ideal for many light and heavy industries that have come and gone over the past century. Port Moody was incorporated as a city in 1913.
Port Moody is now thriving, with industries supporting a growing residential community, and the city strives to harmonize the natural environment with its economy and quality of life. Many different businesses are still attracted to Port Moody's railroad and harbour.
Location
Port Moody is a small, crescent-shaped city in Metro Vancouver, located at the east end of Burrard Inlet. Port Moody is the smallest of the Tri-Cities, bordered by Coquitlam on the east and south, and Burnaby on the west. The villages of Belcarra and Anmore, along with the rugged coast mountains, lie to the northwest and north respectively. Both downtown Vancouver and the US border are 40 minutes away by car.
Places to See
- Port Moody Arts Centre
The Port Moody Arts Centre is home to galleries, a gift shop, arts classes of all kinds, volunteers, and many different community arts groups. As of September 1, 1999 it is run by the non-profit Port Moody Arts Centre Society.
- Blackberry Gallery
Located on the main floor of the Port Moody Arts Centre, the Blackberry Gallery consists of four exhibition spaces: the Main Gallery, the 3D Gallery, the Plum Gallery, and the Display Case. The Gallery hosts 44 shows per year, ranging from works by international and regional to local artists.
- Moody / Old Town Centre
Port Moody's historic Town Centre features many unique shopping and dining adventures.
- Newport / Inlet Centre
Newport Village is an award-winning retail and residential area located in Port Moody's new town centre.
- CPR Station
This restored 1907 railway station in Port Moody is the focal point of the annual Golden Spike Festival. Rocky Point Park, also in Port Moody, features a boat launch ramp, pier, outdoor pool, playgrounds, walking trails, and paved paths for biking and rollerblading.
- Belcarra Regional Park
Oceanfront beaches, mudflats, and a unique floating walkway around Sasamat Lake give the park unusual variety. The wharf is ideal for crabbing, fishing, and scuba diving.
- Port Moody Station Museum
Built in 1905, the Port Moody Station Museum was the second railway station in the area. The museum's telegraph office features an operational telegraph system for guests to try, and a hand-operated telephone from 1884, when the Port Moody and New Westminster Telephone Co. was formed.
Things to Do
- Heritage Tour
This tour will let you explore the beginnings of the railway and indulge in the rich heritage, which abounds in Port Moody. Begin your tour at the Port Moody Station Museum, where you can pick up a copy of the latest Heritage Walking and Cycling Guide.
- Walking Tour
A visit to Port Moody must include a tour of the wonderful galleries and studios located throughout the city. Port Moody has developed a mission to enrich community life by encouraging and supporting the development of arts, culture, and tourism. The Port Moody Arts Centre, the many galleries, and the studios located in historic Moody Centre are a hotbed for artistic expression.
- Fishing
There are several fishing spots in the area, including Belcarra Park, Buntzen Lake, Lafarge Lake, Sasamat Lake, Pitt Lake, and along the banks of the Coquitlam River. Fishing in Como Lake is open to children and seniors only.
- Boating / Sailing
With 27 kilometres of waterfront in the region, boating and sailing are very much a part of Port Moody's leisurely lifestyle. Every kind of watercraft or activity is available here, whether your idea of fun is super-charged waterskiing or just floating around in an inner tube.
Events
- Festival of the Arts
April - For ten days, creative performances and exhibits are combined with unique workshops and hands-on activities that expose Port Moody residents to a colourful roster of local and Canadian artists.
- Fingerling Festival
May - Watch as over 35,000 chum salmon fry are released into Noons Creek at this annual environmental festival. Interactive and informative booths run by stream keeper groups, naturalists, and environmental conservationists showcase the importance of environmental stewardship.
- Artists in the Park
May to September - Artists in the Park connects park visitors to Port Moody's vibrant arts community. Artists can be seen creating and selling their works between May and September at Rocky Point Park, as well as during special events and festivals at the Port Moody Station Museum, the Port Moody Arts Centre, and the Queens St. Plaza.
- Golden Spike Days
Canada Day Long Weekend - Synonymous with the City of Port Moody, Golden Spike Days combines great food, fun entertainment, and an amazing atmosphere during the Canada Day long weekend. One of the Tri-City area's most popular events, Golden Spike Days offers a little something for everyone.
- Ioco Ghost Town Days
Come help Ioco commemorate the founding of the town in 1919 and relive its spirited history. Enjoy old-time music, sing alongs, square dancing, a children's choir, storytelling, and more at the Ioco Townsite.
- Port Moody Canadian Film Festival
The Port Moody Canadian Film Festival is a venue for the best of Canadian cinema, and an outlet for young filmmakers who have the opportunity to workshop material during events like the Quick Flicks Challenge.
- Heritage Week
February - Learn more about Port Moody during this weeklong festival of the city's history. With fun events for both children and adults alike, this is a great time to learn more about the city's diverse and lively past. Head down to the Port Moody Station Museum for displays, discussions, and more.
Contact Information
City of Port Moody
Hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday
Closed on weekends and statuatory holidays.
100 Newport Drive
Box 36
Port Moody, BC V3H 3E1
Telephone: (604) 469-4500
Fax: (604) 469-4550
E-mail: info@cityofportmoody.com
Website: www.cityofportmoody.com
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