I recently had a friend move out to Port Moody, so of course I made a point to go visit her and see what her new community was like. I had heard of Port Moody before, mostly in the context of Brewer’s Row, but I hadn’t actually spent time there, and I didn’t realize how much there is to do in such a small area.
Port Moody is a small city in the Metro Vancouver area, located at the eastern end of Burrard Inlet. It’s often described as the “City of the Arts,” but what stands out more is how it blends waterfront, forest, and a growing local food and drink scene, all within a pretty compact area.
Port Moody has an interesting history, too. It was once the original western terminus of the Canadian Pacific Railway before that role shifted to Vancouver, which shaped how the community developed along the Burrard Inlet. Today, it still feels closely tied to the water, with a mix of parks, trails, and small local businesses that make it easy to spend a full day here.
One of the best things about Port Moody is how accessible it is. It’s an easy day trip from Vancouver and other parts of the Metro Vancouver area, and you don’t need a car to get here.
There aren’t really hotels in Port Moody itself, but you don’t need them. You can hop on the SkyTrain, spend the day enjoying the area on foot, and head back into the city without much effort.
Ready for a great Vancouver Metro area day trip? Read on for 7 things to do in Port Moody.
How to Get to Port Moody
If you’re visiting Port Moody, you’ll most likely be coming from Vancouver, and the good news is that it’s very easy to get there without a car. The city sits about 25 kilometres east of downtown Vancouver, and there are a few straightforward ways to make the trip.
By SkyTrain: The easiest option is to take the SkyTrain. From downtown Vancouver, hop on the Millennium Line and ride it out to Moody Centre Station. The ride takes about 40–50 minutes depending on where you’re starting, and from the station, you’re just a short 5–10 minute walk to Rocky Point Park and the start of the Shoreline Trail.
By car: If you’re driving, the trip from Vancouver takes around 30–40 minutes without traffic, typically via Highway 1 or Barnet Highway. Keep in mind that traffic can build during peak hours, especially on weekday afternoons. There’s parking available near Rocky Point Park, but it can fill up quickly on weekends and sunny days.
By bus: You can also take a bus from various parts of Vancouver or connect via SkyTrain and bus if needed. TransLink routes serve the area well, and most will bring you close to Moody Centre or directly to Rocky Point Park.
Overall, Port Moody makes for a very easy half-day or full-day trip from Vancouver, especially if you use the SkyTrain.
7 Things to Do in Port Moody
1. Visit Rocky Point Park
Rocky Point Park is kind of the central park of Port Moody, and it’s also very accessible. The park is just a short 5–10 minute walk from Moody Centre Station.
The park sits right along the edge of Burrard Inlet, with a mix of open green space and waterfront access, so you can really spend as much or as little time here as you want.
There’s plenty of room to lay out a blanket and have a picnic, plus a long wooden pier that you can walk out onto for views across the inlet toward the North Shore mountains. If you’re lucky, you might spot seals in the water from here, especially when it’s quiet.
During the warmer months, you can also rent kayaks or paddle boards from Rocky Point Kayak and head out onto the water, which gives you a completely different perspective of the area. There are also walking paths, a playground, and lots of places to just sit and take it all in.
It’s especially nice later in the day, when the light softens and the sun starts to drop behind the mountains, casting everything in that golden, slightly hazy glow.
2. Walk the Shoreline Trail
The Shoreline Trail is one of the most popular things to do in Port Moody, with more than 230,000 visits each year. And it’s easy to see why!
It’s a beautiful path that runs along the edge of Burrard Inlet between Rocky Point Park and Old Orchard Park, covering about 6 kilometres round trip.
The route is mostly flat, so it’s very manageable, and it typically takes around two hours to walk the full trail at a relaxed pace.
One thing I liked about this trail is that you’ve got options. There are actually two parallel paths for most of the route. One is a paved, multi-use path that works for walking, cycling, and strollers, and it was recently upgraded with wider sections, better drainage, and new benches and signage.
The other is a gravel trail that sits closer to the water, which is quieter and a bit more natural, but is meant for walkers and runners only.
Along the Shoreline Trail, you’ll pass a mix of forest, small beaches, and lookout points, including a stretch along Pigeon Cove where a boardwalk runs right over the water.
This section was recently rebuilt and is now about 440 metres long, with a raised design that helps protect the surrounding ecosystem while still giving you access to the view. It’s also more accessible now, with a gentler grade and space for strollers and mobility devices.
There’s also a viewing platform built into the boardwalk, which is worth stopping at. It features a carved house post created in collaboration with artists from the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Katzie First Nation, which adds an important cultural layer to the experience of the trail.
Beyond being a nice walk, this area is also a sensitive ecosystem that supports fish, birds, and plant life, so you’ll notice efforts throughout the trail to protect it, like raised walkways and restored vegetation.
My friend and I walked this trail on a beautiful Sunday morning, and while there were certainly lots of locals out enjoying the trail, it didn’t ever feel too busy.
If you enjoy this trail, remember it’s important to respect natural spaces like this. Stay on marked paths, pack out any waste, and avoid feeding or disturbing wildlife so this ecosystem can continue to support the species that rely on it.
3. Relax at Old Orchard Park Beach
Old Orchard Park is at the far end of the Shoreline Trail. It’s about a 3 km walk from Rocky Point Park, which makes it a natural turnaround point if you’re doing the full trail.
The park has a small sandy beach, a grassy area for sitting or picnicking, and calm, shallow water that’s good for swimming in the warmer months. Because it’s a bit further from the main hub at Rocky Point, it tends to feel more relaxed and less crowded.
There are also basic amenities like washrooms and picnic tables, which makes it easy to spend a bit more time here if you want to hang out for a bit. Even if you’re not planning to swim, it’s a nice place to sit by the water and take a break before heading back along the trail.
Note: Dogs are not permitted on Old Orchard Park Beach.
4. Have a Sweet Treat at Rocky Point Ice Cream
Rocky Point Ice Cream is one of those places you’ll probably notice right away, mostly because there’s almost always a line. It’s located right next to Rocky Point Park, which makes it an easy stop after a walk along the Shoreline Trail or some time by the water.
They focus on small-batch ice cream made on site, with a rotating selection of flavours alongside a few consistent favourites. You’ll usually find a mix of classic options and more creative combinations, so it’s worth taking a minute to read through the menu.
Portions are generous, and you can choose between cones, cups, or take-home containers if you’re not ready to eat your ice cream right away.
5. Learn Local History in the PoMo Museum
The Port Moody Station Museum, also known as the “PoMo Museum,” is a small but really worthwhile stop if you want some context on the area.
The museum is set inside a restored 1913 Canadian Pacific Railway station, which makes sense given Port Moody’s history as the original western terminus of the railway.
Before Vancouver took over that role, this is where trains arrived, and that shaped the early development of the city. Inside, the exhibits walk you through that history, along with stories about early industry, immigration, and how the Port Moody community evolved over time.
Outside, there’s a small rail yard with preserved train cars that you can take a look at. It’s not a huge museum, so you don’t need to carve out a big chunk of your day, but it does a good job of telling some local history.
What stands out about the PoMo Museum is that it’s very much community-driven. It’s owned and operated by the Port Moody Heritage Society and supported heavily by volunteers, who help with everything from maintaining exhibits to running programs and caring for the gardens, which gives the whole place a very personal, local feel.
Entry to the PoMo Museum is free, but it’s well worth making a donation if you can. Contributing helps keep the space running and supports the work the museum volunteers are doing to preserve and share local history.
6. Taste Beer on Brewer’s Row
Brewer’s Row Port Moody is a stretch of Murray Street that’s become one of the most well-known craft beer clusters in the metro Vancouver area. What’s interesting is how quickly it came together.
Around 2014, the City of Port Moody introduced zoning that made it easier for breweries to open in this industrial area, and within a few years, several independent breweries set up shop within walking distance of each other.
That concentration is what turned it into “Brewer’s Row.”
Today, you can easily walk between spots like Yellow Dog Brewing, Parkside Brewery, Moody Ales, and Twin Sails Brewing, each with their own style and atmosphere. Some focus on more classic styles, while others lean into experimental or rotating small-batch releases, so it’s easy to try a range without going far.
Most of the breweries have tasting rooms with indoor and outdoor seating, and the vibe is very casual.
My friend and I spent an evening visiting a couple of the breweries, and after hopping between them, I think my favourite was Rewind Beer Co.
They have a really well-rounded lineup with a range of different styles, so there’s something for pretty much everyone, and I thought the 80’s throwback aesthetic of the brewery was really fun.
And, Rewind Beer Co. is also home to Hightop Pizza. I highly recommend ordering one of their Detroit-style pizzas to enjoy with your beer.
7. Visit the Port Moody Farmer’s Market
The Port Moody Farmers Market started back in 2008 as a small winter market held in the lobby and courtyard of the Port Moody Recreation Centre, and has since grown into a regular, year-round event.
Now, the market runs weekly, with a winter market on Sundays and a summer market on Wednesdays. You’ll find a mix of local BC produce, baked goods, prepared foods, and artisan products, all from small vendors.
Grab a coffee, pick up a few snacks, and wander without much of a plan!
Is Port Moody Worth Visiting?
Port Moody is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you’re already in Vancouver. It’s a perfect small city to day trip to because it’s compact, easy to get to, and there’s lots to do.
You can walk the Shoreline Trail, spend time by the water at Rocky Point Park, learn in the PoMo Museum, and then stop for a beer on Brewer’s Row.
What stands out to me most about Port Moody is how walkable it is. Everything is close together, it’s well connected by transit, and it never feels overwhelming or crowded.
Whether you go for a few hours or make a full day of it, Port Moody is definitely worth a visit. I can’t wait to go visit my friend again, and get to know this small city even better!
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