Port Moody is a city located at the eastern end of Burrard Inlet in the Metro Vancouver region of British Columbia. With a population of approximately 33,535, it is one of the smaller municipalities within the metropolitan area, though it has grown steadily in recent decades due to its proximity to Vancouver and its attractive natural setting. The city is bounded by Coquitlam to the east and north, Burnaby to the west, and the waters of Burrard Inlet to the south.
History and Heritage
Port Moody holds the distinction of being the western terminus of the original Canadian Pacific Railway, completed in 1885, making it a significant site in Canadian history. The Port Moody Station Museum, housed in a restored railway station, commemorates this legacy. The city’s early growth was tied to the timber and fishing industries, and several heritage buildings along Murray Street reflect its late-19th-century origins. The neighbourhood of Pleasantside contains some of the oldest residential areas in the city.
Geography and Natural Environment
The city’s geography is defined by its shoreline along Burrard Inlet and the forested slopes of the Coast Mountains that rise to the north. Rocky Point Park is a popular waterfront destination offering views across the inlet, a pier, and access to the Shoreline Trail, a multi-use path that follows the coastline. The nearby Bert Flinn Park and Sasamat Lake, located within Belcarra Regional Park, provide additional recreational opportunities in a largely natural setting.
Neighbourhoods and Urban Development
Port Moody comprises several distinct neighbourhoods, including College Park, Heritage Mountain, Glenayre, and Moody Centre, the latter serving as the city’s downtown core. The arrival of the Evergreen Extension of the SkyTrain rapid transit system in 2016, with stations at Moody Centre and Inlet Centre, has accelerated residential and commercial development in the area. The city is also known for its cluster of craft breweries along Murray Street, which have contributed to a growing reputation as a destination for food and beverage tourism within the region.