Are you seeking adventure? Perhaps you’re looking for leisure activities with scenic views and fresh air. You’ve come to the right place. This list is overflowing with things you absolutely must do or see while in Maple Ridge. There is something for everyone here; thrill-seekers, historians, explorers and foodies alike.
1. Golden Ears Provincial Park
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2. The Act Arts Centre
There is always something happening at the Act. Whether it’s a writing workshop, life drawing class, live theatre show, a dance, or live music, there is never a dull moment at this venue. Bring your friends or family and take a tour of the gallery before you attend your event. All shows have tickets that are available for purchase on their website or on location.
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3. Maple Ridge Leisure Centre
The Leisure Centre downtown Maple Ridge is fun for the whole family. Come on by for a dip in the pools- renovations just finished this winter! With a lazy river, winding slide, hot tub, and two lane pools, there are plenty of options. Relax in the sauna and steam rooms before heading out. There are even teen nights on Friday with music and good fun for all!
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4. Wildplay
Get your blood pumping with this treetop adrenaline adventure! Climb up into the trees and don’t hold back as you race through this massive obstacle course consisting of a total of nine zip lines, sixty two aerial games, and a jaw dropping finale: a forty foot jump! Some of these aerial games are log ladders, ropes, swings, tight ropes, wobbly bridges, and much more. If you’re going to come down for some serious fun make sure you check the website to see what is required (like closed-toe proper fitting shoes, etc).
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5. Alouette Lake
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6. Haney Farmers Market
The Haney Market is all about supporting and buying local. If you’re on the prowl for a unique gift for a special someone check out the artisan’s booths for handcrafted items you can’t buy in normal stores. Peruse the produce stands and bring home fresh berries, baked breads, and much more. With live music, food samples, and sometimes a book truck- yes, a book truck- there is a little something for everyone. (Note: the market opens May 9th).
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7. Haney House Museum & Maple Ridge Museum
Maple Ridge is passionate about its own history, and that really shows at the Haney House Museum and the Maple Ridge Museum. Haney House is the oldest standing residential building in town, with construction finishing in 1883. Fun tip? The Haney House hosts murder mystery nights, a new attraction. Dress up and come ready to suspect your friends and family of a heinous crime with story lines that change as interest in this event increases.
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8. The Ridge Canoe and Kayaking Club (at Whonnok Lake)
Ever been kayaking? If not, Whonnok Lake is the perfect place to try your hand at it! Open for competitive athletes or families looking for a fun activity on the water, enjoy paddling across the serene Whonnok Lake. At one end you’ll find beautiful lily pads and water lilies as far as the eye can see. If you’re lucky you may even happen upon a beaver dam!
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9. Maple Ridge Golf Course
FOUR! If there is a sunny day coming up in your weekly forecast consider driving down to the Maple Ridge Golf Course for a game. The course is high above the Fraser River with rolling green hills, inclines, and sand bars that will put your clubs to the test!
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10. Sky Helicopter Tours
Coined as ‘the Ultimrate BC Adventure’, this tour is not for the faint of heart or those who would prefer to keep their feet on the ground. If you do choose to take to the air you are in good hands with Sky Helicopter pilots, who are sure to deliver an experience of a lifetime. Choose between flights over the mountains, the country, or high above the Vancouver skyline. No matter which option you choose you won’t forget your time in the air. Pst! Make sure you bring your camera or smartphone to snap pictures!
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11. Raptors Ridge Birds of Prey Sanctuary
This is the kind of up-close and personal experience you are unlikely to forget. Come down to the bird sanctuary for an educational and awe-inspiring experience with these birds of prey. The best option? Opt for the ‘Hawk Walk Twist’, a one and a half-hour long in-depth journey with the birds. Take a tour of the facility and then learn all about handling, after which you will hold your bird as you go for a walk through the Native West Coast Rainforest. After the walk has ended, release the Raptor from your arm and watch him soar across the field!
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12. Planet Ice: Ice Rink & Curling
Open year-round, Planet Ice is the perfect place to strap on your skates and take to the ice. You’re welcome to bring your own skates if you have them, but you can rent a pair as well. This is fun for the whole family! This is a friendly venue perfect for first-time skaters or seasoned pros. Once you’re done on the ice take to the lobby where you can treat yourself to something warm, like a cup of coffee or hot cocoa.
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13. REVS Bowling Centre & Entertainment
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14. The Rockwall (Rockwall Climbing Gym)
Come with friends or family to tackle the great climbing walls! Or, if you prefer, come alone and explore a moment of self competition. This is a great chance for you to focus on the mind and body. Maybe you have an old record you want to beat. Or maybe you want to focus and be reminded of what your body can really do for you. Either way, The Rockwall is sure to bring you more than a little satisfaction and accomplishment when you’re done. Make sure you bring some water. You’re probably going to need it!
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15. The Maple Ridge Ale Trail
This is it. The Goldmine of Maple Ridge events. It combines the two things Maple Ridge is best known for: hiking trails and breweries. “Earn your beer” by choosing from four different hiking trails (all of different difficulty levels so there is something for everyone looking to participate). Once the hard work is done, make your way back into town to hit the four breweries that are itching to pour you a cold one!
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16. Trivia or Open Mic Night
Are you on the prowl for a chance to flex your vocal talents? Maybe you’re just in the mood for some *friendly* trivia competition. Well, you’re in luck. Maple Ridge is brimming with local pubs/restaurants that play host to evenings like these weekly. Check the schedules of the following locations on their websites to see what events interest you the most, and keep in mind, some popular events (like Harry Potter Trivia at Townhall) may require reservations in order to get yourself a table.
Townhall
Billy Miner Pub
Shooters Tap House
17. Golden Ears Cheesecrafters Dinner Classes
It’s time to change up your usual dining routine. Throw in a curve ball with Cheesecrafters special dinner classes, where you spend the first portion of your evening watching the Chef, who takes you through all the steps of preparing the delicious meal you get to tuck in to enjoy once the class is done. Questions are always welcome, and you’re sent home with the recipe so you can share the delicious meal with your friends and family. Classes are held every two weeks. Make sure you book well in advance, these popular evenings book up quickly!
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18. Chameleon Cafe Romantic Date Night
Looking for romance and a bit of sophistication? Look no further. The Chameleon is the place you need to add a bit of edge to your romantic life. Come a bit early and sit at the bar for a cocktail or two before sitting down in the lounge to enjoy your meal. With a lower and upper floor for dining, there is always something new to see. The servers are charming and professional and the menu options are all delicious. Note: price range is a bit higher but the seafood is well worth it!
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19. Walking or Biking the Maple Ridges Dykes
Maple Ridge has an incredible landscape. With sky high mountains, rivers, fields rich with wildlife, and towering trees, the dykes are the place to go to soak it all in. Come for a walk or bring your bike if you want to try to see all 20km of trail the dykes have to offer. Have a furry canine friend? Bring Fido with you! There are always plenty of dogs in the gated dog run area, where they can run and play and even go for a swim. You may also want to bring a pair of binoculars for bird watching- herons, eagles, and hawks are often spotted in this area.
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20. Bell-Irving Fish Hatchery
Bell Irving is open to the public to attend at their own leisure. There are also several events over the course of the year to make the visit a bit more special. Come out for open houses, tours, and fun days with the kids where you get to paint your own salmon and attach it to the fence to represent the great salmon swim! Explore the wilderness around the hatchery (make sure to bring appropriate footwear) and learn about the different species of fish, along with where they are sent for release once they are ready and their time at the hatchery is over. Fun for the whole family!
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21. Agri-Tourism – Circle Farm Tour
You’ll need a car for this one (or a friend willing to motor you and the family/friends around town for the day). Explore Maple Ridge from several local destinations on this tour that will make you feel like a kid again! Pop into local markets for fresh produce, hit nurseries for those colorful flowers to spice up your patio or deck, get lost in a corn maze and learn all about the world of bees. This is only the tip of the iceberg of the options this Circle Farm Tour provides. There is also a wine tasting stop or the chance to go horseback riding along a mountain trail. Rest assured, this is something the whole family, especially the kids, would enjoy!
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22. Port Haney Heritage Walk
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23. Festivals & Events
Maple Ridge is a thriving community with local events practically every month. Rolling into Spring 2020 there are several fun festivals you can hit: Earth Day, Family Fest, Cherry Blossom Festival, Rotary Wine Fest, and many more! These goodies are all coming up in April, so mark them down in your calendar if you wanted to stop in and check out what they’re all about. Summer brings out the big guns with Caribbean Day and Canada Day along with many more.
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24. Chances
Located downtown Maple Ridge, Chances is a great one stop shop for a night of good fun. Come with a wise amount to spend in all the games available: Bingo, slots, and horse racing. Maybe you’ll get lucky and leave with more than you came with! Choose to bring your winnings home and save ‘em, or treat yourself to that little something special sitting in your online shopping cart. Or, if you choose, sit down at The Well, Chances in house dining option to catch up with friends and make the night last even longer. Please play responsibly.
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There is never a dull moment in the community of Maple Ridge if one knows where to look to try something new. Hopefully this list left you inspired to strike out and wander a local market or book an experience you’ll remember forever, like a helicopter tour or an hour and a half in a bird sanctuary. Even if you’re a Maple Ridge local you might have learned about some hidden gems right here in your own town.