76 » OpenRoad Driver
B E ST P L AC E F O R LU N C H
B E ST P L AC E TO H I K E
BEST SCENIC DRIVE
If you’re up for a hike you’ll want to head
straight to the vast region known as Belcarra
Regional Park, which includes Sasamat
Lake and Buntzen Lake. There are nine
trails in the park, ranging from an easy halfhour walk to a more challenging 2.5-hour
hike. If you’ve got young kids in tow, head to
the Woodhaven Swamp Loop Trail, which
circles an eerie, drowned forest. There are
hikes along the muddy flats of Bedwell Bay,
in the forests along Buntzen Ridge and to
beaches with views of Indian Arm and the
North Shore Mountains. Pick up a picnic
lunch at Anmore Grocery, near Buntzen
Lake, and a map of Belcarra Park at one
of the information stands. Whichever hike
you choose, look out for wildlife, bear and
cougar sightings in particular.
The curvaceous Ioco Road is home to
some of Port Moody’s most luxurious
homes, many of them nestled into the
sloping hillside and prefaced by rolling
lawns, manicured flowerbeds and for those
perched overlooking the ocean, private
docks. Between the acreages are forested
sections lush with wildflowers and towering
trees. I n the mood for some house envy?
Take a slow drive along Bedwell Bay Road,
with its many luxurious mansions and their
spellbinding ocean views. It’s hard to resist
imagining a different life in this pictureperfect location.
Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Information
(604) 520-6442
There are two venues that tie for best lunch
destination in our opinion. If you’re in the
mood for a traditional meal, head to The
Boathouse Restaurant at Rocky Point
Park. Port Moody’s best-known park, it
boasts a long trail that wends its way around
Burrard Inlet, great for walking off a good
meal. The menu and atmosphere at The
Boathouse are predictable, but it’s the view
that makes this restaurant extra special.
Ask for a window seat and prepare to be
enchanted by the sheer beauty of herons
fishing in the tidal flats, Canada Geese
waddling along the beach and the occasional
bald eagle looking for lunch on the water.
The Boathouse Restaurant
2770 Esplanade Avenue, Port Moody, BC
(604) 931-5300, boathouserestaurants.ca
For a less traditional meal, Chomp
Vegan Eatery is the place to go. It’s an
edgy restaurant with the atmosphere of an
independent coffee shop and food that is
simply fantastic. Enter with an open mind
and prepare for a scrumptious introduction
to vegan food that’s all about comfort fare.
We loved the Chomp Sliders, vegan burgers
served with sweet potato buns, while the
Dinosaur Roll, a nori wrap with vegetables
and a mango jalapeno dipping sauce, made
a strong impression. You can’t go wrong on
this menu. The dishes are innovative yet
sweetly familiar, vegan and healthy without
the feeling of compromise. Chase it down
with a smoothie and don’t worry about the
kids: they will relish the grilled cheese, fries
and gravy, mac ‘n cheese and quesadilla.
While this restaurant has no ocean views,
the art on its walls by local photographers
such as Marshall Chupa, is captivating.
Chomp Vegan Eatery
#7 – 201 Morrissey Road, Port Moody, BC
(604) 917-0201, chompveganeatery.com