Lafarge Lake was created as part of the extraction process for a former quarry operated by the Lafarge cement company.
The lake reaches a maximum depth of approximately 10 meters, though depths vary based on seasonal rainfall.
The popular 'Lights at Lafarge' winter festival is recognized as the largest free outdoor light display in the Lower Mainland.
The loop trail is fully accessible and designed for year-round pedestrian use, regardless of weather conditions.
The lake is integrated into a larger urban park system that covers over 40 hectares of contiguous green space.
Lafarge Lake is an artificial 12-hectare freshwater lake located within Town Centre Park in Coquitlam. The lake serves as a central hub for the city's outdoor recreation, featuring a 1.2-kilometer paved loop trail that encircles the entire shoreline. The park surroundings provide diverse amenities, including beach volleyball courts, a playground, and expansive lawn areas. The lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC to support recreational fishing. It functions as a stormwater detention basin for the surrounding urban landscape, regulating water flow into the local watershed. During the winter months, the path is transformed into a significant holiday light display featuring hundreds of thousands of LED lights. The water levels are managed by the City of Coquitlam to ensure stability throughout the seasonal changes. The area provides essential habitat for local wildlife, including various species of waterfowl and migratory birds.
The wooden bridge on the south side of the lake, offering a panoramic view of the water with the park’s foliage in the background.
Bring polarized sunglasses to reduce glare on the water's surface, which improves visibility for spotting fish and waterfowl.
Utilize the designated fishing docks rather than the shoreline banks to prevent damage to the riparian vegetation.
Visit during the early morning hours on weekdays to experience the trail with minimal foot traffic.
Do not attempt to swim in the lake, as it is primarily a stormwater management facility and not designated for recreational swimming.
Leash dogs at all times, carry out all waste, and maintain distance from nesting waterfowl.
