If repeatedly being plunged into afternoon darkness this winter is taking a toll on your spirits, there’s an antidote right down the street from our Aalto homes — Lights at Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park.
It’s the Lower Mainland’s largest free outdoor light display and — wow — is it pretty. More than 100,000 eye-popping lights are wrapped around the lake in a 1.2km loop, a perfect little exercise regiment to work off all those holiday meals. The switch gets flicked at 4:30pm and goes until 11pm from Nov 24 until January 20. (Hot tip: the lights stay on until 1am on New Years Eve, in case you’re ringing in 2019 close by.)
The display is organized into more than 10 zones that include something for everyone. Want that go-to Instagram shot? The dramatically illuminated entry gate or outdoor dining table with suspended chandelier is perfect for that. So is the lit 90-foot caterpillar or fantasy forest with elfin treehouse (check for Keebler elves while you’re there!).
Kids will love the brightly lit woodland creatures and giant-sized mushrooms, while the patriots among us will appreciate the beautifully glowing maple leaves. For more family fun, bring your pup! On-leash dogs are welcome at the event.
To experience even more wows, head to the Singing Tree — the large oak tree just north of the TD Plaza. The tree is outfitted with interactive lights that respond to sound and movement. Thanks to a the tree’s cool ‘AI’ system, you can make the lights brighter or change their colour by clapping, stomping or singing (on or off pitch, the tree is very forgiving).
Also make sure to check out the Coquitlam Parks and Recreation website for some of the speciality nights happening during the holidays. You wouldn’t want to miss Jingle Bells Night (Dec 21), right?
You can reach Lights at Lafarge by heading to the corner of Guildford Way and Pinetree Way, right next to the Evergreen Line’s Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain Station.