Art Knapps Funland: Port Coquitlam

Perfect entertainment for kids of all ages. Rides, entertainment, photo-ops, and many free activities for kids including a new Jungle Gym, all undercover.

Thoughts:
This was a perfect spot to go especially when it is wet out, as the majority of the fun is all covered.  There is a few rides and other fun things to do for the kids at a very reasonable price.  Each ride/attraction was 2 or 3 tickets and tickets are $1 each, but there are plenty of coupons to be found.  The rides are mainly for kids 12 and under but older ones may enjoy the haunted train ride or the mini golf.  The haunted tunnel on the train was not recommended for very young children though.

The tickets were reasonably priced and a parent got to go on the ride with smaller children for free too which saved on tickets.

Seasonal Hours:
Opening September Friday 13th to November Sunday 3rd 2013
9am - 30 min before close

Cost:
Free to get in and $1 per ticket.  Most rides and attractions are 2/3 tickets.

Address:
1300 Dominion Ave
Port Coquitlam, BC

Phone:
604-942-7518

Website:
http://www.artknapps.ca/#!funland/c1q04

Last Updated:
8/26/2013

Bridal Falls: Rosedale

Bridal Falls can be found at the foot of Mount Cheam, the furthest northerly peak of the North Cascades mountain range and in the heart of the Fraser Valley. The surrounding area is home to the dinosaur theme park Dinotown, the Trans Canada Water Slides, world renowned Minter Gardens and is just minutes away from Harrison Hot Springs.

Activities:
Not a lot to do here outside of a couple of premier attractions as it is quite a small area of Rosedale.
1.5/5

Events:
Not a lot of things go on here, again probably due to its size.
1.0/5

View:
Amazing views of the waterfall, mountains, valley and coastal rainforest. Not a lot of animals in the area, but you may get lucky and find a bear or dear.
2.5/5

Accommodations:
Not a lot outside of the campground to choose from.
2.0/5

Dinning & Shopping:
Again, not a lot here, a gas station and antiques store.
2.0/5

Visit-ability:
Good place to stop on your way through and spend a few hours out of your day. The attractions though do lend themselves to fun on returning visits.
2.5/5

Total Rating: 11.5/30

Thoughts:
With Bridal Veil Falls and the Trans Canada Water Slides, this is definitely a place to stop at least on your way through. Some things for kids of all ages and adults alike. I am not sure if I would spend more than a day here but it is sure beautiful.

Website: http://www.bridalfalls.ca
1

Cultus Lake

Cultus Lake is a piece of Paradise, surrounded by exquisite beaches and breathtaking mountain views.

Activities:
Although you are limited to water sports and golf, people always love to visit a nice beach that has other activities nearby. A variety of golf courses from a full length course to mini golf and even an 18 hole putting course gives golfers of all ages a challenge.
3.5/5

Events:
Not a lot of public or community events takes place here. A yearly wake board competition at he lake and triathlon are a couple of the larger but there is not a lot of events taking place here.
1.5/5

View:
Nestled in the Columbia Valley you will find great views of the mountains and forest. As well, like the name says, there is a beautiful lake right at your fingertips. Although a little ways out of the city, the large amount of tourists and residence keep mos tof the wildlife at bay.
3.5/5

Accommodations:
Plenty of camping here, either in tent, RV or cabin. Unfortunately there is not a big selections of hotels.
2/5

Dinning & Shopping:
Again, due to the size of the place you are very limited with your dining and shopping selection. It is a very touristy place and therefore you will not find much shopping other than some local gift stores.
2/5

Visit-ability:
This is a great place to spend a few days, especially if you want to spend some time enjoying some of the attractions and views that Cultus Lake has to offer.
4/5

Total Rating: 16.5/30

Thoughts:
I like it here, although I am biased towards nice summer locations with a lake and beach. The roads can be quite busy during peak seasons as you are limited to only 1 way in and out.

Website: http://www.cultuslake.bc.ca

1

Laity Pumpkin Patch: Maple Ridge

The Laity Pumpkin Patch has been a family run agri-tourism business for over 20 years.  Every October they have vistors from all over the Lower Mainland come to their patch to find the "perfect pumpkin."  The 18 acre farm is ideally located in central Maple Ridge and is within an hour's drive from anywhere in the Lower Mainland.

Thoughts:
The Laity Pumpkin Patch is a great place to bring the kids to get your Halloween pumpkins.  There is plenty of things to do to keep you entertained for a couple of hours with an animal farm, corn maze, wagon rides and fantasy trails. The pumpkins are priced well and it is relatively cheap to get in.  One place that is a must visit for people with small children when it opens at the end of September.

It was quite busy on the weekend but because of all the room on the farm it was far from being packed.

There is also discounts for school groups and family rates.

Pros:
Cheap, family fun. Lots to do and see for the kids and a great place to get some fall photos.

Cons:
Although there is lots of parking, getting in and out of the farm is sometimes a hassle as the driveway is located on busy Golden Ears Way.

Last Updated: October 16, 2013

Seasonal Hours:
Monday to Friday 1:30pm to 5:00pm
Saturday/Sunday/Holidays 9:30am to 5:00pm

Cost:
Admission: $5 per person (3 yrs and older)
Pumpkins - $2 and up (based on size)
* Do not accept credit or debit

Address:
Laity Pumpkin Patch
21145 128th Avenue
Maple Ridge, BC
V4R 2R9

Phone:
(604) 467-4302

Website:
http://www.laitypumpkinpatch.com

The Falls Golf Club: Chilliwack

The Falls Golf Club is situated in beautiful Chilliwack with breathtaking views that overlooks the Fraser Valley from an impressive 750 foot elevation. Natural surroundings, towering cedars and cascading waterfalls complement your mountain side golfing experience.

View from the top of Hole 11

Grounds Maintained:
The greens had just been punched when we played here so there was rarely a putt that the ball did not bounce.  The fairways were in decent shape except for a few areas that were dry, hard ground.
2/5

Staff Friendliness:
The staff in the office and the snack hut girls were very friendly and helpful.  There was a person at the 1st tee off that helped us out by letting us know that the distance between the whites and blues increases throughout the course.  As well he had warned us of a bear on 3 that we did not come across.
5/5

Amenities:
The office area was a little small and did not offer a large pro shop for equipment and apparel, there is a restaurant and a snack shack that you pass twice during your round. There was no beer cart or driving but a large pitching/practice green.
3/5

Facility Cleanliness:
The main office area was in ok shape, an older building that did not have much appeal to it.  The snack shack looked nicer but the bathrooms were small and cramped.
2.5/5

Cost:
Currently the price is $45/round with a cart, but normally when the course is in better shape it will be up around $90.  Generally there are coupons and stay and play specials for this course that can be found online.
2/5

Total: 14.5/25

Course Type:
Parkland | Public | 18

Par: 71

Thoughts:
A very tough course to play, even if you manage to always keep your ball in play the greens offer a greater challenge with a constant downhill slope on almost every one.  Although quite a drive out of the city this was a fun course to play with friends and offers some great views of the valley. Finding a good deal on green fees will make this course a must try by any average golfer, I would not recommend it for beginners though. If driving out make sure to check the map before leaving as the signage is extremely poor.

Website: http://www.thefalls.com

Phone: 604-745-4653

Address: 
8341 Nixon Rd.
Chilliwack, British Columbia
V4Z 1L3