An Evening at Minnekhada
The other day I packed up my camera, tossed on my hiking shoes, and made my way to Minnekhada Regional Park. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s a bit of a hidden gem tucked away in Coquitlam—just far enough from the city buzz that you can hear your own thoughts (and maybe a few frogs croaking). The park is a mix of forested trails, marshy wetlands, and mountain views that feel almost too perfect to be real. It’s also ecologically significant—home to black bears, herons, beavers, and a whole bunch of other wildlife that makes it feel like you’re stepping into their world, not the other way around.
I showed up late in the day, hoping to catch that magical sliver of time when the sun hits just right—what photographers like to romanticize as “golden hour,” though it rarely lasts an hour. I didn’t come with a huge plan, just a feeling and a camera. That’s the thing about places like Minnekhada: they let you wander, and in the wandering, the good shots find you.
I started off on one of the shorter trails, letting the path wind me through pockets of dense forest and open meadows. Every turn felt like a potential frame. When I got to the ponds, that’s when the light started playing nice—reflections on still water, soft shadows slicing through the trees, and those dreamy layers of bright and dark that make a photo feel alive. I got low, climbed on logs, crouched in the mud. Anything for the angle.
And then the mountains in the distance started to glow. It’s hard to describe that kind of light—it’s not just what it does to the landscape, but what it does to you. Everything felt still for a second. I think that’s the high I chase as a photographer: not just the image, but the moment behind it.
I only scratched the surface of what Minnekhada has to offer. There are longer trails I didn’t get to, some that apparently lead to viewpoints where you can see out over the entire Lower Mainland. Next time, I’m bringing more water and more time. Maybe a tripod too, if I’m feeling serious.
Anyway, that’s a little glimpse into my evening out there. It wasn’t a big hike or some epic adventure, but sometimes the best photo sessions are the quiet ones where you just let the light guide you. I’ll definitely be heading back with more time and maybe a thermos of tea. If you’ve never been to Minnekhada, put it on your list. And if you’re a fellow photographer, bring your camera—you won’t regret it.