Rocky Point Park occupies a peninsular section of Port Moody’s waterfront at the eastern end of Burrard Inlet, and it serves as the city’s primary outdoor gathering place in a way that few urban parks manage. The park sits where the narrow inlet opens slightly, giving views westward toward Burnaby Mountain and the forested slopes above Port Moody’s residential streets. The combination of accessible waterfront, a pier extending into the inlet, family amenities, and immediate access to the Shoreline Trail makes Rocky Point a destination rather than just a neighbourhood park.

The park is free to enter and open year-round. Summer brings its busiest crowds, particularly families with children drawn to the water park and playground. The rest of the year Rocky Point draws a steadier flow of trail users, dog walkers, paddlers launching from the boat ramp, and people who come specifically for the inlet views and the particular quality of light that the water reflects back toward the mountains. Port Moody invested in significant park improvements over the years, and the results are visible in the quality of the waterfront promenade, the covered pavilion, and the maintained pier.

The Pier and Waterfront

The Rocky Point pier extends into Burrard Inlet from the park’s waterfront promenade and is one of the better vantage points in Metro Vancouver for looking back at the mountains. From the end of the pier on a clear day, the view westward takes in the forested slopes of Burnaby Mountain, the industrial waterfront of the inlet’s south shore, and on clear days the more distant peaks of the North Shore mountains. The view eastward up the inlet shows the narrowing of the water toward Port Moody’s inner harbour and the residential streets rising steeply above.

The pier sees a lot of casual use: people walking out to photograph the view, fishing from the rail, or simply standing at the end to take in the inlet. Fishing from the pier is a regular activity, particularly in the early morning and evening. The species present in the inlet vary by season; local knowledge matters more than general advice about what to target and when.

The waterfront promenade connecting the pier to the park’s main areas is wide, paved, and suitable for walking and cycling. It forms part of the Shoreline Trail and connects directly eastward toward Old Orchard Park. On busy summer mornings the promenade is genuinely lively, with cyclists, strollers, roller skaters, and pedestrians sharing the space in a way that tends to work well given the width of the path.

Water Park, Playground, and Family Amenities

The water park at Rocky Point is the main draw for families with young children during the summer months. It operates seasonally, typically from late June through the end of August, and uses spray features rather than a traditional pool. The setup means no lifeguard requirement and free access, which makes it one of the more genuinely accessible summer amenities in the eastern Lower Mainland. On hot July and August days the water park fills up, and the park takes on a distinctly family-oriented character that shifts the energy from its quieter autumn and spring moods.

The playground adjacent to the water park is well-maintained and suits a range of ages. The equipment includes climbing structures, slides, and a swing area. The combination of water park and playground in the same space, with the inlet visible from both, makes Rocky Point the kind of park where families tend to stay for several hours rather than a quick visit.

Washroom facilities, picnic tables, and a covered pavilion area are available at Rocky Point, making it suitable for group gatherings. The pavilion can be reserved for private events. There is a concession that operates seasonally, providing coffee, ice cream, and snacks for the summer crowd. The overall infrastructure of the park reflects Port Moody’s investment in it as a genuine community anchor.

Shoreline Trail Access and Walking Routes

Rocky Point Park is the central node of the Shoreline Trail, a 10-kilometre route that runs along Burrard Inlet from Old Orchard Park in the west to Barnet Marine Park in the east. From Rocky Point you can walk or cycle in either direction and encounter very different terrain: the westward route toward Old Orchard runs along the waterfront and through mixed forest, while the eastward section toward Barnet Marine Park passes through more forested and elevated terrain before descending to the Barnet beach.

The trail segment from Rocky Point westward toward Old Orchard is the most popular section with casual users, being largely flat, paved for much of its length, and running close to the water. The section eastward toward Barnet involves more climbing and passes through second-growth forest that feels genuinely remote given its location inside Metro Vancouver. Great blue herons are commonly seen along the waterfront sections, and bald eagles are regular overhead. Seals occasionally surface in the inlet, particularly near the pier.

For visitors using transit, Rocky Point is approximately 1.5 kilometres from Inlet Centre SkyTrain station. The walk from the station follows a route through the Murray Street area and takes about 20 minutes at a comfortable pace. Cyclists coming from Burnaby can connect to the Shoreline Trail via the Burnaby Mountain trails system, making Rocky Point a logical endpoint or midpoint for longer rides.

Seasonal Events and Outdoor Programming

Rocky Point Park hosts a series of seasonal events that reflect Port Moody’s strong community programming. Summer outdoor movie nights at the park are a recurring feature, drawing families and couples to the waterfront lawn for screenings after dark. The events are typically free and well-attended, combining the movie with the ambient experience of being at the inlet edge at night.

Canada Day celebrations in Port Moody centre on Rocky Point Park, with fireworks launched over the inlet that are visible from the park, from the pier, and from various elevated positions in the surrounding neighbourhood. The fireworks reflect off the water in a way that enhances the display, and the park draws large crowds for the occasion. Arriving well before dark to secure a good viewing spot on the lawn or near the pier is advisable.

The park also functions as a staging point for paddling and water-based activities. The boat launch on the park’s eastern edge is used by kayakers, paddleboarders, and small craft who access the inner harbour and the broader inlet from here. Morning paddling before the wind picks up is a popular activity, and the calm water of the early inlet hours is particularly good for wildlife sightings along the shoreline.

Practical Information for Rocky Point Park

Rocky Point Park is free to enter and the main lot off Murray Street provides free parking. The lot fills quickly on summer weekend mornings and hot weekday afternoons. Arriving before 10am on summer weekends ensures parking without difficulty. The lot does not have a time limit, making it suitable for full-day visits.

The park is accessible by SkyTrain to Inlet Centre station, followed by a 1.5-kilometre walk through the Murray Street area. The walk is mostly flat and pleasant. Local bus service on Murray Street provides additional options for those coming from within Port Moody or neighbouring Coquitlam.

Dogs are welcome in Rocky Point Park but must be on leash in designated areas. There are off-leash zones in nearby sections of the Shoreline Trail. The park has several waste stations for dog owners. Swimming in the inlet from the park is not recommended due to the industrial history of the Burrard Inlet waterfront in this area.

Tips for Visiting Rocky Point Park

Come early on summer weekend mornings to claim a good spot near the waterfront before the crowds arrive. The light on the inlet in the morning hours is also noticeably better for photographs than the harsher midday sun.

If you are visiting with children, the water park operates from late June to late August. Check the City of Port Moody website for the exact seasonal schedule each year, as opening and closing dates vary slightly.

Combine a Rocky Point visit with the Brewers Row on Murray Street, which begins just a few minutes’ walk west of the park. The natural rhythm is a morning at the park followed by an afternoon at the tasting rooms.

Bring layers. The inlet creates its own microclimate and mornings near the water can be noticeably cooler than inland neighbourhoods even in summer. Wind picks up in the afternoons along the waterfront.

Questions Often Asked

Is there a fee to use Rocky Point Park?

No. Rocky Point Park is free to enter and use. Parking in the main lot is also free. The water park and playground operate at no charge. The only paid facility in the immediate area is the concession stand that operates seasonally.

When is the Rocky Point water park open?

The water park typically operates from late June through the end of August. Exact dates vary by year. The City of Port Moody publishes the seasonal schedule on its parks and recreation pages. On hot days it can be very busy by mid-morning.

Can you kayak or paddleboard from Rocky Point Park?

Yes. There is a boat launch at Rocky Point that is used by kayakers, paddleboarders, and small watercraft. The inner harbour and eastern end of Burrard Inlet accessible from here offer good paddling conditions in calm weather, particularly in the early morning before afternoon winds develop.

How far is Rocky Point Park from the SkyTrain?

Inlet Centre station on the Millennium Line is approximately 1.5 kilometres from Rocky Point Park. The walk takes about 20 minutes at a relaxed pace, passing through the Murray Street Brewers Row area. Moody Centre station is slightly further to the east but offers an alternative if you are coming from that direction.