Mainland is a growing, vibrant and diverse community and is part of what is called the Tri-Cities which includes Port Coquitlam and Port Moody. Coquitlam's area of 152.5 square kilometres (58.9 square miles) is situated around 10 to 15 km (6.2 to 9.3 miles) east of the City of Vancouver. It’s boundaries include the municipalities of New Westminster, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Burnaby and Anmore. It is on the north side of the Fraser River.

This area was once a forested and later agricultural area developed with the advent of the building of North Road from New Westminster to Port Moody. The sawmill Fraser Mills was built and Coquitlam was built to house the sawmill workers. Fraser Mills was one of the largest wood mills on the Fraser River and between 1909 and 1910 large forestry workers came from Quebec.

The City of Coquitlam has more than 80 public parks and natural areas with more than 2,200 acres. The parks have picnic areas and playgrounds, outdoor pools, spray parks, skateboard parks and sports fields.

Much of the economy of the City of Coquitlam includes retail businesses, accommodation, entertainment and food services. Coquitlam has been designated a Cultural Capital of Canada and presents a deep heritage and history from the First Nations and French Canadian cultures. It has become a favourite place for events and festivals each year such as the Coquitlam Celebrates Canada Day, BC Highland Games, Scottish Festival, Treefest and Festival du Bois.