Relocating to Port Moody, BC usually comes down to two questions: how will I get around, and how do I find a place to live before I arrive? Port Moody has two SkyTrain stations plus a commuter rail stop, and the easiest rental searches I see start 4-6 weeks before the move.
I'm Devin Desaulniers, a Real Estate Associate with Axford Real Estate here in Port Moody. I've lived in Greater Vancouver for 28 years and have been licensed since 2020. This is the first post in a series of practical tips for newcomers moving to the Tri-Cities, BC (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody). If you want the bigger picture of the region first, start with my guide to relocating to Greater Vancouver.
Getting around: SkyTrain and the West Coast Express
For a lot of newcomers, transit is the deciding factor. According to TransLink, the Millennium Line runs from East Vancouver through Burnaby and into Port Moody and Coquitlam, with two stations in Port Moody: Moody Centre (between Moody and Williams streets) and Inlet Centre (at Ioco Road and Barnet Highway). TransLink lists Millennium Line trains every 3-4 minutes at peak hours and about every 6 minutes midday.
Port Moody also has a commuter rail option. TransLink's West Coast Express runs between Mission and Downtown Vancouver on weekdays only, westbound in the morning and eastbound in the afternoon and evening. On the current schedule, the first morning train leaves Moody Centre at 6:15 a.m. and arrives at Waterfront at 6:40 a.m., about 25 minutes. Evening trains leave Waterfront between 3:50 p.m. and 6:20 p.m. TransLink says there is no West Coast Express service on weekends or statutory holidays, so plan on SkyTrain for those days.
My tip: if you'll commute downtown, look at homes within walking distance of Moody Centre or Inlet Centre first. Then do a test trip at the time you'd really be travelling before you commit to a lease.
Life on the water: Rocky Point Park and the Shoreline Trail
Port Moody sits at the end of Burrard Inlet, and the waterfront is a big part of daily life here. The City of Port Moody describes Rocky Point Park (2800 Murray Street) as a place to walk the pier, use the playground, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or start a walk on the Shoreline Trail.
The City says the Shoreline Trail takes about two hours to walk round trip (about six kilometres), with minimal elevation. It has a paved multi-use path for walking and cycling and a gravel path for walkers that includes a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, which was completed in September 2025. Bikes and scooters aren't allowed on the gravel trail. If you have kids, a dog or a stroller, it's an easy way to get to know your new neighbourhood.
How Port Moody fits with the rest of the Tri-Cities, BC
Port Moody is the smallest of the three cities, and many newcomers end up comparing it with nearby Coquitlam. The Millennium Line continues from Inlet Centre to Coquitlam Central, Lincoln and Lafarge Lake–Douglas, so you can easily live in one city and work, shop or go to school in another. For a side-by-side view, see my Port Moody area page and my Coquitlam guide.
Planning a rental search from out of town
Most of the newcomers I work with rent first and buy later, once they know which neighbourhood suits them. Here's how I'd plan it:
- Start 4-6 weeks before your move. That's usually enough time to see what's available without having to sign for a place long before you arrive.
- Pick your must-haves. Walking distance to a station, number of bedrooms, pets and parking will narrow your search quickly.
- Get your documents ready. I suggest having ID, proof of income or an employment letter, and references ready to send.
- Don't send money for a place you haven't seen. Have someone you trust view it in person, or do a live video tour.
If you'd rather have help, I offer a relocation rental service. It's $1,500 + GST, paid by the tenant: $750 at the start (non-refundable) and $750 once a rental is secured. Details are on my tenants page. If you're planning to buy instead, my newcomer buyers page covers the basics.
FAQ
Is there a train from Port Moody to downtown Vancouver?
Yes. TransLink lists the Millennium Line at Moody Centre and Inlet Centre, and the weekday West Coast Express at Moody Centre, with trains to Waterfront Station in the morning.
When should I start looking for a rental in Port Moody?
I suggest reaching out 4-6 weeks before your move date. That's when you can line up viewings for homes that will actually be available when you arrive.
Moving to Port Moody or anywhere in the Tri-Cities, BC? Call or text me at 604-809-1032 and I'll help you plan it.