The trail traverses a varied landscape that includes forest and creek, meadow and marsh, riverfront and urban development:

• Downtown: This paved section winds through areas where local residents live, play and work. It’s well used by recreational users as well as bicycle commuters.
• Colony Farm: Walk or cycle through serene and historic Colony Farm, which features more than 150 bird species and is one of the most biodiverse parts of the region. See above – this section is currently closed.
• South Pitt River: The trail winds past the Citadel Landing boardwalk, Peace Park and river-based industry, while offering views of the river and Douglas Island.
• Deboville Slough and north Pitt River: Featuring splendid views of farmland and the mountains.
• Coquitlam River and Hyde Creek: Enjoy the cool shade from the tall trees along the Coquitlam River and Hyde Creek sections – particularly refreshing on a hot day.

The PoCo Trail was born in 1967 as an idea for a Centennial project for the City of Port Coquitlam, to celebrate Canada’s 100th birthday. It began to physically take shape in the early 1970s, through the hard work of a dedicated group named the PoCo Trail Blazers. Over the years, the PoCo Trail became part of the fabric of life in Port Coquitlam.

In 1997, City Council adopted a plan to upgrade the PoCo Trail and make it truly a source of community pride. A number of improvements and trail connections were made in the years that followed, resulting in a 25-kilometre loop trail that is now a key year-round attraction in the community.   

In 2001, the trail was renamed the Traboulay PoCo Trailin honour of the late Mayor Len Traboulay.

More recent improvements have included the development of the Pitt River Intertidal Habitat along the trail north of Lougheed Highway between 2010 and 2012. Located inside the dike, the 23-acre habitat is now a home for fish, birds and other wildlife.