The Coquitlam River is a whitewater run located in the South Coast region of British Columbia, rated at Class III with some Class IV- features. BC Whitewater describes it as a 'novelty' run characterized by a few boulder gardens, gravel bars, and flat water sections. The river comes into its best condition during and after heavy rain, when flows are elevated. At high or flood stage, the river frequently overtops its banks and runs through the trees, which significantly reduces the number of available eddies and makes swimming a serious concern.

The primary documented route runs from the Hatchery to Lions Park. The upper portion of this run begins with a couple of Class IV- drops that can be portaged, easing into Class III water for the remainder. The river forks in several places, and some channels contain secured wood structures and occasional fish traps. Paddlers should scout at every fork where a clean line is not immediately visible. Wood hazard is a consistent concern throughout the run and is specifically flagged by BC Whitewater as something to watch for. The run is short enough to be lapped multiple times in a day or completed as an after-work outing.

The lower section of the river, near Colony Farm Park, transitions to calmer water before joining the Fraser River, and has been paddled by those using packrafts or recreational craft on flatwater. Salmon carcasses are visible along the banks following the fall spawning season, and the Port Mann Bridge over the Fraser River is a notable landmark near the river's lower reaches.

Coquitlam Search and Rescue has emphasized that paddling on the Coquitlam River requires specialized equipment, experience, and swift water training. Beginners should not attempt the river. Recreational flatwater kayaks, such as entry-level sit-in models, are not appropriate for the swift water conditions found on this river. Given the hazards present — particularly the reduced eddy count at high flows, wood structures, and fish traps at channel forks — paddlers should have solid whitewater skills and appropriate gear before running this river.