Fort Langley is about 50 km southeast of Vancouver on the south bank of the Fraser River, just past Coquitlam, and across the river from Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge.
Fort Langley was the first European settlement in the Langley, part of the trading post network of the Hudson’s Bay Company. The first fort site was built in 1827, 48 km from the mouth of the Fraser. It was moved four km up the river to be closer to fertile farmland. Fort Langley was important for salmon processing, and processed up to two thousand 365 kg barrels each year. In the 1850s, Fort Langley became the jumping-off point for 30,00 miners heading to the Fraser gold fields. The Fort’s operations ceased in 1886, and deteriorated until 1923, when is was declared a historic site. In 1955, the fort became a national historic park.
Langley is the municipality that extends from the Fraser River down to the US border. Langley is the “Horse Capital of BC”, with both world class equestrian events and trail riding options.
Annual festivals, events
Bradner Flowre Show (Aldergrove, mide April), May Day Celebrations (May), Aldergrove Festival Days (mid June), JR Country (mid July), Fur Brigade Days (early Aug), Fort Langley Country Fair and Equestrian Grand Prix (mid Aug), Festival of the Performing Arts (Aug).
Langley Attractions
BC Farm Machinery and Agriculture Museum
9131 King Street, Langley
(604) 888-2272
This museum, located next to the Langley Centennial Museum, houses a fascinating collection of early farming equipment including steam tractors and stump pullers. The museum is open from April to October Tuesday to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. On Sundays you can visit the museum from 1 to 4:45 p.m. Admission to the museum is $4 for adults, $2 for seniors and students aged 12 to 18 and $1 for children aged six to 12. Kids under six get in free.
Blair Wave Pool
22200 Fraser Highway
(604) 530-WAVE
Wave pool is open every day, year-round. The wave machine makes you feel like you’re in the Pacific. There’s a volcano with flashing lights, a waterfall, a fitness centre and a sauna.
Fort Langley National Historic Park
23433 Mavis Street
(604) 888-4424
This is the birthplace of British Columbia. During a visit you’ll step inside the high walls to experience the sounds and sights of the Hudson’s Bay trading post during the 1850s. The site is open year-round from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Fort’s palisades and buildings have been restored and costumed staff demonstrate blacksmithing, barrel making and pioneer cooking. Admission for adults is $4 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $2 for children aged six to 16. Kids under six get in free
Greater Vancouver Zoo
5948-264th Street
City: Aldergrove, BC, V4W 1N7
604-856-6825, Fax: 604-857-9008
The Greater Vancouver Zoo is dedicated to conservation and protection of endangered species, and creating an educational environment that inspires understanding, appreciation and concern about our wildlife and wild places.
We are open 364 days a year, closing only for Christmas Day! Hours of operation are: Summer Season, (Apr. 1 – Sept. 30) 9:00am – 7:00pm Winter Season, (Oct. 1 – Mar. 31) 9:00am – 4:00pm
Langley Centennial Museum and National Exhibition
Centre Mavis and King Streets
(604) 888-3922
This museum features several fascinating displays about the First People, including their wood carvings, tools, stone sculptures and basketry. You’ll also learn how the early Asian and European pioneers adapted to their western Canadian land. Shop at the Noel Booth General Store. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. From September to May, the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. every day except Monday. Admission is by donation.
Paddlewheeler Cruises
Bedford House Restaurant, 9272 Glover Rd, Ft Langley
(604) 525-4465 (New Westminster)
Experience a river adventure on The Native, a 27 metre replica of a sternwheeler! You’ll leave from the New Westminster waterfront and take a ride back to the 19th century. The all-day trip offers an entertaining narration which explains the accomplishments and hardships encountered by Simon Fraser on his voyage to the mouth of the river. You’ll hear about the Natives who fished and hunted along the river, the wild days of the Gold Rush and the role of the Hudson’s Bay Company in the development of British Columbia. The tour will take you past Port Hammond, Barnston Island, Port Haney and you’ll dock at Fort Langley (with a two hour stopover), the birthplace of British Columbia. Pass by the riverside communities of Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Surrey, Port Hammond, and Haney. Cruises are offered at various time and fares vary, with one-way trips available
Langley Parks
Here are the more popular parks in Langley, from north to south (see other area parks):
Derby Reach Regional Park
On the Fraser River, near the original Fort Langley, this park includes Edgewater Bar, one the best fishing bars on the river, and has overnight camping facilities.
Fort Langley Marina Park
(Church Street & Fraser River)
This municipal park is located on the Fraser River in Fort Langley, at the foot of Church Street. There is boat launch ramp (which may not be usable during low water periods) and fishing bars with excellent fishing.
Fort Langley Park
(23055 St. Andrews & Nash, Fort Langley)
This park in Fort Langley has an outdoor pool, a band shelter with power, play equipment, senior soccer field, ball diamond, a treed group picnic area, and a concession stand.
Walnut Grove Community Park
(8937 Walnut Grove Drive & 89 Avenue)
This park has a spray park, group picnic area with picnic shelter, a playground, 6 tennis courts, 3 senior soccer fields, 2 lighted practice soccer fields, 3 ball diamonds, pathways, a treed area, and a concession stand.
Alex Hope Park
(212 Street & 85 Avenue in Walnut Grove)
This park, next to an elementary school, has 2 baseball fields, 2 senior soccer fields, and children’s play equipment.
Willoughby Community Park
(84 Avenue & 206 Street)
This park has 3 ball diamonds, 2 senior soccer fields, a playground, and a concession stand.
Williams Park
(66 Avenue & 238 Street)
This park is an impressive natural area along the Salmon River, with walking trails, covered and outdoor picnic facilities, an arboretum, grassy and treed passive areas, and a playground.
Municipal Athletic Park
(56 Avenue & 216 Street)
This park, adjacent to Langley Secondary School, has a 400 meter running track, field event area, washrooms, 3 senior soccer fields, 2 ball diamonds, and a group picnic area.
Brown Park
(240 Street & 51 Avenue)
This park is a major fitness centre for the area, with 2 ball diamonds, 2 senior grass soccer fields, several development soccer fields, a lighted soccer practice field, play equipment, a cricket pitch, and concession stand.
Noel Booth Park
(36 Avenue & 202 Street, Brookswood)
This Park has 3 senior soccer fields, several developmental soccer fields, 2 lighted practice soccer fields, 6 ball diamonds, group picnic area, tennis courts, playground fitness track, and a concession stand.
Kinsmen Heritage Park
(272 Street & 32 Avenue, Aldergrove)
This popular park features a heritage building, a public performance area, and recreational pathways.
Aldergrove Community Park
(32 Avenue and 271 Street in Aldergrove)
This park has adult ball field with lighting, outdoor pool, concession, 2 senior soccer fields, 4 baseball diamonds, children’s playground, 2 tennis courts, and water park. Parking is accessed off 32 Avenue.
Aldergrove Lake Park
West on Hwy 1, off at 264 Street Exit, follow Hwy 13 south, left on 8th Avenue (at Park directional signs), across Jackman Road, then shortly right into the park.
Open forest with varied wildflowers and a view to the International Boundary. Hiking trail offers a round trip of 4 km – allow 1.5 hours walking/hiking, also ideal for horseback riding.
South Aldergrove Community Park
(28 Avenue & 269 Street, Aldergrove)
This community park has 2 senior soccer fields, a ball diamond, picnic area, children’s playground, plus a Community Centre and Library.
Ponder Park Nature Reserve
(25199 76 Avenue)
The Park has some unspoiled natural areas and is used by Scouts and Guides for overnight camping and is managed by the Ponder Nature Reserve Committee.
Campbell Valley Regional Park
This 535 hectare, near the Canada/U.S.A. border, includes rolling hills and flat-bottomed valleys in a
glacier-formed landscape. While the area has been affected by gold mining, settlement, farming, and logging, this nature park is perfect for outdoors enthusiasts with hiking trails and camping facilities, horseback riding and equestrian cross-country jumping.
Municipal Nature Park
(232 Street & 4 Avenue, South Langley)
This Municipal Park has equestrian trails, several large treed natural areas and pedestrian trails.
Aldergrove Lake Regional Park
This 250 acre park on the Langley/Abbotsford border has trails for walking, hiking, and horseback riding. It even has swimming in small man-made lake.