Located within a half-hour drive of Vancouver, and edging the US/Canada border, Delta (pop. 102,655) packs a punch when it comes to pioneer history, natural assets of beaches, parks and farmlands, as well as port activity that sustains economic clout.
Comprising three very different communities: North Delta, Tsawwassen and Ladner, Delta's diverse attributes are now becoming great attractions. The gentle landscapes give way to seven golf courses; the many dykes provide easy walking, cycling and equestrian trails and water sports, from skim boarding to kayaking are popular pursuits.
North Delta
Lying next to the City of Surrey, North Delta's uplands have an urban, multi-cultural vibe with far-reaching vistas over the delta flatlands. It houses over half of the municipality's population and although more commercial in nature, it boasts forested parks, ravines and the world-acclaimed Burns Bog.
Tsawwassen
With its strong First Nations heritage – Tsawwassen means 'facing the sea' in Coast Salish, this seaside community runs alongside the US Border and gives the only land access to Point Roberts, an anomalous American enclave on the Delta peninsula. Dykes, beaches and the shallow waters of Boundary Bay are destinations for cyclists, walkers, windsurfers and migrating birds which attract ornithologists from all over the world.
Canada's First Self-Governing First Nations Community
Tsawwassen also includes Canada's first, fully-negotiated, self-governing First Nations community, a BC Ferry terminal that operates vessels to the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island and nearby Roberts Bank, one of the busiest import/export ports in North America.
Ladner
Located on the backwaters of the fast-flowing South Arm of the Fraser River, Ladner represents much of Delta's pioneer history. While heritage farms, homes and U-pick fields are scattered throughout the surrounding landscape, the Village itself still feels like a turn-of-the-century fishing community.
Historic Boutiques & Bird Sanctuary
Several historical buildings now house specialty shops, destination restaurants and an excellent museum; tug boats and small fishing craft still ply the channel and along the shores – best seen from a kayak, are several houseboats and floating B&Bs. The marshes and parks are hot destinations for birders, especially at the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary on Westham Island.
Community Spirit
Although Delta has no town centre, per se, there's a community spirit that threads its disparate neighbourhoods together. Festivals and special events are year round affairs, from Carol Ship Parades in December to Canada Day celebrations in July.
Special Events
Add to this signature events such as the Tour de Delta, now a part of the BC Cup Cycling Circuit, the Boundary Bay annual air show – it's free, and the Ladner Village Market and it's easy to see how the secrets of this Metro Vancouver jewel are creating a new style of experience.
For more information about what to see and do in Delta, drop by the Visitor Centre at 6201 – 60th Avenue, Delta, BC V4K 4E2.
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