Delta is one of the few places where one can rent an ice rink by the hour, enjoy a free air show, play a round of disc golf and race an open wheel Formula car or an Italian go-kart. Cyclists, walkers, golfers and bird watchers are all kept busy too.
While its largely flat landscape invites easy walking and bicycling – Tour de Delta is one of Canada's premier cycling events – the gentle, undulating hills also give way to extensive golf, mountain biking and a myriad of nature trails. Some meander along the dykes; others weave through forested uplands to ancient Burns Bog filled with unusual flora and fauna.
Water Activities
Surrounded by the river and sea on three sides, water sports range from kayaking through marshy pathways and water-skiing the sloughs, to catching the breezes off Boundary Bay for windsurfing and paddle boarding.
The shallow waters are ideal for skim boarding too, and retreat so far out at low tide that the sands transform into places for flying kites and exploring tidal pools. Then there's Splashdown Waterpark – a sure winner with youngsters of all ages.
Bird Watching
The coastal waters also attract such an abundant bird population that key regions are under a collaborative US-Canada stewardship program to protect the area's ecology. As a major stopping point on the Pacific Flyway, including thousands of Wrangel Snow Geese every November, Boundary Bay and Westham Island's George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary are havens for bird watchers from all over the world.
Farms and Wineries
Agriculture is one of the region's economic mainstays. Family-run farms are scattered throughout the delta and many offer u-pick berry fields as well as intimate estate wineries. Some even host special events to celebrate the season, be it a summer solstice jamboree or a pumpkin-laden trick or treat festival for families.
Gardens
Gardens are best seen in the community parks although if in Tsawwassen, there is one anomalous treasure not to be missed. Located only minutes from Boundary Bay this volunteer-created alleyway garden, complete with wishing well and resting benches, is somewhat of a coveted secret. Asking a resident for directions is the only way to find this gem.
Shopping
Although Delta has no commercial city centre, shopping is plentiful. Most brand-stores are located in North Delta with a few well-known names in Tsawwassen. By design, Ladner Village has no big-box stores, opting to put traditional grocery and home-supply stores alongside specialty shops such as those selling hand-crafted truffles, and artisan furniture, as well as small galleries featuring the work of local talent.
The village also stages an impressive outdoor market in the summer.
First Nations Art
For First Nations art, however, stop by the Qway-Aathia's Grann's Native Art Gallery in Tsawwassen. This longhouse gallery presents many unique gift items from Coastal Salish, Northwest Coast, BC and Canadian Aboriginal artists.
Driving Routes
Explore various outdoor activities, bird and wildlife watching opportunities, farms, wineries, and art galleries on a driving route through Delta. Find out more about driving routes through the community here: Driving Routes.
For more information about what to see and do in Delta, drop by the Visitor Centre at 6201 – 60th Avenue.
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