Surrey is home to a small number of quality museums that showcase its urban and agricultural history, vintage transportation, arts scene, and nature. British Columbia's second-largest city has a rich heritage.
Surrey Museum
Located in the historic town centre of Cloverdale, the Surrey Museum (17710-56A Ave) was the first new museum built in British Columbia in the new millennium. The brick-and-glass, 2,230sq m/24,000sq ft museum features a variety of rotating exhibits and interactive displays. Look for the Honey Hooser weaving collections, check out native baskets and artifacts, and peer into the Anderson pioneer cabin outside. The on-site Surrey Archives offer unique historic photos and newspaper clippings to browse through. The museum also hosts lectures, walking tours, and summer day camps for kids. The Surrey Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, and fees vary for adults, seniors, and children.
Historic Stewart Farm
Facing the Nicomekl River and nestled amid apple trees, the bucolic Historic Stewart Farm (13723 Crescent Rd) is as popular among picnicking families and wedding parties as it is among museum-goers. The beautifully restored farmhouse was built in 1894 by Scottish farmer John Stewart, and was purchased by the city of Surrey in 1984. Take a look at the Stewart family Bible and vintage china, learn about how the family's cook and fieldhands lived, and chat with costumed interpreters. Historic Stewart Farm is open Tuesday through Sunday.
Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Society
Dedicated to preserving the history of interurban rail travel in this region, the Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Society has built a replica of the old Sullivan Station compound (152 St & 64 Ave) that will delight railway buffs. The adjacent Sullivan car barn houses two restored BC Electric Railway cars: 1225 and 1304. From 1913 to 1958, 1225 served interurban routes across Metro Vancouver, while 1304, the last wooden interurban train car built in North America, once served as a private car for the Governor-General of Canada.
The BC Electric Railway in the Fraser Valley will mark their 100th anniversary in 2010, by getting the cars back in service in between heritage tourism destinations, and restoring a grand tradition.
Surrey Arts Centre
View rotating exhibits of contemporary art by local and international artists at the Surrey Art Gallery (13750-88 Ave), including everything from ceramics and photography to Inuit sculpture and Ukrainian Easter eggs. It's part of the larger Surrey Arts Centre complex, which hosts the annual Surrey Children's Festival (May) with training in visual arts, circus, and music.
Surrey Nature Centre
Situated in the Green Timbers urban forest, the Surrey Nature Centre (14275-96 Ave) offers public programs and school programs that educate on wildlife, insects, and reforestation in British Columbia. Day camps, nature walks, and more are offered. It's ideal for those who love to explore parks. Contact the Nature Centre directly to learn more about its programs.