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There is much to experience in Langley. Take a tour of one of the outstanding wineries in the region. Purchase farm-fresh produce at local markets. Walk, hike and bike along riverfront trails. Explore the many notable museums and historic sites in the area. Experience BC circa 1827-1886 at Fort Langley National Historic Site, originally built by the Hudson Bay Company. Make sure to visit the delightful village of Fort Langley, with its abundance of galleries, artist studios and antique shops. Don’t miss the world-class equestrian shows at Thunderbird Show Park, which attract top riders from across North America. Plan for a golf game as well - thanks to a mild climate, the sport is played year round.
Langley offers a multitude of wonderful areas in which to walk, hike, bike and horseback ride. Derby Reach Regional Park has over 15 km (10 mi) of trails through fields once farmed by pioneers. Walkers, runners and mountain bikers can be found along the Fort-to-Fort Trail, which links Derby Reach -the original site of the Hudson Bay Fort- with the Fort Langley National Historic Site. Walkers can amble through 20 km (12 mi) of trails through awe-inspiring coastal forest and wetlands at Campbell Valley Regional Park. Those who prefer groomed greens can choose from many in the area. They include Belmont Golf Course, designed by Les Furber; The Redwoods Golf Course, designed by Ted Locke; and the championship course at Newlands Golf & Country Club.
The Langley area is rich in history. The village of Fort Langley is particularly appealing to history buffs, thanks to its fascinating assortment of museums, historic sites, antique shops and art galleries. The long and varied list includes: Langley Centennial Museum, with exhibits centered on the Sto:lo First Nation as well as pioneer Asian and European families; CN Station, built in 1915 and home to a small but intriguing museum, an original 1920s Caboose and a working model railroad; BC Farm Machinery & Agricultural Museum, which focuses on BC’s farm history and houses a workable 1890s sawmill and blacksmith shop; plus Birthplace of BC Gallery, a heritage home that showcases original paintings by BC artists. No visit to Langley is complete without a visit to the Fort Langley National Historic Site. Originally built in 1827 as part of the Hudson Bay Company’s fur-trading network, Fort Langley shot to fame in 1858, when it became the supply centre for thousands of miners heading to the Fraser River gold fields. Visitors can experience BC circa 1827-1886 at this historic venue. In addition to exploring the site, visitors can pan for gold, talk to costumed interpreters and try on period clothing. The Canadian Museum of Flight, housed in a hanger at Langley Airport, is home to a unique collection of historic aircraft and artifacts. Exhibits include over 25 aircraft hanging from a WWII Handley Page Hampden (the only one on display in the world) to a T-33 Silverstar. The museum’s Millennium Kids Room teaches children how an aircraft flies and what makes an engine work.
The Langley area is home to five notable wineries within close driving distance to each other. All are open to the public for tours and tastings. The vineyards include Domaine de Chaberton, founded in 1981 by Claude Violet, a ninth generation winemaker, and producer of award-winning wines; Township 7 Vineyards and Winery, which produced its first vintage in 2001 and has attracted a loyal and growing following; Fort Wine Co, which produces pure fruit wines and offers tastings in its old-fashioned saloon bar; Glenugie Winery, which focuses on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines; and Lotusland Vineyards, whose exquisite organic vineyard can be found in a reclaimed gravel pit.
Langley is also part of farm country. Visitors can purchase fresh berries and berry products, including cranberries, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. One farm well worth a visit is Vista D'Oro Farms in south Langley. Vista D'Oro specializes in traditionally prepared jams with distinctive flavour pairings: Turkish Fig & Walnut Wine; Pear & Vanilla; Brandy, Kumquat & Vanilla Vodka; Black Cherry with Pinot Noir and more. It also has a cooking studio where you can take hands-on cooking classes with local chefs using products grown on the farm.
Situated on a rolling landscape near Fort Langley, The Mountain View Conservation and Breeding Centre is a must for all animal lovers; book a guided walk or drive past some of the world’s most endangered species, including lemurs, Cape Hunting Dogs, Masai Giraffe and Pygmy Hippopotami.
Langley is home to many equestrian centres and horse stables, the most famous of which is Thunderbird Show Park, a 34-ha (85-ac) facility that hosts world-class show jumping. It attracts top riders from across North America.
Movie buffs should spend an evening at the Twilight Drive-In, the Lower Mainland's only drive-in theatre. Its massive screen is 12.2 m (40 ft) high by 28.7 m (94 ft) wide!
Nature abounds in the Langley countryside. Campbell Valley Regional Park, located in south Langley, offers 20 km (12 mi) of spectacular walking trails through coastal forest and wetlands.
Derby Reach Regional Park, found along the Fraser River west of Fort Langley, provides hikers, cyclists and equestrian riders with over 15 km (10 mi) of trails through fields that were once farmed by pioneers. Visitors are delighted by the wooded trails running along Pepin Brook in Aldergrove Lake Regional Park. During summer, Aldergrove Lake is open for swimming.
Langley is just over a 60-minute drive to the North Shore Mountains’ three renowned ski areas: Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain and Mount Seymour. All boast spectacular views of Greater Vancouver, the Pacific Ocean and Vancouver Island; are blessed by abundant snowfalls; and offer numerous winter activities that include skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snow-tubing and cross-country skiing. The Whistler/Blackcomb ski area is just a 2-1/2-hour drive along Highways 1 and 99. North America’s largest ski resort with over 3,306 ha (8,171 ac) of terrain and more than 200 marked runs, Whistler/Blackcomb is consistently ranked among the top winter resorts on the continent. Whistler will host many alpine, nordic and sliding events in the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
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