Fort Langley is rightfully known as the Birthplace of British Columbia.
To discover how today's province started out as a British Crown Colony more than 150 years ago, explore this small historic village on the south bank of the Fraser River.
It was originally founded by the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) in 1827 as a fur trading post in the Fraser Valley. By 1839, the log-walled fort had relocated to its current site, generating beaver and bear pelts, canned salmon, cranberries, and farm produce, which were exported. The village of Fort Langley experienced major growth in 1858 when the Fraser River Gold Rush kicked off, bringing thousands of prospectors to the region.
That same year, Sir James Douglas, who would become the province's first governor, declared British Columbia a Crown Colony. The historic proclamation occurred on November 19, 1858 at the Big House in Fort Langley.
By 1886, the fort ceased to function as a trading post. Yet thanks to the diligent work of proud, community-minded volunteers and agencies, Fort Langley's historic significance was preserved.
Things to Do in Fort Langley
Inside the walls of Fort Langley National Historic Site, pan for gold, see beaver skins and HBC blankets, and learn from interpreters in authentic period costumes about barrel-making, blacksmithing, and other 19th-century trades. The 1840-built storehouse is believed to be BC's oldest building, and the Big House is laden with period furnishings, plus a display on the Kwantlen First Nation.
Just steps away from the fort, enjoy diverse art exhibitions at the Langley Centennial Museum and admire vintage tractors, a working sawmill and logging equipment at the BC Farm Machinery & Agricultural Museum. For train buffs, the CN Station beckons with vintage caboose and railway car displays. Head up Glover Road to check out the Birthplace of BC Gallery, where award-winning local artwork is for sale in a garden-circled heritage home.
Shopping & Dining in Fort Langley
Glover Road is lined with cozy, quaint boutique shops, many offering bargains. Shop for antiques, books, aromatherapy products, specialty foods, chocolates, and much more within a few short blocks.
Dining options abound, from fresh West Coast cooking at the Lampliter Gallery Cafe to organic baked goods at Wendel's.
For those who enjoy self-guided wine tours, the Fort Wine Co. in nearby Glen Valley offers tantalizing fruit table wines and dessert wines as one of five wineries in the Langley area.
Movie-Making Bonanza
Fort Langley is a popular shooting location for Hollywood directors. Feature films recently shot here include Air Bud: MVP (1997), Hope Springs (2003), Air Bud: Spike's Back (2003), and The Fog (2005). These movies feature such stars as Colin Firth, Minnie Driver, and Heather Graham.
Learn More About the Langley Lifestyle
The Langley Visitor Centre (2-7888 200th St) can provide information about both Fort Langley and the greater Langley area. Golf, horseback riding, and casino action are just some of the fun options around Langley. For details on activities, bookings, and directions, visit in person or check the official Tourism Langley website.
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