More than 150 years ago, the heritage village of Fort Langley made history when the Crown Colony of British Columbia was officially instituted here by Sir James Douglas.
Today, this community of 2,900 next to the Fraser River abounds with things to do in a charmingly rustic, authentic atmosphere.
Today, its log walls hold a mix of original and reconstructed buildings that give the feeling of travelling back in time. Stroke beaver and bear pelts, pan for gold, learn about barrel-making and blacksmithing from costumed interpreters, check out the servants' quarters, and visit the Big House where British Columbia came into being as a colony of Great Britain on November 18, 1958. There's a gift shop and a visitor centre that includes a tall, carved First Nations welcoming figure.
Nearby, the small CN Station is a great place for railway buffs to revisit the glory days of 20th-century train transportation. It functioned as a station between 1915 and 1980, and was relocated and restored shortly afterwards by the Langley Heritage Society. Check out the vintage caboose, velocipede, and train car in the vicinity, and view local art exhibitions inside during the summer and fall.
Museums of Fort Langley
Just steps away from Fort Langley National Historic Site, the Langley Centennial Museum offers a rotating slate of exhibits that range from watercolour paintings by local artists to quirky collections of vintage comic strips or 1960s clothing. The adjacent BC Farm Machinery & Agricultural Museum showcases well-preserved tractors, model engines, a replica farm kitchen, and a working sawmill.
With many art studios in the Langley area, the Birthplace of BC Gallery is worth visiting on historic Glover Road. In a lovely heritage home, shop for works by local painters, photographers and sculptors who often immortalize the spectacular scenery of their native province.
Shopping & Dining in Fort Langley
On Glover Road, lined with 19th-century-style storefronts, pick up a variety of antiques at antique stores like Country Lane Antiques. Stock up on candies at Euphoria Chocolates or Ruby Slippers Specialty Company, choose from 180-plus cranberry-based specialty foods at Cranberries Naturally, or find books, jewelry, aromatherapy products, and other gifts at neighbouring boutiques. Take a break and enjoy West Coast dining at the Lampliter Gallery Cafe or juicy burgers at Planet Java 50s Soda Fountain Cafe, among other Glover Road restaurants.
Another appealing shopping option is self-guided wine tours. The winery closest to Fort Langley is The Fort Wine Co, located in Glen Valley. It offers a palate-pleasing selection of blueberry, cranberry, apple and other dessert and table wines.
Outdoor Activities in Fort Langley
Just across the Fraser River by bridge from Fort Langley, head to Brae Island Regional Park for canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and overnight camping and RV stays at Fort Camping.
Derby Reach Regional Park is a scenic, riverfront park, well-suited for picnicking, cycling, and dog-walking. Enjoy a stroll through giant cottonwood trees, or follow the Fort-to-Fort Trail from the original 1827 location of Fort Langley to its current site 4km/2.5mi southeast.
For golf aficionados, the Fort Langley Golf Course (9782 McKinnon Crescent) offers 18 holes with St. Andrews-style pot bunkers and challenging water hazards in a park-like setting next to the Fraser and Salmon Rivers.
Things to Do in Langley
While Fort Langley's historic setting is an ideal launching point for a visit to Langley, visitors will find even more things to do in the surrounding Langley area. This spacious and gracious Fraser Valley community offers circle routes for connoisseurs of fresh farm-produced food and drink, as well as golf, horseback riding, a zoo and an animal conservation centre, a huge casino with a show theatre, and plenty of mainstream shopping venues.
Driving Routes
Access Fort Langley's historic and heritage sites, museums, shopping, and wine tour opportunities along one of three driving routes: Coast Mountain Circle Route, Heritage Discovery Circle Route, and Mighty Fraser Circle Route. Learn more about driving routes through Fort Langley here: Driving Routes.
For more information on things to do in and around Fort Langley, contact the Langley Visitor Centre.
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