Fort Langley is about a one hour drive from Vancouver, depending on traffic, and is often referred to as the birthplace of British Columbia. This charming town is located on the banks of the Fraser River and was once under consideration to be the province’s capital. This quaint town still retains much of the charm from the early 1900s with many old-timer buildings lining Glover Road and houses that go back a century or more. Tourists come here to stroll this scenic town, visit the museums, and enjoy the fine dining and unique shops. If it wasn’t for the cars buzzing down the main drag, you’d think you’ve stepped back in time to a Victorian era. The shopping and dining district is tucked into an easy four block walk, and here are some things to do while in Fort Langley.
Fort Langley National Site
The Fort Langley National Site is the biggest tourist draw, recreating life in the 1800s in this former Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading post. Open daily except major holidays. http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/bc/langley/index.aspx
Visit a museum
History buffs will enjoy 2 other museums within a two block walk: the Langley Centennial Museum http://museum.tol.ca/ and the BC Farm Museum http://bcfma.com/
Shopping
Go shopping. Fort Langley has some funky gift shops, a whimsical hat shop, and check out the antique and second hand shops for memories from other eras.
Go for a scenic walk
Enjoy fresh air and a little exercise on the Fort to Fort Trail, a scenic 12km (7 mile) trail for walkers and cyclists alongside the Fraser River and Bedford Channel. The trail starts at Derby Reach Regional Park and ends at the National Historic Site in Fort Langley, but there are several places to start and stop along the trail for shorter distances.
Enjoy candy!
Indulge your sweet tooth. Unfortunately the above pictured candy shoppe closed in 2017, but I still like the picture! Fort Langley is home to other fudge and candy shops. Into Chocolate has relocated to a better location on Glover Road. I love their chocolate, salted caramel fudge. I’m still mourning the closing of the fudge shop, Checkers. Sob!
Fort Langley Community Hall
Admire the Fort Langley Community Hall. The big yellow building welcomes all visitors to Fort Langley and has been used as a backdrop in many movies and TV shows filmed around town.
Coffee Break!
Take a break to enjoy a beverage. Fort Langley has several coffee shops, and even one tea shop, all featuring their own bakeries.
Dining
Stay for lunch or dinner. Fort Langley offers countless casual dining choices within a four block radius, everything from pizza and burgers to fish and chips and sushi joints. If you’re a vegetarian, don’t miss the comfort food at Veggie Bob’s Kitchen on Glover Road.
Festivals
Visit during a special event. The farmer’s market is held on Saturdays from May to October. The Fort Langley Cranberry Festival is held on the Saturday of the Canadian Thanksgiving (the 2nd Monday in October). The May Day Parade is held on Victoria Day (last Monday preceding May 25). The Christmas craft fair is usually on the last weekend in November at the big yellow community hall.
Find movie locations
Check out movie locations. See if you recognize buildings from the many films and TV shows shot around Fort Langley: Growing the Big One, Trading Christmas, Hitched for the Holidays, the X Files, and the Garage Sale Mystery movies.
Somehow I don’t think we’ll be seeing any more of the Garage Sale Mystery movies being shot around Fort Langley. The star Lori Loughlin is in a bit of hot water over a scandal surrounding her daughter’s college admission.
Parking is free in Fort Langley. There’s a large public parking lot at the Fort Langley National Site and street parking near all the above attractions.
A lotta Canadian history eh, sounds like a great town and I love the style of the buildings and shop fronts, so quaint! #citytripping
Hi Alex. I’m glad you found The Lifestyle Digs! Yes, Fort Langley is full of history, old buildings, and quaint shops. It’s mostly flat and very easy to walk and discover. If you plan to visit this year, make sure you get that free Parks Canada pass, included in the post. That’ll save you a few bucks if you visit the National Site museum.
I wasn’t familiar with Fort Langley so thanks for posting about this historical place and joining #citytripping
Fort Langley is definitely worth a visit. Much of the town is still old fashioned/historic, and the new tries to fit in with the theme. A bike ride along the river and a stop to buy fudge, and it’s a good day for me!
Fort Langley seems magical! Love the pictures you provided, Cheryl!
Thank you Agness. I hope you get a chance to visit Fort Langley. This historic town is certainly picturesque and if you drive just a little bit outside town, within 5 minutes you’ll in some beautiful farm country too.