Fort Langley Day Trip
Enjoy an day trip from Vancouver to Fort Langley where you can explore the historic site as well as many boutique shops and restaurants
Located east of Vancouver in the lower Fraser Valley, Fort Langley can be reached from downtown Vancouver in under 2 hours using public transit. You will easily be able to spend the better part of a day exploring this historic site and the neighbouring village making this an ideal spot for a day trip from Vancouver.
Fort Langley is both a historic village which is home to about 2700 people as well as the location of a National Historic Site. It is also home to the BC Farm Museum, a CN Rail Heritage Site, and several art galleries.
Fort Langley National Historic Site
The Fort Langley National Historic Site was a former trading post of the Hudson's Bay Company. The original fort was set up in 1827 about 3 kilometres west of the present site. It was built on the south bank of the Fraser River to ensure British claims to both sides of the river and it then became the colonial capital until New Westminster was named the capital in 1859. The trading post was a major exporter of salted salmon packed inside cedar barrels as well as cedar lumber and shakes much of which was shipped across the Pacific all the way to Hawaii. In 1921 a major sawmill opened along the riverfront bringing considerable prosperity to the town, but by the 1980s the aging mill was in decline and it finally closed in the mid 1990s. Today the site of the mill has been converted to a housing development called Bedford Landing and the historic village has been revived as a popular tourist destination.
A visit to the Fort Langley National Historic Site will take you back in to early colonial times making this an interesting and educational and fun experience for the entire family. You will be greeted by people dressed in period costumes and you will learn a lot about the early evolution of British Columbia and the significant role of the First Nations who traded with the Colonial settlers. Much of this early period of trade and development was fueled by the Gold Rush.
Fort Langley Historic Village
As engaging as it is, the National Historic Site is just a portion of what the village has to explore. The BC Farm Museum, open from the beginning of April until the end of September, is located right across the road. The old buildings and shops along the main street as well as some side streets have been beautifully restored and are now home to many boutique shops and restaurants. There are also a couple of art galleries and you will find numerous antique shops located throughout the picturesque village which are very interesting to explore. The selection and range of wares on display is second to none. You will find many of the shops here, unlike most tourist areas, offer good value for your money.
There are wonderful places to enjoy a meal as too. We would suggest Sushi Hinode Japanese Restaurant on Mavis Avenue for excellent value on sushi and Japanese cuisine, or visit the rustic Trading Post Eatery on Glover Road and choose from their selection of hearty burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads. It is good to note that several restaurants in Fort Langley take Monday as their day off so there are more choices for dining during the balance of the week.
A day trip to the quaint and beautifully restored village of Fort Langley is an exciting journey back in time and a pleasant change of pace from the big city.
For more information about the town of Fort Langley visit: Tourism Langley
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: No with the exception of visiting the National Historic Site and other local museumsFort Langley National Historic Site of Canada Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: 23433 Mavis Ave, Langley Twp, BC V1M 2R5, Canada
Phone: (604) 513-4777
Official Website: Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada
Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada Reviews
Rated out of 5
First time here I didn't know what to expect, it was clean, beautiful, and had something interesting in every building. I loved the workers in period clothing, and so knowledgable. Even stuff for the kids to do and play with. If you're looking for something to do for 2 hours this is the place. Not to mention the great shopping area in down town to far away.
Brenna S - 3 months ago
Very historic. Got live actor, but they are not friendly and quiet. A lot spots to study and reflect and take photo.
David Chen - 5 months ago
This is impressive considering that the site is under 200 years old on a compact site. The staff are all friendly and they will share their knowledge of the site and how the Hudson Bay Company did business and learned to integrate into the community.
It is a great choice to take kids as there is onbly one main entrance / exit (no wandering off) there is a playroom building dedicated for kids. The bathrooms are clean and well serviced. Parking lot access is good.
We went during a rainstorm, and it is not hard to image how the people lived in the wet, westcoast weather. Even with the rain, there were about 30 visitors on site. If you are visiting during clear and warm weather, I can imagine the site being very busy, so I would recommend buying tickets in advance.
Andrew McClure - 3 months ago
We went today to the vive les voyageurs event, also was our first time visiting the historic site, the place is big and great for activities with children, we visit all the area, at the main entrance you can take a map, also attend the music performance with michael and rosie and the spoons with maurice, it was really fun!, we learn something new today!, we trade something with the blacksmith and eat some poutine, its really amazing how locals try to keep the traditions and heritage!
Paulina Pedrero Miranda - 3 months ago
Too much history in this place. It is a great choice for families. There is a unique building for kids, my son loved it. My little one enjoyed the rabbits. The blacksmith chat friendly. Neat bathrooms and parking lot access. Kids under 18 are free admission. You can go to the Farm Machinery Museum as well just crossing the street.
Aurelia Siles - 8 months ago
Directions
| Skytrain and Bus Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Expo Line | Surrey Central Station | 0 Minutes |
How to get to Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada by Skytrain and Bus
From the Expo line exit at Surrey Central Station catch the #501 Langley Centre bus at bay #2. Get off at Carvolth Exchange and Ride (about 39 minutes on the bus) and transfer to a #562 Walnut Grove / Langley Centre Bus at bay #11. Ride the #562 bus to the corner of 96th Avenue and Glover Road (about 18 minutes on the bus). The village is located along both sides of Glover Road - mostly to the north.
If you need to use a washroom after your trip out from Vancouver there are public washrooms in the beautifully restored Fort Langley Community Hall on the east side of Glover Road just north of where you get off the bus. You can access them via the public library which is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 12:30pm and 1pm to 5pm and located at the south end of the hall. There are also public washrooms just inside the main entrance of the Fort Langley National Historic Site.
To walk to the National Historic Site go north on Glover Road to Mavis Avenue (just before the railway tracks) and then go right (west). The entrance is a couple of blocks ahead on the left. You will also find Langley Centennial Museum right across the road.
For the return to Vancouver you can simply reverse the trip.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada:
Photo Gallery
-
A glimpse inside Fort Langley National Historic Site cc licensed photo by The Hadfields -
Photo Credit: Darcy.Rezac - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Darcy.Rezac - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Arbron - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Arbron - cc license via Flickr
Video
Please provide consent and/or disable ad blocker to view the video.
