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

Fort Langley National Historic Site
Fort Langley National Historic Site cc licensed photo by airforcefe

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 Langley Centennial Museum, CN Rail Heritage Site and several art galleries. The 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 time to those very early colonial days making this an interesting and enjoyable experience for the entire family, however, the National Historic Site is just a portion of what the village has to offer. 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 also find that many of the shops here, unlike so many in tourist areas, offer very good value for your money. There are wonderful places to enjoy a meal as well. Try the Tokyo Garden on Mavis Avenue for excellent value on sushi and Japanese cuisine, or stop by Planet Jana 50s Soda Fountain Cafe for some nostalgia, burgers and refreshments all in one.

For a trip back in time and a change of pace from the big city an outing to the quaint and beautifully restored village of Fort Langley is a great way to to spend a day

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. 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 museums

Regular 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: 10:00 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

Reviews

Rated 4.5 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating 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 - a month ago

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5 Star Rating 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 - a month ago

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5 Star Rating 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 - 5 months ago

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5 Star Rating 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 - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Very historic. Got live actor, but they are not friendly and quiet. A lot spots to study and reflect and take photo.
David Chen - 2 months ago

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Directions

Skytrain and Bus Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Expo LineSurrey Central Station0 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 #4. Get off at Walnut Grove Park and Ride (about 30 minutes on the bus) and transfer to a C62 Langley Centre Via Fort Langley Community Shuttle Bus at bay #2 and get off at the corner of 96th Avenue and Glover Road (about 22 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. It is open from 1pm on Tue and Wed and from 10am on Thur, Fri, and Sat. You can access them via the public library located at the south end of the hall.

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 also take the C62 to Langley Centre rather than back to Walnut Grove Park and Ride and transfer to the 502 Surrey Central Station bus at bay #1 to get back to the Skytrain. In the evening hours this is the quickest option.

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