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Langley is an ideal destination for any type of traveller. Located in British Columbia, it has something for everyone. Our travel guide has the best information about Langley regarding places to visit, things to see and do: accommodations, dining, and much more! When visiting British Columbia, you will find that the shopping, night life, and beautiful scenery is some of the best in the country, and will leave you wanting more. Take a look at our Canadian listings and find all the information you need about Langley, and all its surrounding cities and travel spots.
So don't waste another minute, and starting planning your vacation to Langley! The City of Langley is a central point of the Lower mainland bordering with the Washington State in the south and the Fraser River in the north. The city’s western neighbour is Surrey, and in the east is Abbotsford and the rest of the Fraser Valley with its fertile farmlands. The city is less than an hour from Vancouver and is accessible through the Highways 1 or 7. For directions search online or visit www.pc.gc.ca/fortlangley.
The city, named in honour of Thomas Langley, a prominent Hudson’s Bay Company Director has a population of about 115 000. Known as the birthplace of British Colombia, it was in Fort Langley that in 1858 our province was first declared a colony of England. Contrary to popular belief, Fort Langley was never declared the capital of British Columbia. James Douglas, British Columbia’s first Governor declared that it was in too vulnerable a position to protect it from the Americans. Instead, New Westminster was chosen as it was much easier to protect, placed strategically atop a hill.
The Fraser River Valley along the US – Canadian border was not favourable for settling. Boggy marshes, thick soil, and masses of mosquitoes during the summer months made for significant drawbacks to the area. However, hard working settlers managed all those issues; forests were cleared for farmland and building materials while hunting provided the settlers with plenty. The Hudson’s Bay Company did more than trade in its 30 year reign; it also farmed about 800 hectares of the Langley Prairie. Currently, the prairie hosts about 40% of all the Fraser Valley’s agricultural land which is the leading economic sphere of the region.
Numerous horse, rabbit, and sheep farms, along with half of the province’s mushroom output are found in the city of Langley. Throughout the Fraser Valley, some of the historic settlements have been preserved, and many can be found between the cities of Langley and Surrey. One such preservation, Fort Langley National Historic Site, is one of the most interesting tourist destinations in the Greater Vancouver region. The fort is a mix of beautiful reconstructions and original buildings found on the edge of the Fraser River. First established in 1827 the Hudson’s Bay Company built Fort Langley on the river to trade with the Aboriginal peoples.
Today, the fort is a marked example of an original fur trading post. Open year round, Fort Langley National Historic Site is home to the history of British Colombia. Come see and feel the variety of furs traded by the Aboriginal people of the area, watch fascinating demonstrations, take part in fun games and recreations with the costumed interpreters, learn how to make a barrel, hear the ringing of the anvil in the blacksmith shop, and plunge your hands deep into the water in search of gold. Within walking distance of the fort, situated in the heritage village of Fort Langley you’ll find many other amazing sites and historical locations.
The Langley Centennial Museum, located close by is one of B.C.’s first community museums and has a multitude of artefacts on display for its visitors. The British Farm Machinery and Agricultural Museum is also in the area, dedicated to preserving the history of the town’s main occupation –farming.
