fort langley visit

17 Unique & Fun Things to Do in Fort Langley, BC

From delightful shops and bakeries to historic heritage sites, those looking for fun things to do in Fort Langley are absolutely spoiled for choice.

Dripping with Hallmark Christmas movie charm, this picturesque gem is our go-to when we want ‘vacation feels’ only an hour away from downtown Vancouver. There may be a lot of great things to do in Langley , but spending a day in Fort Langley is one of our favourites.

Wondering what exactly Fort Langley has to offer? In this post, we’ll be sharing some of the top things to do in Fort Langley, BC, whether you’re in town for a girls’ trip, adorable date , family day out, or solo jaunt.

Have an amazing brunch

We’ve already written plenty about our love for brunch spots in Downtown Vancouver , but in spite of its tiny size, Fort Langley has a surprising amount of brunch places to choose from, with options catering to every vibe.

For a chic and elevated brunch experience, Sabà Bistro is a popular spot that offers brunch dishes like Shakshuka and Braised Short Rib Hash until 12pm on weekdays, and 3pm on weekends.

For a cozier and more casual breakfast/brunch experience, local favourite Wendel’s Bookstore & Cafe offers a simple menu consisting of pancakes, bennys, breakfast sandwiches, and an array of baked treats until 11am on weekdays, and 11:30am on weekends.

For weekend/holiday visitors, Beatniks Bistro offers a classic brunch experience ft. mimosas, caesars, bennies, and avocado toast… with plenty of patio seating in the sun for the perfect start to your day in Fort Langley.

Or, last but certainly not least, if you happen to visit on an awkward weekday afternoon and have missed all the time cutoffs above, don’t worry – Blacksmith Bakery does an all-day brunch, with a delicious “Blacksmith Benedict” that is to die for… along with some of the tastiest baked goods in the area.

On that note, another great thing to do in Fort Langley is…

Enjoy some of the best croissants in Metro Vancouver

Not only does Blacksmith Bakery do a great brunch, they are also known for their mouthwatering baked goods, with the star of their show being their buttery range of perfectly flaky croissants.

While you can’t go wrong with an OG classic croissant, we can highly recommend grabbing one of their double baked hazelnut croissants. They’re simply life-changing. On the other hand, we were a little disappointed by their Pain au Chocolat, which was pretty lacking in chocolate, but we’d love to give their savoury iterations (like Ham & Swiss, and Bacon & Cheese) a try next time!

Go shopping for vintage treasures

Fort Langley is an amazing place to shop, and one of our personal favourite places to browse is the Village Antiques Mall.

This massive shop is home to over 60 independent dealers who present their wares in a sprawling 10,000 square foot haven of all things retro and vintage.

Want retro beer glasses from the 90s? They have them. What about vintage dresses from the 50s? They have those too. This glorious shop is organized in a maze-like layout with thousands of items to ogle, and you’re guaranteed to find at least an item or two to bring home.

Be warned: it’s easy to get lost in here – so keep your friends close!

Admire some cute murals

While we would argue that the entirety of Fort Langley is just one glorious photo opp, those in search of more colourful and unique backdrops are in luck – Fort Langley happens to be home to quite a few beautiful murals.

You’ll be able to find a row of them in “Gasoline Alley”, opposite Republica Coffee Roasters, but keep an eye out for some others that are scattered around town.

Visit the Fort Langley National Historic Site

Long before it became a haven of adorable cafes, independent shops, and picture-perfect photo opps, Fort Langley was best known for its fur trading post that belonged to THE Hudson’s Bay Company.

And while many visitors today choose to soak in the heritage vibes of Fort Langley through other means (food and shopping, mostly), one of the best ways to appreciate the area’s historical significance is through a visit to the Fort Langley National Historic Site, which is a reconstructed fur trading post that visitors can explore to learn more about the site’s important history.

Costumed interpreters & unique demos await at this historic complex, which consists of reconstructed fur trade era buildings and gardens. Whether you opt for a self-guided audio tour or not, this is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in local history (and learn a thing or two).

NOTE: This would be an especially fun thing to do in Fort Langley with kids, as they have plenty of educational kid-friendly activities on-site. Youth up to 17 years old even get in free!

Stop by the former Fort Langley CNR Station

Another great historic attraction to explore in Fort Langley is the former CNR Station, which feels like a beautiful postcard frozen in time.

Originally built in 1915 for the Canadian Northern Railway, the station remains today as a museum of sorts for curious visitors.

While it’s only open seasonally, you can still check out the building’s grounds and exterior year round. Time your visit for Spring, and you might even catch the gorgeous cherry blossom tree that blooms in front:

Go searching for well-known filming locations

Given Vancouver’s status as Hollywood North, it should come as no surprise that Fort Langley has been used for many film and TV productions over the years.

From Riverdale to Once Upon a Time , the streets of Fort Langley have been used time and time again to depict on-screen locations.

Looking for a good place to start? Be sure to…

Make a stop at the Fort Langley Community Hall

Perhaps no building in Fort Langley is as famous as the bright yellow Community Hall, which dates back to the 1930s, and has for decades served as the community hub for local residents.

From weddings and banquets to special festivals and auctions, this beautiful hall is hands down one of the best places to visit in Fort Langley, if even just for a quick photograph.

It helps that it’s a pretty famous spot too, thanks to its multiple features in movies and TV shows.

Enjoy a quaint afternoon tea

In case it wasn’t clear by now, one of the top things to do in Fort Langley is soak in all the adorable small town vibes.

And while pretty much every inch of this place is exceedingly charming, the Instagram-famous Little White House may take the cake when it comes to cutest spot in Fort Langley.

… Quite literally, because they have a cute Parisian-style tea salon that does indeed serve cake.

This lifestyle boutique is like a dollhouse come to life, with dreamy rooms that are perfectly decorated with a gorgeous assortment of home goods, dresses, and accessories.

Perhaps most noteworthy though is its beautiful Salon Café, which offers a classic tiered Afternoon Tea experience, with towers full of dainty sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and… tea (of course).

Go shopping at some gorgeous independent shops

If you’ve grown weary of the usual big box shops and chains ever-present in Vancouver, then Fort Langley is a great place to enjoy some independent shopping.

You’ll be able to find a wide variety of cute boutiques here, all offering curated selections of everything from spa goods and hats to clothing and jewelry.

Bella & Wren is an especially beautiful place to browse, but you can check out the Fort Langley Village Directory for a full list of shops.

Pick up some beautiful blooms

Fort Langley is a beautiful place filled with tempting eye-candy, but the village’s gorgeous flower shops deserve a special shout-out.

Both Floralista Flower Studio and Niche Boutique Florals offer gorgeous spaces crammed with flowers, vases, and arrangements (both fresh and dried). If you’re looking for somewhere to pick up gifts, whether for yourself or others, then these two shops are a must-visit.

… Just be warned that you might lose all self control and buy an unnecessary amount of dried floral arrangements. Not that we’re speaking from experience or anything.

Enjoy some craft brews

Craft beer is an inescapable phenomenon across the Lower Mainland, and Fort Langley (in all its quaint glory) is no exception.

Trading Post Brewery is a Langley-based small batch brewery with an eatery right in Fort Langley, so if you’re looking for a place to enjoy some local beer in the sun, then be sure to add this spot to your Fort Langley to-do list.

Slurp up a milkshake or float in a 50s diner

If you haven’t gotten enough of the retro, old timey charm of Fort Langley, another stop you can add to your list is Planet Java Fifties Diner.

Admittedly, this place needs a little TLC (as reviews will tell you)… but if you’re a sucker for nostalgia and vintage diner vibes, the interior is still fairly cute, and they make a pretty refreshing Root Beer Float!

We can’t vouch for the other things on their menu though, so we’d recommend only stopping by here for a quick treat, rather than a full meal.

Grab sweet treats from around the world

Speaking of treats, Fort Langley happens to be home to one of the cutest candy shops in Metro Vancouver.

Into Chocolate Candy & Confections  is a vintage style sweet shop that sells an array of goodies from handmade fudge and chocolates to unique sweets from all over the world.

We personally picked up some Double Double Coffee Crisp here, because it just felt like the proper Canadian thing to do… but you’ll also be able to find unique treats and gifts from other corners of the globe too. No lie, we also bought a pretzel-shaped purse, but that’s enough talk about our poor financial planning.

Go shopping for unique gifts

In case the whole “pretzel purse” thing didn’t make it clear, Fort Langley has a lot of great shops that sell super fun and unique gifts. If you’re tired of sifting through the same old-same old in terms of gift shops, we guarantee you’ll find something quirky and unique in Fort Langley.

We had a lot of fun exploring Mason Jar Merchant , which (true to its name) sells a shocking amount of mason jar and mason jar adjacent items, as well as The Happy Kitchen, which had every kind of fun kitchen gadget you could ever ask for.

Enjoy some locally roasted coffee

If all the sightseeing and shopping is getting to you, another great Fort Langley activity is refuelling with a cup of caffeination from Republica Coffee Roasters , a locally owned and operated purveyor of delicious coffee, roasted right in Fort Langley.

Whether you just want to grab a quick cup to enjoy on-site, or a bag of beans to take home for later, this is a must-visit in Fort Langley for coffee lovers!

Visit the Farmer’s Market

Last but not least, if you’re looking for unique things to do in Fort Langley during the weekend, then be sure to time your visit to coincide with their weekly Farmers Market which takes place on Saturdays from end of April to December.

The Fort Langley Village Farmers Market is a wonderland of local produce and crafts, along with a hefty selection of ready-to-eat baked goods and treats.

If you’re an avid foodie, this is one activity in Fort Langley you don’t want to miss!

Did we miss any of your favourite things to do in Fort Langley?

Let us know in the comments so we can add more recommendations to our list!

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Fort Langley National Historic Site

Top ways to experience Fort Langley National Historic Site and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Fort Langley National Historic Site - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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• (0.06 mi) Langley Centennial Museum
• (0.07 mi) BC Farm Museum
• (0.12 mi) The CN Station
• (0.13 mi) Sweetgrass Naturals
• (0.16 mi) Fort Langley Village Antiques Mall

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Fort langley national historic site of canada.

• 1839 to 1840 (Construction)
• 1839 to 1886 (Significant)
• 1827 to 1886 (Significant)
• Hudson’s Bay Company  (Organization)
• Fort Langley  (Designation Name)

Fort Langley was built by the Hudson's Bay Company 2 1/2 miles below this site in 1827, and moved here in 1839. It burned and was rebuilt in 1840. As fur resources were exhausted, supply replaced trade as the fort's major role. Here the company operated a large farm, began the west coast salmon packing industry, and exported produce to ports in Alaska, Hawaii and other Pacific areas. Fort Langley was also a terminus of the first practical all-British route from the coast to the interior. On 19 November 1858 the colony of British Columbia was here proclaimed. *Note: This designation has been identified for review. A review can be triggered for one of the following reasons - outdated language or terminology, absence of a significant layer of history, factual errors, controversial beliefs and behaviour, or significant new knowledge.

Description of Historic Place

Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada is the site of a Hudson’s Bay Company post located on the south banks of the Fraser River approximately 48 km east of Vancouver. It contains an original log warehouse as well as several newer evocations of historic structures within a reconstructed wooden palisade. The site is interpreted and open to the public. The official designation refers to the associated buildings and landscape within the site’s boundaries.

Heritage Value

Fort Langley has been designated a national historic site because: it was founded in 1827 to drive off the fur-traders from Boston who had monopolized the Maritime trade; it was from Fort Langley, rebuilt in 1840 (sic 1839) further up the river, that the Hudson’s Bay Company began to export salmon, supplying the forts of the Company and the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii); after the abandonment of the Columbia River as a trade route in 1848, the Company forwarded their goods to Langley for transhipment to their forts in British Columbia; and the act creating the colony of British Columbia was proclaimed at Langley in 1858. The heritage value of Fort Langley lies in its historical associations as illustrated by the site and surviving resources. Originally constructed in 1827 at a location 4 km upstream of its present site, the post was relocated and rebuilt in 1839, only to be destroyed by fire in 1840 requiring it to be, once again, rebuilt. The Hudson’s Bay Company continued to run a post on this site until 1886, although in later years its focus shifted from fur to agricultural trade and fish packing. Since it became a national historic site in 1923 the location of Fort Langley’s palisades have been identified through archaeological investigation, as have the remains of many of its buildings and structures. The site has gone through two major periods of expansion; firstly in the 1950s in conjunction with the provincial centennial celebrations, and again in the 1990s. Sources: Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Minutes, May 1955; Commemorative Integrity Statement, October 2003.

Character-Defining Elements

Key features contributing to the heritage value of this site include: the siting on a small knoll above the banks of the Fraser River across from McMillan Island, and behind a plain between the knoll and the Salmon River which provides access to Boundary Bay; its orientation to the remnants of other buildings within the fort and their central courtyard, its siting on the perimeter of the fort parallel with the palisade, the wholeness and coherence of the cultural landscape of the fort, the footprint of the palisades at its greatest extent and traces of its earlier location; the footprints as well as remnants and reconstructed profiles of buildings and structures inside the palisades of the fort; remnants of the foundations, former trenches, privies, storage pits and cellar depressions that remain on the site from the fur trade era, including their footprints and any evidence of their composition and materials; the functions and spatial relationships both individually and in relation to one another of the Storehouse building, palisade and central courtyard; the Storehouse building in its location and orientation, its single-storey rectangular massing and hipped roof; its irregular pattern of openings, surviving original materials (squared logs with a lime/mud wash), its pièce sur pièce construction technology, and remnants of early forms, finishes, and layout visible in the interior; archaeological artifacts, both above and below ground, representative of life in the fort during the fur trade era, including those that have been removed from the site and are stored by Parks Canada; viewplanes from the palisades to the Fraser River and McMillan Island, to the east, looking upriver towards the site of the earlier fort, and to the countryside and west towards the Salmon River; viewplane from the Fraser River to the fort.

The Top 9 Things to Do in Fort Langley, Vancouver

Discover the Birthplace of British Columbia

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Part of the Township of Langley, the historic village of Fort Langley is only a 45-minute drive from Vancouver, British Columbia but visiting it is like taking a step back in time to the early days of the settlement of Canada's most westerly province.

Taking its name from the wooden fort that was the focal point for the original community, Fort Langley's historical buildings, charming restaurants and shops make it a must-visit destination. Home to an annual cranberry festival that brings a splash of color to the picturesque village every fall, the small settlement shines any time of the year.

Known as the birthplace of British Columbia, Fort Langley began life as a Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading post as its location on the banks of the Fraser River, at the center of a large indigenous population, enabled the British Empire to use it as part of a trade route.

After the boom of the fur trade came opportunities for Indigenous people to trade salmon and cranberries with settlers. When the United States border was established in 1846, Hudson’s Bay wanted to stay in UK territory and Fort Langley was perfected located on the river and close to the Pacific. When the Gold Rush began in the late 1850s, Fort Langley became even more important as a trading center.

Concern began to grow about the possibility of an American takeover and so the British government swore in Governor James Douglas and he proclaimed the Colony of British Columbia at Fort Langley on November 19, 1858. In 1866 the Colony merged with the Colony of Vancouver Island and in 1871, British Columbia became a Canadian province.

Since its early beginnings as a trading outpost, Fort Langley has grown into a popular tourist attraction that is within easy reach of Vancouver. Here are nine of the top things to do in Fort Langley from celebrating the small red local berries to taking a trip back in time at the birthplace of BC.

Visit Fort Langley National Historic Site

Ben Lavrinoff/500px/Getty Images

Fort Langley, the site of the original trading post, became a national historic site in 1923 and in 1931, the original building was opened to the public. Now owned by Parks Canada, the building has been restored and added to since the 1950s to create a replica of the original site. Visit for a guided tour of the fort or look out for special events that run throughout the year.

Take a Trip Back in Time at CN Station

 Langley Heritage Society

One of few remaining historic train stations in Western Canada, the CN Station was originally built for the Canadian Northern Railway in 1915, when agriculture attracted more settlers into the Fraser Valley. Absorbed by the Canadian National Railway in 1918, the station served passengers up to the 1980s. Originally located 240 meters to the west, the station was moved in 1983 by Langley Heritage Society volunteers and the old station was declared a Municipal Heritage Site in 1984.

Explore the Boutiques

Fort Langley is home to bijou boutiques selling everything from gifts to gourmet food. Wander down Glover Road to explore the small shops and pick up some new threads, homeware or baked goods. Browse the books at Wendel’s Bookstore and Cafe and refuel with a coffee before enjoying more shopping at Gasoline Alley — a hidden cluster of stores selling gifts from cranberry-based treats to glass artworks.

Fill Up With Fine Foods

 Beatniks Bistro

Visit Beatniks Bistro for tasty local food in a cute character home and be sure to try the local cranberry liqueur from Krause Berry Farm in a fun cocktail. Pick up treats from Fort Langley Bakery to enjoy as you wander around the stores or head to the new Little Donkey Food & Drink spot for casual and cozy cuisine such as beer and burritos in a hipster space.

Explore the Fort to Fort Trail

Hop on a bike or take a walk along the historic 8 kilometer Fort to Fort Trail that connects Fort Langley with Derby Reach Regional Park, traveling along the Fraser River split into 15-25 minute smaller walks through parkland with river and valley views. Extend the adventure with a trip to Brae Island Park or the Fort.

Sip a Beer at the Trading Post

Trading Post Brewing 

Locally made libations have always been an important part of communities and Langley’s The Trading Post brewery is a modern continuation of this tradition. Fort Langley is home to an outpost of the brewery where you can taste the ales and beers and have food at this family-friendly eatery on Glover Road (the village’s main street). 

Get Spooked with Grave Tales

Visit in the fall for a spooky sightseeing walking tour called Grave Tales , which takes brave guests through the historic village and cemetery, telling tales of ghostly goings-on from the 19th century. Guides are dressed in Hudson Bay trader outfits and the tour recounts the history of the area when Glover Road was named Smugglers’ Road as Cariboo gold prospectors used the route to evade taxes. Grave Tales ends at Fort Langley Historic Fort with a hot drink to stop the spine-tingling shivering after hearing so many spooky stories.

Check Out Fort Langley Cranberry Festival

Fort Langley Cranberry Festival

British Columbia is a major producer of cranberries and, every Thanksgiving weekend, the annual Fort Langley Cranberry Festival celebrates the little red fruit with a day of festivities. Celebrations start early with a community pancake breakfast, followed by contests, live music, cooking demos, and a fashion show. Shop at the Market Place where more than 70 local vendors will be selling everything from arts and crafts to, you guessed it, cranberries.

Take a Walking Tour

Join Langley Heritage Society for a stroll through the beginnings of Fort Langley, visiting sights such as the CN Train Station, Community Hall Kiosk, the Langley Centennial Museum, and St. Andrew’s Church. Langley Centennial Museum opened in 1958 in a heritage building on King Street and it is the ideal place to learn more about the Township of Langley and local history.

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Fort Langley

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• Fort Langley National Historic Site
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Things to Do in Fort Langley, BC: History, Family Fun, Best Restaurants

• Places to Travel in Canada
• February 12, 2022

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Discover Fort Langley, BC with its rich history, family attractions, best restaurants, ice cream cafes, and many cool things to do on your next family visit.

Fort Langley, a charming little town that is located along the Fraser River, less that an hour drive from Vancouver, British Columbia , Canada . It is a popular family-friendly destination and has plenty of cool things to do! There are a variety of museums, shops, ice cream cafes, restaurants, art galleries, parks, and trails in Fort Langley – everyone will find something special just for them! Yet many tourists travel here to visit Fort Langley National Historic Site.

I personally enjoy the carefully restored little antique houses and beautiful street art, which makes Fort Langley absolutely Insta-perfect! My son got addicted to the model railroad inside the CN Station museum – and asks to see it on every visit. While my husband got hooked on local ice cream cafes and coffee shops with delicious goodies: no travel through Fort Langley ends without a stop at the local bakery shop.

I wonder what would you find at Fort Langley that will get you completely in love with the place? In this post I deliver a whole menu of of cool things to do in Fort Langley on your next visit. So take a note!

This post may contain affiliate links . We may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. All product recommendations and feedback are ours and based on personal experience. Please refer to our Disclosure Policy .  

Quick Links:

About Fort Langley

• Historic Fort Langley

McMillan Island

• Fort-To-Fort Trail

Langley Centennial Museum and Exhibition

Bc farm museum, fort langley golf course, shopping at fort langley.

• Fort Langley Restaurants
• Fort Langley Places to Stay

Concluding notes

Other cool street art locations around the world that we’ve visited: City of Colour – urban art district of San Jose, Costa Rica – one of the most important artistic spots in Central America. Fusterlandia in Havana, Cuba is an art house of its own. It spills our murals and urban art sculpture beyond its boundaries and into the streets of nearby neighbourhoods. Powell River, British Columbia, Canada has a small but vibrant artistic community and very positive inspiring street art   ALL Collections of Street Art

The Fort Langley town draws visitors who are looking for a peaceful atmosphere, with a flavour for arts, First Nations culture, and delicious food (ice cream cafes are extremely popular!). The CN Station train museum with its miniature railroad is a real treasure-find for families with kids! The iconic Community Hall of Fort Langley and the Fort Langley National Historic Site are featured in many TV & Films. The town increasingly becomes a popular travel destination for weddings and Instagram influencers.

I am personally fond of the beautifully restored vintage buildings. Similarly to Atchelitz village near Chilliwack , to Niagara-on-the-Lake town in Ontario, and Lahaina Village in Maui, Hawaii , the town bylaws prohibit modern buildings in the area to preserve the unique charm of Fort Langley. 

In pre-COVID times, Fort Langley was also known for its awesome year-round street festivals! The most notorious that our family had personally travelled for every year are: the Cranberry Festival, May Day Parade, Jazz & Arts Festival, Fort International Film Festival, Food Truck Festival, and Fort Beer & Food Festival. We sincerely hope that life gets back to normal soon, and we can all enjoy the outdoor family entertainment once again! So add Fort Langley to your list of to-do travel destinations!

Yes indeed, today Fort Langley is a charming little town with a population of only around 3,500 residents. Yet, the village has a glorious past and is sometimes referred to as the Birthplace of Canada's British Columbia . Fort Langley was established in 1827 on the traditional territories of the Kwantlen , Matsqui , Katzie and Semiahmoo First Nations peoples as a trading post of the famous Hudson’s Bay Company – now the Fort Langley National Historic Site.

Fort Langley National Historic Site

The Fort Langley National Historic Site is home of the Hudson Bay Company’s fur trading post, still standing 150 years later beautifully restored to its original fame and glory. It is now a popular travel destination for tourists visiting from all over the world.

A popular local attraction, Historic Fort Langley should be definitely added to your list of things to do when visiting the area. A living history open-air museum, where costumed interpreters demonstrate the pioneer way of life, it is actively supported by Kwantlen First Nation.

Have you watched TV Series Frontier (with Jason Mamoa) on Netflix yet? Watch it before coming here! You’ll definitely have more context in what you are about to see 🙂

All of the buildings are open to visitors. 

Storehouse – Built in the 1840s, the Storehouse is the only remaining original building at Fort Langley. The rest are close replicas that were constructed more recently.

At the Cooperage coopers built barrels that were used to ship salmon, cranberries, farm produce, and other stuff.

Blacksmiths forged iron tools to trade with Aboriginal peoples. The iron hardware was also used at Fort Langley and other HBC posts.

In the middle of Fort Langley Village is a fireplace – a gathering place where Hudson’s Bay Company fur traders mingled with gold prospectors, fort soldiers, and First Nations people.

They say that the outpost even hosted many migrant workers traveling from Hawaii! One of the buildings – the Servants quarters – has many antique artifacts on display of Polynesian origin.

Big house was home to the fort’s managers, this building was reconstructed in 1958. The costumed interpreters are telling cool stories about the past owners, their hunger for power, and even their love affairs!

Costumed interpreter tells a fascinating story of Hudson Bay Company’s first entry into the land, of ancient cedar trees, and how life has changed for the local tribes since European arrival.

We loved our visit to Fort Langley Historic Site so much, that we ended up with a video for our PerfectDayToPlay YouTube channel , check it out!

McMillan Island is located just across the channel from Fort Langley. It is now an Indian Reserve, where members of the Kwantlen First Nation reside. A small community, it remains private and visitors are not generally allowed to come to the island. Please kindly respect the residents and do not attempt to enter uninvited. 

You can meet Kwantlen First Nation members through storyteller-hosted walking tours and cultural evenings at the Historical Fort Langley and at the Lelem’ Café. 

Fort-to-Fort Trail

Fort to Fort trail is a beautiful park trail that starts at the Fort Langley National Historical Museum and runs all the way to Derby Reach Regional Park, where there was also a fort once.  

The 4km trail is a popular walking or family-friendly biking path. From experience: it is actually best to bring along your bicycles – the ride is simply joyful on a hot summer day. The route begins from the National Historic Museum, but you can also start at the train crossing at Glover Road and Mavis Avenue. 

Built for the Canadian Northern Railway in 1915, the CN Station in Fort Langley was declared a Municipal Heritage Site in 1984. It appears that this is one of the few remaining stations like it in western Canada, and the only surviving  station from this era in the Langley region.

Today, the CN Station is owned by the Township of Langley, maintained and operated by the Langley Heritage Society .

On the menu of things to do at Fort Langley CN Station are: the classic station house and ticket office, a 1940s passenger car with a cool telegraph station for kids, a local artists’ gallery in the baggage room, and… the 1920s wooden caboose hosting Glen Valley model railway! Both kids and adults will be fascinated by the neat detail of the train-long model, with train cars moving via parallel train tracks, with tiny people and animals.

Do not underestimate the CN Station – time flies in there! On our last visit, we have spent over an hour simply by watching those model trains!

The Fort Langley CN Station station is typically open to the public from Victoria Day weekend through Thanksgiving (yet, considering the situation around covid, you should check their website before you travel). 

If your kids are into trains and railroads, you will find the CN Station a super cool thing to do in Langley. Also, check out the nearby Fraser Valley Heritage Rail – about half an hour drive away. 

As you might have guessed from reading about the Historic Site, Langley is one of the oldest municipalities in British Columbia. Langley Centennial Museum hosts a collection about the town's history. There are two main galleries within: History and Exhibition Galleries.

In the History Gallery you can learn about early days of Fort Langley settlement, how European and Asian migrants adjusted to living in the area, their relationship with First Nations. You will also discover a variety of First Nations arts and crafts – woodcarvings, stone sculptures, woven baskets and tools to make them.

The Exhibition Gallery displays change a few times a year – so you can visit any time you travel into the area and find something new. Watch their announcements to discover historic to contemporary art, science and environmentally-focused projects, and works of local, regional, national, and even international significance.

BC Farm Museum in Fort Langley is said to have the province’s largest collection of pioneer and agricultural artifacts in British Columbia. The museum was officially opened on November 19, 1966. Many things have changed since then. Just like its neighbouring Atchelitz pioneer village , the BC Farm museum is now run almost exclusively by volunteers. In addition to hundreds of beautifully restored antique items related to farming, the museum now has a cool high-tech section, where their ‘Interactive Presentation Terminals’ project is a real hit with all ages. Real fun way to learn about the history of agriculture in the region, the museum and the people behind it.

Established in 1968, Fort Langley Golf Course is a hidden gem for gold lovers. Beautifully located along the shores of the Fraser and Salmon River. Every level of golfer will find a cool opportunity for a serious shot. 

The Golf Course is regularly hosting both local and national golf tournaments. In addition, it serves as a great venue for weddings and special events. Its McKinnon's Bar & Grill is the perfect place to relax after a round, featuring a diverse menu, a fireplace, large screen HDTVs to watch sporting events, and the outside patio overlooking the spectacular 18th green, and all the wonderful scenery and golfing action on the course.

If you are into golf, you will certainly like it here. There are at least two more amazing golf courses within 10 min travel distance.

“The Village” – this is how residents of Fort Langley refer to the town’s commercial and retail area. You can find a variety of high-end boutiques, quaint shops, art galleries, vintage antique shops, bistros and brew-tasting houses, restaurants and cafes. Both shopping addicts and culture explorers can find little something to do here. 

Kismet Gallery is a perfect destination for anyone seeking an eclectic mix of original Canadian hand-crafted works, featuring BC artisans and artists. 

The KUBE Gallery is a fine art gallery representing both Canadian and international artists, and offers a diverse collection of styles, themes, and media of acclaimed artists.

First Nations art, crafts, jewelry and inspirational gifts can be found at Sxwimele Boutique & Gifts . 

If you are looking for something truly unique to bring back from your travels, how about checking out the Bearga Gallery – a semi-museum semi-gift shop that presents artist collectable teddy bears, bear painting and bear images giftware. 

Speaking of collectables and antiques, apart from a dozen of smaller antique stores and gift shops, Fort Langley has a huge antiques mall – Village Antiques Mall .

The lovers of natural care products and unique crafted gifts will find many small treasures at the Treasure Landing gift shop. Fashion lovers can’t miss the Bagheera Boutique specializing in European and Canadian fashions.

Love hats? Roxanns Hats is waiting for you! This store is home to the largest selection of hats in the Greater Vancouver area. They claim they can outfit you for any occasion – be it a formal event, friendly outing or just to wear around. I absolutely love Roxann’s motto: “Anyone can wear a hat, it just takes attitude!” Wedding planners love the store, and many brides and celebrities travel here from all over the province to get that unique look for their next special occasion.

And of course, if you are visiting Fort Langley with kids – Watermelon Tree is your stop!

Best Fort Langley Restaurants & Cafes

There would not be a discussion about a travel destination without mentioning the local food. This case is no exception, and Fort Langley Restaurant scene has much to offer! 

Fort Pub & Grill and Wendel’s Bookstore & Cafe are easily one of the most popular places to eat in Fort Langley. Both have a fusion of flavours on their menus – popular Mexican, Italian, Canadian, Indian options.  

Rail and River Bistro is a higher-end Fort Langley restaurant and has many delicious seafood options. They even have oysters on the menu!

Beatniks Bistro has a laid back hipster feeling, the food is delicious and they even used to have live music every Thursday in pre-covid times (I am not sure what is the situation now, so you’d better call them to find out before your visit). Yummy and reasonably-priced eggs benny too!

Little White House Co   is a neat little french-inspired cafe that serves Afternoon Tea. To be honest, they are a boutique too, and sell a variety of souvenirs and self-case items. But I love their afternoon teas, that’s why it joins my list of must-try Fort Langley restaurants.

Similarly, don’t dare to miss the Lelem’ Arts & Cultural Café – an Indigenous owned and operated unique Fort Langley restaurant that features a cult favourite in Indigenous communities and gatherings: the bannock taco. You can try several types of bannock tacos, including smoked salmon, smoked shredded beef, chorizo sausage and mexi-tofu. Smoked salmon is my absolute favourite! What’s yours? Tell me in the post comments!

Vegetarians and the lovers of everything “interesting” will appreciate the Veggie Bob’s Kitchen – a Fort Langley’s most “intriguing” restaurant. The cuisine is definitely hippie-inspired, with curious dishes like veg-talian sausage bun, mex-vegan chilli planet dog, mac and ease cheeze bowl… and other extraordinary choices. Foodies, mark this one down for your next visit to Fort Langley 🙂

Sweets & Ice Cream

Fort Langley is definitely famous for its little ice cream coffee shops (or coffee ice cream shops). Honestly, Fort Langley reminds me a lot of Lahaina Village in Maui Hawaii , where you can grab any kind of ice cream flavour literally at every corner!

My favourite ice cream cafes in Fort Langley are The Crosswalk Cafe and Maria’s Gelato .  

And of course, no little town experience is not complete without the local chocolate experience! Into Chocolate Candy & Confections is a small family-owned chocolate store that brings flavours from all around the world. Delaine, the owner, has made her own hand-crafted chocolates for over 20 years and received the designation as a professional chocolatier from Ecole Chocolat. By the way, they now can ship the chocolate to you, no need to travel 🙂

If you have a passion for pastry like my lovely husband, check out Blacksmith Bakery for a variety of fresh pastries baked fresh daily, on-site, in their open kitchen using locally sourced ingredients. We literally stop here on our every visit. In this Fort Langley bakery you can find anything you can wish for: viennoiserie, patisserie, cakes, eclairs, tarts, cookies, savouries, soups and gourmet sandwiches, and delicious fresh coffee.

Speaking about coffee… (haha I can go on and on about awesome places to eat and yummy restaurants of Fort Langley) No coffee conversation in Fort Langley can be held without the mention of the Republica Coffee Roasters – the locally owned and operated artisan coffee roasteria. These guys roast fair trade organic coffee, sell it via their Fort Langley store-front location, and also deliver all over Vancouver and can even ship the beans to your home!

Where to Stay at Fort Langley

Well… Fort Langley does not really have places where visitors can stay. There are a few guest houses set up by local residents, and you may try your luck at AirBnB site, but there are no hotels in Fort Langley. 

I believe this is due to the fragility of the local community, the nearby Kwantlen Nation reserve, and the desire of local people to keep the small town feeling they love so much.

Not to worry though. Close proximity of Fort Langley to Trans-Canada Highway and Golden Ears Bridge gives you many options! Nearby Langley city is only 15 min drive away, and has plenty of hotel options. 

Many travellers to Vancouver, and even some lower mainland residents may not know what a gem they have hidden right in their backyard. Some visitors come here to look at the Fort Langley National Historic Site – as this is what the town is known for, only to realize they are in love. 

On your very first visit Fort Langley quickly wins you over with its unique charm of beautiful heritage buildings, rich history, restaurants and cafes with delicious food, and warm hospitality of local people. 

I strongly recommend checking it out. Best time to visit Fort Langley is in April or June, when everything is blooming around, and it is not yet too hot. Although, we have come here to Fort Langley in winter months a few times – and could still find plenty of things to do. I am deeply convinced that Fort Langley is one of the best unique family-friendly travel destinations you can find close to Vancouver.

Do you know any other nice little towns we should visit and write about? Send us your suggestions ! 

Invitations from towns themselves are always welcome of course!  Check out our Work with Us section .

Oh, and before I forget… if you love to travel (like we do) and would like your kids to learn about destinations in a fun and easy way through fun kids activities, check out our newest release of destination-themed workbooks and coloring pages:

Other Cool Little towns of British Columbia Similar to Fort Langley, BC

The best thing about road trips is that your family can discover marvellous small little towns that would otherwise have likely never made it to the list of purposeful destinations. Yet each such town is adorable and worth a stop.

Among some of such British Columbia ‘s small “off the beaten path” towns we recommend visiting on your next road trip are:

• Sooke town and nearby outdoors hiking opportunities – Vancouver Island, BC
• Cumberland, BC – on Vancouver Island
• Campbell River, BC – on Vancouver Island
• Port Alice, BC – Vancouver Island North
• Port Hardy, BC – Vancouver Island North
• Lund, BC on Sunshine Coast
• Madeira Park, BC – on Sunshine Coast
• Harrison Hot Springs – near Hope, BC in Fraser Valley
• Atchelitz Pioneer Village at Chilliwack, BC in Fraser Valley Region
• Sun Peaks Resort Village – near Kamloops, in Thompson-Nicola Region

If you are into “little towns” like Fort Langley, cute architecture, or looking for road trips from Vancouver and awesome things to do, you may also like:

• Things To Do In Kamloops: Vancouver To Kamloops Family Road-Trip
• Top Family Winter Activities & Eco-Friendly Things To Do in Whistler, Canada

Vancouver to Kelowna Family Road Trip: Best Sightseeing Stops

• Mom’s Guide to Unique Nature Places to Visit With Kids in British Columbia

Cheerfully yours,

Alexandra, Alex & Cosmos

Share your pictures on social media! tag #PerfectDayToPlay to be featured on our Instagram! 

Fort Langley Things to Do:

• Explore Fort Langley town
• Check out National Historic Site Fort Langley
• Hike the Fort-To-Fort Trail
• Drop by the CN Station
• Get curious at Langley Centennial Museum and Exhibition
• Visit BC Farm Museum
• Have a game at Fort Langley Golf Course
• Go shopping at Fort Langley
• Dine at one of delicious Fort Langley Restaurants
• Have an icecream!
• Visit McMillan Island
• Stay at Fort Langley B&B

PerfectDayToPlay

Alexandra is an award-winning Vancouver Mom-blogger & YouTuber, travel addict, children's author, and a serial entrepreneur. Her focus is on family travel, outdoor adventures, eco-lifestyle, and teaching kids independence, sustainability, and appreciation for the natural environment. Work w/me: [email protected]

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The Town of Fort Langley

Fort Langley is a picturesque riverfront town in the Fraser Valley not far from Vancouver with a historic fort, museums, walking trails and quaint shops.

The village is home to the Fort Langley National Historic Site as well as a couple of museums and lots of cute colonial-style buildings. It’s also where the Odlum Brown Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival , Brigade Days ,  Fort Langley Cranberry Festival and other events take place. For people wanting to explore the area and learn about the village’s history, there is also Fort Langley Tours .

This article contains information about the following topics :

Fort Langley Fort | Museums | Shops & Restaurants | Fort to Fort Trail | Brae Island & Camping | Fort Langley Markets | Festivals & Events | Brigade Days Video | Other Places

Community by the Fort

There is much more to see and do in the town of Fort Langley than just the Historic Fort , although the National Heritage Site is its biggest draw.

In Fort Langley along the river is one of the Lower Mainland’s best biking and walking trails. In town, not far from the historic fort, there is a small railway museum and the Langley Centennial Museum.

There is also a campground on Brae Island on the other side of the bridge, and a number of interesting shops and restaurants in the small centre of town.

Fort Langley Tours Video

A great way to explore Fort Langley is on a walking tour with Deanna from Fort Langley Tours . Tours in the summer usually take place on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. They don’t go into the historic fort. The tours include information about the fort, but only go up to the fort’s outer walls. The tours do, however, explore a lot of the town.

The tour’s route goes from near the edge of the Fraser River to the Heritage CNR Train Station, Fort Langley Fort, St. George’s Anglican Church, Fort Langley Community Hall, and Fort Langley Cemetery. It also goes along a couple of cute commercial streets in the town along the way.

For a glimpse of what the town, cemetery and tours are like, check out the following video.

Attractions in Fort Langley

There are a number of interesting attractions in the town of Fort Langley. These include its fort, museums, the village, trails along the river, camping opportunities and the Fort Langley Farmers Market.

All of these combined, along with the area’s beautiful rural setting, are what make Fort Langley one of the Lower Mainland’s most interesting and educational places to visit.

In addition to the attractions listed below, the Fort Langley area is home to a number of really good golf courses. A couple of our favourites are Pagoda Ridge and Redwoods Golf Course .

Fort Langley Fort

Originally established in 1827, the historic fort is the highlight of the area and attracts visitors from all over the region and the world. It’s a National Historic Site of Canada well worth visiting.

Most of the fort is reconstructed, but there are original elements. In the summer and on weekends throughout the year there are people dressed in period costume and demonstrations about things like blacksmithing and barrel making. If you like history, it’s well worth checking out!

To learn more about the fort itself, click Fort Langley Historic Site.

Fort Langley Museums

At 9135 King Street, across the road and not far from the fort parking lot, is the Langley Centennial Museum . If you like history and want even more of it after seeing the fort, then this is a good place to visit.

At just 3,500 square feet, the museum isn’t huge, so it won’t take you long to go through. It’s also not expensive as admission is by donation (with a suggested amount of just $2).

A couple of short blocks further down from the fort is the centre of town and the Fort Langley CN Railway Museum . Originally built in 1915, it’s another tiny place and has a couple of real train cars on display outside, including a caboose which you can go inside.

This place too is reasonably priced and worth a quick visit. It’s run by a non-profit group, so donations are appreciated.

Village Shops & Restaurants

The three or so blocks of the downtown core of Fort Langley are made up of cute shops and small restaurants in an attractive heritage theme.

There is a neat antique and second-hand shop, almost like a mini-shopping mall, between the fort and the main street that is particularly interesting, assuming that you like that sort of thing.

If you walk up the main street of Fort Langley you’ll also pass a couple of nice coffee shops, the community hall (which is a beautiful building) and the Fort Langley graveyard.

Fort to Fort Trail

Heading in the other direction, towards the red-coloured Fort Pub & Grill restaurant, you’ll come to the river. The Fort to Fort Trail from there goes for miles. It’s one of the Lower Mainland’s best places for a leisurely bike ride or walk.

The Fort to Fort Trail is mostly flat, so makes for great cycling for young children, but does have a couple of very minor slopes and downhills. It goes all the way from the fort to Derby Reach Regional Park .

To learn more about this area see our article about the Fort to Fort Trail .

Brae Island and Camping

Just across the bridge from the Fort Pub & Grill is Brae Island Regional Park which is home to a nice campground. Just remember when camping here to bring your ear plugs – and very good ones. Trains go by across the river throughout the night and blast their horns.

If you’re looking for an interesting alternative to camping, between early May and mid-October the Fort Langley Heritage Site rents “Tentiks” which are tent/cabin-type accommodations that cost around $130 or so and include beds with linens. Click Fort Langley Tentiks for more information.

Fort Langley Markets

A great time to visit the area is on Saturdays from April until December from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. That’s when the Fort Langley Village Farmers Market takes place at Saint Andrews Historic Church at 9025 Glover Road. This is a reasonably-sized farmers market worth checking out.

Also in Fort Langley are the Fort Langley Makers Markets which feature about 36 vendors and take place once a month just outside the Fort. The markets usually run from between May and October. 2024 dates and future details are to be confirmed.

Admission to both markets is free.

Fort Langley Festivals & Events

A number of fairly significant events take place in Fort Langley each year including the following:

• Vive les Voyageurs – a weekend celebrating French Canadian foods, music and culture in January.
• Fort Langley May Days – a parade and community festival on the Victoria Day long weekend.
• Brewhalla Fort Langley Beer Festival – a one-day craft beer event in Fort Langley Park in May.
• Fort Langley on Canada Day – July 1st is celebrated each year with free events at both the fort and in the village.
• Fort Langley Historic Half Marathon – 1 km, 5-km and 10-km races plus a half marathon in Fort Langley in February.
• Odlum Brown Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival – a music and arts festival in late July.
• Brigade Days – special historical demonstrations and re-enactments on the BC Day long weekend in late July and/or the beginning of August.
• Fort Langley Cranberry Festival – a major community event on the Thanksgiving long weekend in October.
• Grave Tales – spooky Halloween-themed walking tours take place in late October and the first week of November.
• Remembrance Day – the community honours members of the Armed Forces and people who have lost their lives in war on November 11th at the Fort Langley Cemetery.
• Douglas Day – an event at the fort celebrating the day on November 19th in 1858 when Sir James Douglas became the first Governor of the colony of British Columbia.

Other dates with community events include Canada Day, BC Day, and Saturdays from May until October (when the  Fort Langley Village Farmers Market takes place place).

For a list of best times to visit the town of Fort Langley see the Fort Langley Historic Fort page. There you’ll find a list of other events taking place over the course of the year.

Fort Langley Brigade Days

As mentioned above, lots of great events happen in the Village of Fort Langley. One of them is Brigade Days which is hosted by Fort Langley National Historic Site . The attraction offers lots of interesting things to see and do on the BC Day Long Weekend including a re-enactment of the arrival of the fur brigades where characters in period costume parade to the river and back.

To give you an idea of what the procession looks like on BC Day in August, and for a glimpse of parts of the town and the Fraser River, watch the following short video.

Other Recommended Places

Outside Fort Langley, but close by, are a number of farms which host seasonal events like pumpkin patches in the fall. These include Aldor Acres Farm and Eagle Acres Dairy Farm . They are fun places to take children when special activities happen.

A nice place to go for a walk is Derby Reach Regional Park which is just a few kilometres away and connected to Fort Langley via the Fort to Fort Trail .

The Town of Fort Langley is one of several little villages we recommend as some of Vancouver’s best places to visit.

If you like Fort Langley, other similar (but less historic) places you might like include  White Rock (a seaside resort), Horseshoe Bay (home to one of BC Ferries’ terminals to Vancouver Island),  Steveston Village (a historic fishing village in Richmond) and  Deep Cove (a picturesque village on the North Shore ).

Also, a little further up the Fraser Valley is the popular resort town of Harrison Hot Springs . And yet another very interesting and rural place is Bowen Island just offshore from West Vancouver.

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EXPERIENCE A 3-DAY GETAWAY IN THE TOWNSHIP OF LANGLEY!

April 19, 2023

Escape your everyday routine and embark on a fun-filled, three-day getaway in the Township of Langley! With sprawling outdoor spaces, charming shops, flavourful cuisine, and expertly curated museums, you’ll want to stay awhile and experience everything this vibrant community has to offer! Not sure where to begin? We’ve compiled an itinerary that has something everyone is sure to love!

DAY 1: GET OUTDOORS

Known for its abundance of peaceful parks and trails, the township is a place you’ll want to explore outdoors! 

PARKS, BIKING & WALKING TRAILS

Campbell Valley Regional Park | 20290 16 th Avenue

At over 1300 acres, and with 29 km of walking trails, you’ll have plenty of wide-open spaces to soak in the splendour of nature and do some birdwatching.

Fort to Fort Trail | 234333 Mavis Avenue to 21801 Allard Crescent

This scenic waterfront walking and biking trail gets its name from the fact that it connects Fort Langley National Historical Museum with the site of the original fort near Derby Reach Regional Park.

HORSEBACK RIDING

LANGLEY 204 HORSEBACK RIDING | 543 204 Street

This family-owned and operated stable offers trail rides, lessons and pony rides, with safety their #1 priority. With a variety of breeds of horses to choose from, there is a horse suitable for every skill level.

GLEN VALLEY STABLES | 1255-208 Street

With a focus on safety and fun, Glen Valley offers gentle horses for all levels of riders. Take a scenic trail ride through gorgeous Campbell Valley Park. Choose from a variety of trails and destinations. 

ACCOMMODATIONS

SAGE & SOLACE | 2768 – 256 Street

Peacefully perched on an idyllic 20-acre country property, you’ll find two beautifully appointed  suites: the Carriage House or Garden View. Sit by the tranquil pond, stroll through the gardens and watch the farm animals roam the grounds. 

DAY 2: SHOPPING & TEA STOPS

Shopping in fort langley.

Part of Fort Langley’s phenomenal appeal is its abundance of enchanting shops lining the roadsides. Stop in and browse the treasures offered at these inviting shops:

LITTLE WHITE HOUSE & CO. | 9090 Glover Road

MAVEN | 105, 23343 Mavis Avenue

KIZMIT GIFT GALLERY  | 150, 9220 Glover Road

THE MAILROOM | 23293 Mavis Avenue

L ITTLE WHITE HOUSE & CO . | 9090 Glover Road

Envision yourself browsing beautiful clothing, décor, and gifts, sipping tea as you wander the rooms of an elegant old house. Stop in for afternoon tea and tasty eats served in the Salon Café, daily at 10am, 11:30am, 1pm and 2:30pm. 

TRACYCAKES BAKERY CAFE | 21594 – 48 Avenue

Offering specialty, from-scratch baked goods, savoury soups, high teas , and lunch favourites in a charming and welcoming space, Tracycakes will delight your senses!

PRINCESS & THE PEA HOTEL | 21628 – 48 Avenue

The immaculate rooms, warm hospitality, and attention to detail will draw you in. Add in flavourful breakfasts, a quiet location, and luxurious amenities, and you’ll want to visit time and again! 

DAY 3: A DAY OF LEARNING

Spark inspiration and a joy of learning at any of these unique stops:

GREATER VANCOUVER ZOO | 5048 264 Street With 140 animal species on 120 expansive acres, this zoo is dedicated to conservation with many rescued and orphaned animals. 

FORT LANGLEY NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE | 23433 Mavis Avenue This site is packed with interactive displays that transport you back in time to the West Coast fur trade of the 1800s.

CANADIAN MUSEUM OF FLIGHT | 5333 216 Street This museum encourages hands-on learning of Canada’s rich and colourful aviation heritage. 

BC FARM MUSEUM | 9131 King Street

Learn about pioneer life, the development of farming techniques and advent of farm machinery in BC’s rich agricultural regions.

ALDER GROVE HERITAGE SOCIETY & TELEPHONE MUSEUM | 3190 271 Street

View the extensive telephone collection and Aldergrove community archives.

We hope we’ve inspired you to treat yourself to a mini-holiday in the township! Check out our events page or visit us at Tourism Langley for even more fun ideas. We love to see your adventures, so don’t forget to tag your social posts with #LangleyFresh to share them with us! 

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From intimate makers markets, to classic car shows, various food and music festivals, to high level sports games, it’s all happening here.

When it’s time to rest your head, our hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, and rustic campsites look forward to welcoming you.

Get tickets for your large group or team building exercise!

Download the app and explore your favourite place!

The app will guide you on a walking tour that will take you on a journey through the heart of this charming village. As you explore the hidden sites and popular buildings along the way, you will uncover the rich history and interesting facts that make Fort Langley so special. With each stop, you will gain a deeper connection to this historic community. Simply download the app, follow the map, and let the audio guide you as you approach each point of interest. Get ready to experience Fort Langley like never before!  

Explore the Old Town

Discover the hidden gems and historical sites that define the charm of Fort Langley.

Step Back in Time

Travel back to the 19th century and witness what early life was like in Fort Langley.

Heritage Buildings

Experience the unique architecture and design of the charming heritage buildings scattered throughout the town.

Looking for a group activity or team building exercise?  

Book a walking tour lead by one of our expert guides for an interactive experience where you can ask questions and get more in depth information

There are two different walking tours to choose from

The Dark Side of Fort Langley

Find out Fort Langley's Darkest Secrets

If you are a true crime fan or just curious about some of the more sinister things that have happened in the area, you will love The Dark Side of Fort Langley walking tour. In a place with this much history, there is bound to be some dark secrets from the past. Find out about a lady serial killer from the gold rush, the unfortunate events of a young woman trying to dine at a local restaurant, a murder who hid out in Fort Langley and more thrilling stories from this quaint village.

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Fort Langley Revealed

Discover the History and Beauty of the Old Town

Experience the beautiful and charming  village of Fort Langley while learning the about the the rich history. Fort Langley Revealed walking tour will have you picturing Fort Langley and how it has evolved through the years from the first explorers, to the fur trade, gold rush, prohibition and more. Join us and learn about the birthplace of BC from past to present.  

Testimonials

Is Fort Langley Worth the Visit?

Located in the beautiful Fraser Valley, Fort Langley is a historic site that has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The town is known for its rich history, quaint streets, and beautiful riverside views. But is Fort Langley worth the visit? Let's take a closer look.

Fort Langley has a long and storied history that can be traced back to the early 1800s when it was founded as a trading post for the Hudson's Bay Company. This historic site was a key hub of the fur trade in British Columbia and played a significant role in shaping the province's economy and culture. Today, visitors to Fort Langley can explore the fort buildings, which have been carefully preserved and restored to their 19th-century splendor. The site also offers a variety of educational displays and activities that showcase the lives and work of the traders, trappers, and First Nations people who shaped the history of Fort Langley.

Beyond the historic site, Fort Langley is home to a variety of other attractions that may appeal to visitors. The town is filled with charming shops, boutiques, and restaurants, many of which are housed in beautiful historic buildings. Visitors can also take a stroll down the riverfront walkway, which offers stunning views of the Fraser River and nearby mountains. The town is also home to a number of parks, trails, and outdoor recreational opportunities, making it a great destination for nature lovers.

One of the most appealing aspects of Fort Langley is its vibrant and welcoming community. The town hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, from farmers' markets to car shows, and is home to a variety of active community organizations. Visitors are sure to be welcomed warmly and offered plenty of opportunities to explore the local community.

So, is Fort Langley worth the visit? For history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and lovers of small-town charm, the answer is undoubtedly yes. Fort Langley is a charming and fascinating destination that offers a unique glimpse into British Columbia's past and present. Whether you're looking to learn more about local history, explore the great outdoors, or simply relax and enjoy some fantastic food and drink, Fort Langley has something for everyone. So why not plan a visit and see for yourself?

Where to eat in Fort Langley?

Nestled on the banks of the Fraser River, Fort Langley exudes a charming, small-town vibe that is truly one-of-a-kind. While this picturesque village is known for its rich history and stunning sites, it's also making waves in the culinary world. With a flourishing food scene that caters to all tastes, Fort Langley has become a mecca for food enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

So, whether you're a local looking for new dining experiences or a visitor searching for the best spots to indulge in delicious cuisine, Fort Langley has something to offer everyone. 

Saba Bistro:

Style of Food: International fusion

Atmosphere:  Warm and inviting

Price Range: $$$ (Upscale)

What Makes It Unique: Saba Café and Bistro combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with local ingredients, resulting in delightful dishes that satisfy cravings for both comfort and adventure.

Style of Food: Artisan Bakery and gourmet coffee

Atmosphere: Quaint and charming

Price Range: $ (Affordable)

What Makes It Unique: Every cup of coffee is made perfectly by baristas that create beautiful latte art made from beans from local coffee roasters. Pair  your drink with delicious artisan pastries, bread, and cakes made inhouse, fresh throughout the day. Saba Café caters to many dietary needs with their vegan or gluten free options. With their consistent service and  quality this place is sure to impress every time.

Beatniks Bistro:

Style of food: West Coast cuisine, seafood

Atmosphere: Cozy and artsy, featuring live music on select nights.

Price range: $$$ (Upscale)

What makes it unique: Beatniks Bistro is a contemporary restaurant known for its exquisite seafood dishes and elegant presentation. With a menu focused on locally sourced ingredients and innovative recipes, they offer dishes that celebrate the flavors of the West Coast. Treat yourself to dishes like their famous Pacific Northwest Salmon or venture into their delicious vegetarian options.

Little Donkey Food & Drink:

Style of Food: Mexican, Latin American

Atmosphere: Vibrant and lively

Price Range: $$ (Moderate)

What Makes It Unique: Little Donkey Food and Drink offers a taste of Mexico in the heart of Fort Langley. Their menu showcases authentic Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, bursting with bold flavors. Accompany your meal with their selection of tequilas or try one of their famous margaritas for an added kick.

Trading Post Brewery:

Style of Food: Craft beer and gourmet pub fare

Atmosphere: Lively and casual

What Makes It Unique: In addition to their excellent pub fare, Trading Post Brewing produces their own craft beers, making it a haven for beer enthusiasts. Enjoy their rotating selection of handcrafted beers while savoring mouthwatering burgers, pizzas, and shareable snacks in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

Wendel's Bookstore & Café:

Style of Food: Café, breakfast, and brunch

Atmosphere: Cozy and relaxed

What Makes It Unique: Wendel's Bookstore & Café offers a unique dining experience surrounded by shelves filled with literary treasures. Delight in their mouthwatering breakfast and brunch options while perusing their extensive collection of books. The warm and inviting atmosphere makes it an ideal place to relax, indulge, and escape into the world of literature.

Republica Coffee Roasters:

Style of food: Specialty coffee and gourmet pastries.

Atmosphere: Trendy and modern, with an open-concept coffee bar.

Price range: $ (Affordable)

What makes it unique: Republica Coffee Roasters roasts their own coffee beans on-site, ensuring the freshest and most flavorsome cup of joe possible. They also supply beans to the majority of the local cafes and restaurants. 

Veggie Bob's:

Style of Food: Vegetarian and vegan

Atmosphere: Casual and relaxed

What Makes It Unique: Veggie Bob's is a haven for vegetarians and vegans, offering a variety of delicious meat-free options. The restaurant focuses on using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring fresh and flavorsome dishes. Don't miss their famous veggie burgers and refreshing smoothies.

Mangia e Scappa:

Style of Food: Italian

Atmosphere: Charming and authentic

What Makes It Unique: This family-owned Italian café and deli is a hidden gem in Fort Langley. With a cozy ambiance, Mangia e Scappa serves authentic Italian paninis, pasta, and freshly baked goods. Pizzas are made in woodburning pizza oven from handmade dough and all pasta is made fresh daily by their Italian chef using imported doppio zero   flour from Italy. Enjoy a delightful cappuccino or sample their homemade gelato for a true taste of Italy.

Blacksmith Bakery:

Style of Food: Artisan Bakery, café

What Makes It Unique:  Blacksmith Bakery bakes everything from scratch in-house, using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients, resulting in heavenly bread and pastries.

Salon Café at The Little White House:

Style of Food: Farm-to-table, Canadian cuisine

Atmosphere: Elegant and inviting

What Makes It Unique: Located in a white colonial house, Salon Café offers a unique dining experience. Their farm-to-table approach ensures that their dishes are made with ingredients sourced from local farmers. Indulge in their delectable brunch, enjoy a romantic dinner or book a table in the greenhouse for high tea. 

The Fort Pub:

Style of Food: Pub Fare with a Gourmet Touch

Atmosphere: Casual, welcoming

What Makes It Unique: Nestled in the heart of Fort Langley's village center, The Fort Pub is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. This charming gastropub serves up a delectable menu featuring elevated pub classics, seasonal specials, and an extensive selection of craft beers.

Rail and River:

Style of Food: Contemporary Canadian

Atmosphere: Rustic, with a modern twist

What Makes It Unique: Rail and River offers an elegant dining experience that pays homage to the region's rich railroad history. Enjoy innovative dishes crafted with locally-sourced ingredients, coupled with picturesque views of the Fraser River.

Valley Commons:

Style of Food: Farm-to-Table

Atmosphere: Cozy, intimate

What Makes It Unique: Valley Commons is rooted as an award winning winery, showcasing the bounty of the Fraser and Okanogan Valleys. The Valley Commons bistro also reflects this in their menu with an emphasis on fresh, sustainable ingredients, this restaurant presents a diverse menu encompassing both traditional and innovative dishes.

Maria's Gelato:

Style of Food: Gelato & Desserts

Atmosphere: Quaint, European-inspired gelateria

What Makes It Unique: Indulge your sweet tooth at Maria's Gelato, a delightful little place that will transport you to the gelaterias of Italy. This family-owned establishment offers handcrafted gelato in a wide variety of flavors, made with care and love.

Vy's Pho:

Style of Food: Vietnamese Cuisine

Atmosphere: Casual, family-friendly

What Makes It Unique: Vy's Pho has gained a loyal following for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine, particularly its aromatic bowls of pho. This humble yet vibrant restaurant serves up generous portions of flavorful dishes, satisfying cravings for those seeking a taste of Southeast Asia.

Iron Chef Sushi:

Style of Food: Japanese, Sushi

Atmosphere: Modern, minimalist

What Makes It Unique: Iron Chef Sushi stands out for its impeccably fresh seafood, skillfully crafted sushi rolls, and artful presentation. Savor the delicate flavors of traditional Japanese cuisine amidst a contemporary setting, complemented by friendly service.

Planet Java:

Style of Food: Retro Diner

Atmosphere: Casual, nostalgic

What Makes It Unique: Start your day off right at Planet Java, a local gem renowned for its expertly brewed coffee and delicious breakfast fare. From hearty breakfast sandwiches to fluffy pancakes, this laid-back cafe is the ideal spot to grab a morning pick-me-up before exploring Fort Langley's attractions.

Sushi Hinode:

Atmosphere: Authentic, traditional

What Makes It Unique: Sushi Hinode exudes the essence of true Japanese dining, offering an extensive menu that showcases both traditional and innovative sushi creations. The friendly staff and intimate setting make for an overall unforgettable experience.

Fort Langley's food scene offers a delightful mix of flavors and experiences, catering to diverse palates and budgets. So, whether you're seeking new culinary experiences, a comforting meal, or an adventurous fusion of flavors, Fort Langley's diverse and elevated food culture has you covered. Embark on a culinary journey through this quaint village, and you'll be treated to a delightful combination of history, ambiance, and, of course, mouthwatering cuisine.

 Fort Langley is located on the traditional and unceded lands of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Matsqui, and Semiahmoo First Nations . We respect this land and its original occupants.

Get in touch with us!

[email protected]

Refined dining, inspired by adventure

New adventures begin at the trails end.

Made by the creators of Smugglers Trail Caskworks, we infuse everything we do with the spirit of history and adventure. Drawing inspiration from the outlaws who journeyed the Smugglers Trail during BC's 19th-century gold rush, leading them to the Trails End, our Cafe, Taproom & Bistro mirrors that same ambition, craftsmanship, and spirit. Get ready for a dining experience that stands out from the rest.

join us around our table

Bistro Menu

Join us for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Dishes inspired by adventure, for whatever journey you are headed on. 

Specialty coffees, cocktails & of course, Smugglers Trail brews to elevate any adventure. 

Beverage Menu

Craft ales for adventurous folk. We've got your favourite Smugglers brews on tap!

What's On Tap?

Join us around our table.

by smugglers trail caskworks

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Fort langley, bc

#100 23285 Billy Brown Rd, Langley Twp, BC V1M 0C8, Canada

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BEVERAGE MENU

Bistro menu.