When I think about the types of places I most like to visit, one that comes to mind is a small village. I’m sure you can picture, it now—one main street with little cafés, restaurants, coffee shops, gift shops, maybe a hardware store, too. The façades are a little older and time-worn, benches line sidewalks, people stroll along—there’s no hustling here. The word idyllic comes to mind. That is exactly how one would describe the village of Fort Langley.
After spending time wandering the main street in Fort Langley—checking out the little shops and having lunch in a café—head to Fort Langley National Historic Site. It’s easy to find the site, given the excellent signage throughout the village. There’s plenty of parking at the site, or you can walk to it from the village.
It was on a beautiful, not-too-hot day in mid-June that I found myself at my second official stop on My National Quest (my quest to visit every single one of the 202 National Parks, National Marine Conservation Sites, and National Historic Sites in Canada). This site encompasses the three things that I started my quest in the pursuit and discovery of: history, culture, nature.
Background Information:
Over a century and a half ago, The Hudson’s Bay Company established a small fur trade post where the Fort Langley National Historic Site is currently located. On this site, on November 19, 1958, British Columbia was proclaimed a Crown Colony. Fort Langley was originally established in 1827 by the Hudson’s Bay Company. A variety of European trade goods moved through this fort for inland distribution, and outgoing exports (fur, fish, and cranberries) also passed through. For more on the history of Fort Langley and area, check out the Parks Canada site.
Who would enjoy this:
-Children age 6 and up/Adults of all ages.
-Those interested in history and culture.
Learning Activities/Opportunities:
Costumed interpretors and First Nations people are on hand to demonstrate things like drumming, smoking salmon, providing information, and more. There are educational opportunities and activities throughout the year. Check the website to find out what’s happening when you’re planning your visit—or just show up and be surprised! There are also day camps, audio tours, birthday parties, and more.
Want to extend your trip? Check out opportunities to stay within the Fort inside an oTentik.
Hours of Operation:
7 days a week, 10-5pm. Closed December 25 and 26, and January 1.
Please note: information is accurate as of time of blog post going live. Be sure to check out the Fort Langley National Historic Site website for up-to-date information, prior to visiting.
