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Fort Langley National Historic Site – Explore BC’s Early History

The Fort Langley National Historic Site, located in the Fraser Valley, is one of British Columbia’s most treasured heritage attractions. Once a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post, this reconstructed fort offers immersive experiences that bring the early days of the province to life. With live demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and special events throughout the year, it’s a top destination for families, history enthusiasts, and cultural explorers.

For full details about the historic site, see the Parks Canada Fort Langley website.

 

Where is the Fort Langley Attraction?

The historic site is located at 23433 Mavis Avenue in the community of Fort Langley. It’s roughly halfway between Surrey and Abbotsford, making it easy to access from across the Lower Mainland. The community is also on the Fraser River, on the other side of the water from Maple Ridge.

 

What to See and Do at the Fort

Situated in the charming Village of Fort Langley, about 50 km east of Vancouver, this national historic site features original artifacts, reconstructed heritage buildings, and engaging displays focused on BC’s fur trade era.

As one of the best outdoor museums in Metro Vancouver, in British Columbia in fact, the site is ideal for a day trip any time of the year. There’s always plenty to explore at Fort Langley National Historic Site. For example, you can do the following:

  • Watch blacksmithing, barrel-making (coopering) and other heritage demonstrations.
  • Visit interactive exhibits about the fur trade, BC’s colonial history, and local Indigenous culture.
  • Explore historic buildings like the storehouse, residences, and blacksmith shop.
  • Enjoy special seasonal activities and educational programs.

 

Major Events at Fort Langley

Throughout the year, Fort Langley hosts a variety of fun and educational events. Most of them are listed below by season.

 

Winter & Spring

  • Vive les Voyageurs Festival: Celebrate French Canadian heritage with music, Métis dancing, fur trade era reenactments, and cultural demonstrations.
  • Family Day: Experience 19th-century life with costumed interpreters, blacksmithing, and hands-on activities.
  • Spring Break Activities: Kid-friendly programming during school holidays.
  • Victoria Day: Join tours and demonstrations after the Fort Langley May Day Parade.

 

Summer

  • National Indigenous Peoples Day: An Indigenous artisan market and cultural programming in June.
  • Canada Day Celebrations: Free family fun with music, games and birthday cake, with activities at both the fort and in the village on July 1st.
  • Hawaiian Luau: A summer event with Hawaiian-themed activities and entertainment honoring the fort’s historic ties to the people of Hawaii and Polynesia.
  • Brigade Days: Historic reenactments, costumed interpreters, and hands-on activities.

In addition to the above, there are also events that happening in the village, not at the fort. For example, there is the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival: in July.

 

Fall & Holiday Season

  • Cranberry Festival: A celebration of cranberry harvesting in the Fraser Valley, with activities at both the historic site and in the village.
  • Grave Tales: Popular Halloween walking tours through Fort Langley’s spookier past. The tours are hosted by the historic site, but take place mostly in the village.
  • Douglas Day: Commemorates BC becoming a colony in 1858 under Sir James Douglas.
  • Louis Riel Day:  A day in the fall to recognize a famous Canadian Métis leader from the 1800’s.

 

Stay in an oTENTik

Want a truly memorable experience? Try staying overnight in one of the fort’s oTENTiks. they are comfortable tent-cabin hybrids exclusive to Parks Canada. Each unit sleeps up to six people and includes beds with linens, electricity, and a firepit. Best of all, you get to sleep inside the historic fort! It’s a terrific experience!

For full details about the historic site, see the Parks Canada Fort Langley website.

 

Best Times to Visit Fort Langley

Fort Langley is open almost every day of the year, except for Christmas, on December 24th to 26th, and January 1st. While it’s worth visiting year-round, summer is the liveliest season, with family-friendly events, reenactments, and extra activities. The May Long Weekend and BC Day Long Weekend in August are particularly popular.

 

Discover the Village of Fort Langley

Beyond the fort itself, the Village of Fort Langley is a picturesque and walkable destination filled with cafés, shops, galleries, and historic buildings. Highlights include the Fort to Fort Trail, BC Farm Museum and Railway Museum, plus quaint boutiques and heritage architecture in the village’s main core.

 

Other Information

Whether you’re diving into BC’s fur trade history, staying overnight in an oTENTik, or enjoying seasonal events like Brigade Days or Grave Tales, Fort Langley National Historic Site offers an unforgettable glimpse into the province’s past. It’s easily one of the best historical attractions in the Greater Vancouver region.

For more information about the fort, check out the Parks Canada Fort Langley website.

If you like museums, other places to visit in the Fraser Valley include Kilby Farm and the Sasquatch Museum. In Victoria on Vancouver Island, there is also Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse.