Mini-Vacation in Fort Langley, BC
Last weekend's mini-vacation had a Fraser River theme. I started upriver in Fort Langley. This historic site was the location of a Hudson Bay Company fur trading post starting in 1827. It was also where where British Columbia became a Crown Colony in 1858.
Town is a combination of quaint old homes and shops, and new condos going up along the river. Parking was a challenge with lots of tourists, but I combined my visit with a stop at nearby Brae Island Regional Park. From there it's an easy walk across the bridge to town.
Fort Langley is located on a branch of the Fraser River than runs between the mainland and McMillan Island. Along the shore are the Canadian National Railway tracks used by freight trains taking goods and materials from the coast to the interior. Lots of history here. I'll have to come back again to visit the Fort Langley National Historic Site and museums.
Brae Island Regional Park offers both day use and camping. There are kilometres of hiking and biking trails along the river and through the woods. Water activities include canoeing, kayaking, boating, and fishing, but the river is too dangerous for swimming. It's also a perfect place to sit in the shade on a warm summer day and while away the hours reading. -- Margy
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Everyone needs a mini-vacation now and again. Like the split-rail fence!
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed this lovely post, Margy!
ReplyDeleteWe often drive up to enjoy the antique stores and the wonderful ambience. It is amazing how many condos are going up nearby, yet the town retains all its charm and appeal...:)
Thanks Paul and Lynette - Sometimes we overlook great little places in our own back yard. - Margy
ReplyDeleteI believe Fort Langley has very strict rules about preserving its small town heritage feel so I imagine the new condos are in keeping with that theme. When I lived there for a short while as a young girl, I didn’t appreciate the quiet. The main street was always busy though with a stream of cars needing to catch the ferry across the river. I imagine that has settled down somewhat now that the toll bridge is an option.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the virtual tour! Your photos are enticing and the narrative is quite interesting.
ReplyDeleteWe used to drive out to Fort Langley to visit the Antique stores.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great little place to visit. No wonder it was so busy with tourists.
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