Fort Langley, the birthplace of BC, is a weekend destination for many Lower Mainland families. It is easy to see why so many people enjoy visiting the quaint town. The natural tourist attraction is the Fort itself. The Fort Langley National Historic Site was built in 1872 during the heyday of the Hudson Bay Company. When you visit the Fort you will travel back in time to the 19th century and learn about the French-Canadian traders who bartered with coastal First Nations for salmon, cranberries and animal pelts.
Your time at the Fort will also teach you about the 30,000 prospectors who were infused with Fraser River gold fever, and a 2,000-acre farm supplied food up and down the coast. But the village of Fort Langley is more than just the national historic site. There are numerous antique stores, excellent restaurants, and boutique shops. Here are a few of our favourite haunts:
Blacksmith Bakery – Come hungry to Blacksmith Bakery. The yummy treats are made onsite and everything is delicious. I’m a big fan of the rueben sandwich and the almond croissant. The cheesecakes are light and creamy and there is something magical about the shortbread. As time as passed more options have been added to the Blacksmith Bakery menu: numerous breakfast options & pizzas are now available to delight your tastebuds. Blacksmith Bakery is kid-friendly! The owners live in the community, their kids attend the local school, and their restaurant has a kids’ play area. Blacksmith Bakery (9190 Church Street), is open 7 days a week from 8am – 6pm.
Into Chocolate Candy & Confections – previously located in a tucked away shop, this charming candy store is now significantly larger and on the main street in Fort Langley (180-9220 Glover Road). Packed to the gills with treats from all eras. Grandparents will find treasures from their youth, parents will marvel at the candy from their childhood, and the youngsters will be goggle-eyed from all the sugary options. And don’t miss the fresh fudge! It is delicious.
Floralista Flower Studio – Just a little jaunt off the main street of Fort Langley (in the residential community of Bedford Landing) brings you to wonderful Alice and her spectacular Floralista Flower Studio. Alice is one talented young lady; her artistic designs rival any of the fancy flower shops in Vancouver. Treat yourself to a lovely bouquet; Alice arranges them while you wait, or while you explore the rest of Fort Langley. Floralista is open 5 days a week; closed Mondays & Sundays.
BC Farm Museum – without a doubt my kids’ favourite thing about the farm museum are the pedal tractors. Those and the 2-headed cow. The BC Farm Museum is open April 1st – mid October. The Museum has an exhaustive collection of antique tractors (many of which make an appearance in the Fort Langley May Day Parade), as well as numerous antiques from everyday life in Fort Langley. There are 2 pedal tractors available for the kids to ride during their visit. Also, the volunteers will happily demonstrate the vegetable & egg sorting machines, you just need to ask.
There are many other shops and stores to keep your family entertained: Wendel’s Bookstore and Cafe, Little White House & Co, Planet 50s Cafe, Beatnik’s Bistro, Roxann’s Hats, Village Antiques Mall, Bella & Wren, Langley Centennial Museum, Republica Coffee Roasters, Trading Post, Chuckling Duckling, and so many more charming stores.
You can get to the heart of Fort Langley in approximately 45 minutes from downtown Vancouver. It is worth the drive!
