Vancouver Secret Cities – Fort Langley
Now that the Golden Ears bridge has opened (and it’s free for a moment), we can get finally explore the other side of the Fraser River.
Jumped on my motorbike the other day and stopped by one of Greater Vancouver’s gem cities. Fort Langley is the birthplace of BC, and it has managed to not become one of those theme park attractions.
It’s off the beaten track and the restaurants and shops take you back in time. Once you cross the bridge you’ll need a map to find Fort Langley, even though it’s only 10 minutes away. No signs until you are close.
The downtown is a one-of-a-kind where you feel you are in a movie set (and not in a tourist trap). They have an interesting collection of restaurants and a local shops that still have the 50’s feel. No Starbucks here.
Fort Langley will be losing the ferry now that the bridge is in, so I’m hoping for two things: Its shops survive on less traffic, and that real estate drops so I can move there. There are only a few homes for sale today…
For a small town, it’s got a lot to do while still being close enough to Vancouver. If you’re looking to do something fun this weekend, take the drive…
photo credit: PotatoBenevolence
July 4th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
You mentioned that Fort Langley looks like a movie set. Well, I don’t know if you are aware of it, but several Hollywood movies have been filmed there, and I was an extra in one of them.
July 5th, 2009 at 8:40 am
Fort Langley looks like an amazing place. In fact, I’m going to see if one of our magazine can do an article about it.
Thank you Secrets for letting us see a glimpse of it, and I loveyour photographs too.
July 13th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Fort Langley is a unique destination, approximately 40 kms. from downtown Vancouver. It is the “Birthplace of B.C.”. It offers a diverse blend of urban and rural picturesque backdrops. It is the quaint charm and history of the village that has captured the interest of many writers and photographers.
July 26th, 2009 at 7:01 am
Fort Langley is a gem. It’s lovely until the PINHEADS* arrive and ruin everything for everyone trying to have a nice quiet outing with the family.
*Pugnacious Inconsiderate Noisemakers on Harleys Emitting Aggravating, Disruptive Sounds.