Explore the Communities South of Vancouver and the Fraser Valley

Below are two trips that cover Richmond and Delta as well as White Rock and Langley. However, even though they are written and mapped as routes some of these suggestions could be undertaken on their own; a few are evening visits as well. So mix them up and do whatever takes your fancy but this winter get out and enjoy what the communities south of Vancouver have to offer.

Our first trip starts in Richmond then heads south to the Village of Steveston, across to Delta and the Village of Ladner. There are some lovely and decent country roads you can take to these destinations but as it’s winter we will let you decide which way to get there.

Our first trip starts in Richmond then heads south to the Village of Steveston, across to Delta and the Village of Ladner. There are some lovely and decent country roads you can take to these destinations but as it’s winter we will let you decide which way to get there.

• A historic landmark, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery situated in the Village of Steveston in Richmond has interactive and fascinating displays showcasing the machinery, tools and life in the West Coast fishing industry over a century ago. For the month of December the Cannery also hosts the Festival of Trees, decorated and sparkling for the holiday season.

• For close to six weeks leading up to December 31 Steveston lights up and celebrates the festive season in style. Entertainment, food and fun provide a great way to spend a few hours alongside the waterfront. For more info: Steveston’s Winter in the Village.
• More interactive displays highlight what life was like in the early days of Steveston Village at the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site. The shipyard building was built in 1889, originally as a cannery. It is located here among 12 or so buildings including bunkhouses, stilt homes and the manager’s house and interprets the life of the people and wooden boat building in this area. The site is also part of the Winter in the Village festive season.
• If you enjoy watching birds in their habitat the Reifel Bird Sanctuary in Delta is a must on your list. It is home to thousands of snow geese that over-winter and many species live here year-round. Ducks, loons, teals, swans and sandpipers are just a few of the birds you are likely to see. Hundreds of acres of wetlands are criss-crossed by trails and quiet places to observe the birds.

• Located in Delta is the Historic Village of Ladner. The original village is very small but offers some fun opportunities to poke around coffee spots and unique shops, fashion and gift boutiques, home décor, crafts and even a seed shop that yes, while it is a garden shop, also has interesting gifts.

Our second trip starts in White Rock. White Rock is a seaside community south of Surrey and Langley, its eastern neighbour, offers a country experience. Several golf courses are here and are open throughout the year when weather permits. This region is dotted with wineries, cideries, gardens, fruit and dairy farms open to the public, and even a turkey farm with a bistro. Some of these businesses may be closed for the winter season. However, we have highlighted an eclectic mix of places to visit and things to see.

• A short distance east of White Rock, following 8^th Avenue, will bring you to Campbell Valley Regional Park. This is a significant park with many kilometres of hiking, biking and horse trails. If you want to get out and stretch your legs this is a good place to visit.

• Chaberton Estate Winery located on 216th Street is just around the corner from Campbell Valley Park. It is a well-known award-winning winery offering a variety of red and white wines. Sample some of these wines in the tasting room followed by a delightful lunch in the Bacchus Bistro which offers up an authentic French menu.
• Up for some more wine tasting? A short distance further east on 232nd Street is Backyard Vineyards. They produce award-winning bold reds and bubblies that will tingle on the palate.
• Fort Langley National Historic Site provides a glimpse into history when the Hudson Bay Company established a small post here to trade furs with the First Nations. Explore the various historic buildings and watch live demonstrations by costumed storytellers that showcase what life was like here in the 1800s. A short walk from here is the community of Fort Langley which is known for its unique antique shops, eateries and gift boutiques.

• How about taking in a hockey game? The Vancouver Giants are Vancouver’s major junior hockey team and play in the Western Hockey League out of the Langley Events Centre. Giants’ games are an affordable alternative to the Vancouver Canucks, and you never know, you may be watching the next Wayne Gretzky!

For more information read the blog Explore Fort Langley & Gulf of Georgia Cannery Historic Sites

For attractions and discounted passes in Metro Vancouver go to Vancouver Attractions.

Share your BC travel and camping pictures using hashtag #campinbc

Published: December 15, 2022
Last Updated: December 15, 2022