Langley’s historic Derby Reach Regional Park offers stunning riverfront and mountain views along the south shores of the Fraser River. A visit to this regional park makes a perfect day trip from Vancouver or as part of a weekend getaway.
Located 4 km from Fort Langley, the park offers easy access to explore the quaint shops, museums, restaurants, galleries and Fort Langley National Historic Site. The park’s total area is 297 hectares (734 acres).
Stunning views along the Fraser River from Derby Reach Regional Park Langley. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
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Derby Reach Trails
Find a picnic spot to enjoy the beauty of the area or take a hike along one of the several trails in Derby Regional Park. There are 12.9 km of walking trails, 4.2 kms of horse trails and 6 km for biking.
Dogs are welcome in the park, but watch for signs to indicate the on-leash and off-leash designated areas.
If you are a camper, there is a small rustic campsite available at Edgewater Bar, open from March 1 – October 31. Advanced reservations are required.
Follow the informational signs to see the heritage farm buildings located within the park. To see all the trails in the park, click here to see the map. There is currently no access to the Langley bog.
Picnic shelters at Derby Reach Regional Park Langley. Photo Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Derby Reach Regional Park Trail Map Fort Langley Photo Wendy Nordvik-Carr
Edge Farm Trail
The Edge Farm Trail takes you through a part of the park that was once home to the Edge family, one of the first settlers in the area who played a significant role in the community’s development. The trail passes by the site of the original Edge farm, where you can see remnants of the old farm, including the barn and family cemetery.
There is also a heritage apple orchard replanted from original trees. Derby Reach apple orchards, likely first planted in 1827, are among the earliest fruit orchards in B.C.
In addition to the Edge family’s history, Derby Reach Regional Park has a rich cultural and natural history. The area was traditionally inhabited by the Kwantlen First Nation, who used the Fraser River for transportation, trade and fishing. The park also played a role in the area’s logging and farming industries. Remnants of old logging camps can still be seen in the park.
Houston Trail
The Houston House, built in 1909, is one of the few remaining old farmsteads in the area. This home belonged to Alex and Mary Houston. Mary lived here until her death in 1973.
Alex’s father, pioneer James Houston, is acknowledged as being the first independent dairy farmer in the Fraser Valley. He began farming close to Fort Langley in 1858 and there are several historical references available, which point to him helping set the Cariboo gold rush of 1858 in motion.
The Houston House at Derby Reach Regional Park is one of the original farms in Fort Langley. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Walk through the forest at Derby Regional Park. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Fort to Fort Trail
Bike or walk along the Fort-to-Fort Trail. This easy trail is a 12-km return trip and takes about four hours. If you get an early start in the day, stop for lunch in Fort Langley before heading back. Here is a complete map of the route.
Look for the cairn marking the site of the first Fort Langley built in 1827. The original fort was much smaller and about 1/10th the size of the existing fort.
Fort to Fort Trail at Derby Reach Park Langley. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Fort Langley Derby Reach Regional Park Fort to Fort Trail is a great spot for a day road trip from Vancouver. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Watch for Wildlife
Sandhill cranes, owls and woodpeckers make Derby Reach their home.
Watch for western toads, red-legged frogs, salamanders, beavers, deer and more.
Always be aware of your surroundings, bears can be in the area.
Village of Fort Langley
Treasure hunt for one of a kind items at the 10,000-square-foot Village Antiques Mall. There are about 60 independent dealers offering collectables, antiques, movie set props, as well as home decor.
Two museums offer history about the pioneers of the region: The B.C. Farm Machinery Museum and the 1915 CN Station. One of the oldest community museums in the province, Langley Centennial Museum, is now permanently closed.
Plan a visit to the Salishan Place by the River, a new arts, cultural and heritage centre currently under construction. The centre is being built in collaboration with community Indigenous partners. The temporary exhibition gallery displays art, history or science with a local, regional, nationa, or international focus.
There are several dining options in the village, from afternoon tea to a 50s diner.
On Saturdays, pick up fresh produce from mid-April to early December and meet local farmers at the Farmers’ Market.
Locally made fruit wines are available at the Fort Wine Company.
There are many types of organized tours offered in Fort Langley, from food and drink to history, culture, private and custom tours. Find out more.
Fort Langley National Historic Site
Historic Fort Langley recreates life as it was in the 1800s. Built in 1827 as a Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading post the fort was important to the British Empire trade route.
Wander through the historic site and discover interesting interactive experiences for all ages. Pan for gold, take a guided tour, watch blacksmithing demonstrations, talk with interpreters dressed in period costumes and learn about the First Nations who first settled the area.
Find other nearby areas to explore:
Scenic walking trails of Campbell Valley Regional Park, Metro Vancouver
Have you been here? Want to go or have other tips or comments. We'd love to hear from you.