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Fort Langley
Vancouver, Coast and Mountains Region of British Columbia
 Quaint stores in Fort Langley
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Fort Langley, built in 1827 is considered the Birthplace of British Columbia. When the fort was first built by the Hudson's Bay Company its goal was to establish a fur trading post and develop some agriculture in order to provide food for other trading posts west of the Rockies. It later became a major supply centre after the discovery of gold along the Thompson and Fraser rivers and outfitting prospectors became a major activity. But Fort Langley still became a major agricultural centre, producing dairy products, root crops and grains for local use and some for export. Salmon and timber were major exports to Hawaii. In 1896, the Hudson's Bay Company closed the fort and it was allowed to deteriorate until 1957 when restoration of the site was started as part of the British Columbia centennial. The Fort Langley National Historic Park now houses the fort, which has been fully restored and is open to visitors year-round.
Rebuilt Fort Langley Railway Station
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Apart from the fort, there are many other attractions for all ages. Fort Langley's main street is colourful and dotted with old buildings housing galleries, studios, antique shops, gift shops, restaurants and a variety of other stores. The Fort Langley train station built in 1913 and since restored, is now the site of the Railroad Museum and sports a caboose from the Canadian National Railway as well as an operating model railway.
Fort Langley is also one stop on the short Albion Ferry, which transports cars and foot passengers across the Fraser River to Albion (Maple Ridge) seven days a week from 5am to 2am.
Fort Langley Community Hall
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Fort Langley boasts many activities that include hiking, biking, boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, golf and swimming. There are museums, walking tours, heritage sites to visit, shopping and even panning for gold. The Derby Reach Regional Park has many activities and picnic areas. The Fort Langley Community Hall, restored to its original splendour and St. Andrews United Church, Fort Langley's oldest church that was built in 1885 are impressive sights to see.
With its many heritage buildings and historical sites, its re-enactments of pioneer life, from period costumes to hearth baked bread to making horseshoes; Fort Langley is a reminder of years gone by.
The Leisure Source created by Crimson Design.
Copyright © 2002. All rights reserved.
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